Lecce is a city that rewards wandering on foot. Its narrow winding streets, stunning Baroque facades, and lively piazzas make exploring on foot the best way to soak in its authentic charm. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, eager to taste local flavors, or interested in uncovering hidden stories, Lecce’s walking tours offer a rich, immersive experience. Among the highlights we love are the Baroque architecture, especially on the guided tour that explores Lecce’s ornate facades, and the street food tour that combines bites with sightseeing. These tours help you connect with Lecce’s history through its buildings and flavors, making your visit truly memorable.
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Lecce’s highlights, the guided sightseeing walk offers a quick yet comprehensive look at key landmarks. For a more personalized experience, the private tour of Gallipoli takes you along lesser-known streets and into intriguing sites. Whatever your travel style, Lecce’s walking tours promise a deeper understanding of this charming city.
1. Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour
At number 1, the Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour immerses you in the city’s most iconic aspects. This tour showcases Lecce’s impressive Baroque architecture, which adorns nearly every corner of the historic center, and adds a layer of intrigue by visiting the underground Jewish Museum. It’s a balanced mix of visual history and storytelling, perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at Lecce’s layered past.
The tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with options for shared groups or private bookings. You’ll see landmarks like the Santa Croce Church, renowned for its elaborate facade, and hear stories about Lecce’s Roman past at the Roman Column. The underground Jewish Museum adds a unique dimension, revealing a part of Lecce’s history often overlooked. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, with one saying, “The tour with Guide Alex was really good,” emphasizing the personal touch. The tour’s detailed stops, including Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazza del Duomo, make it ideal for history lovers who appreciate architecture and local stories.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rich mix of architecture, history, and local insight—ideal if you want a well-rounded introduction to Lecce’s most striking sights.
2. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
Number 2 on our list is the Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine, a perfect choice for foodies eager to combine tasting with sightseeing. Lasting about 2 hours, this tour takes you through the lively streets where you sample local specialties like pasticciotto and taralli, while also discovering Lecce’s charming squares and historic sites.
The tour begins at Porta Rudiae and proceeds through the city’s winding alleys, offering more than just bites — you’ll admire the Santa Croce Church facade, and end with a glass of Apulian wine paired with rustic snacks. Guides are praised for their warmth and knowledge, making the experience both delicious and educational. Guests have enjoyed “meeting Luce, who was very friendly,” and highlight the balance of food and city sights. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to indulge in Lecce’s flavors without sacrificing culture.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a tasty, relaxed way to explore Lecce’s streets while enjoying local cuisine and regional wines—great for food lovers and casual explorers alike.
3. Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
The third spot features the Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, a solid choice for travelers who want to hit the major sights efficiently. Lasting around 2 hours, this tour covers the Roman amphitheater, Basilica di Santa Croce, and other historical highlights, providing a rundown of Lecce’s architectural and cultural gems.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling of guides like Cristina and Davide, who bring Lecce’s Florence of the South reputation alive with engaging narratives. One reviewer mentioned, “Loved the gelato and the detailed history shared by the guide,” which reflects the blend of fun and education. This tour is ideal for those who want a structured introduction to Lecce’s most famous landmarks without wandering aimlessly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick but thorough overview, with the bonus of local anecdotes and a chance to sample some ice cream.
4. Private Tour: Gallipoli 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Number 4 is the Private Tour of Gallipoli, which offers a tailored experience in a city famous for its medieval walls, seaside castle, and quaint fishing port. This 2-hour private walk allows you to explore Gallipoli’s highlights like the Greek fountain and the Cathedral of St. Agatha, with your own guide sharing stories that bring the streets alive.
The appeal of a private tour lies in the flexibility — your guide can spend extra time at sites that interest you, and you can explore craft stores or hidden corners that larger groups might miss. Reviews commend the guide’s local knowledge, with one saying, “Iliana was a wonderful guide, friendly and very informative,” making it clear that personalized attention matters here.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace and a bespoke experience, especially if they’ve already visited Lecce and want to discover another charming town like Gallipoli.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those who prefer a private, flexible experience with a focus on Gallipoli’s sea-facing attractions and history.
5. Lecce: Baroque Walking Tour with Personal Shopper
Number 5 combines art, architecture, and shopping on the Baroque Walking Tour with Personal Shopper. This 2-hour tour explores Lecce’s stunning Baroque architecture, with stops like Piazza del Duomo and the Church of Holy Cross, while also visiting artisan boutiques with a personal shopper guiding you.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted pieces directly from local artisans. The guide shares insights into Lecce’s artistic traditions, making it both a cultural and shopping experience. Guests mention enjoying the stroll through “charming streets and discovering beautiful artisan shops.” It’s suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of retail therapy — perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you love architecture and want to bring home handmade keepsakes, all while learning about Lecce’s artistic heritage.
6. Lecce private guided city walking tour
Finally, the Lecce private guided city walking tour offers a personalized exploration of Lecce’s famed Baroque facades, Roman ruins, and lively piazzas. With a focus on history and culture, this 2-hour private walk takes you through Piazza del Duomo, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Charles V Castle.
Guests have rated this tour quite low, with reviews citing issues with organization and guide consistency. However, if you find a well-reviewed guide, it can be a very intimate way to learn about the city’s layers. This tour suits travelers who prefer private, tailored experiences and are ready to ask lots of questions.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a customized experience, but do check recent reviews to ensure your guide’s quality.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Lecce
When selecting a tour, consider your interests first. If architecture and history fascinate you, the Baroque Architecture and Underground Tour offers deep insights. For food lovers, the Street Food Tour combines tasting with sightseeing. Want a quick overview? The Guided Sightseeing Tour is efficient. Looking for a personalized experience? The Gallipoli private tour or personal shopper option could be ideal.
Also, factor in your budget and time. The more personalized tours generally cost more but offer flexibility, while group tours can be more economical. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Lecce’s walking tours cover a variety of interests, from its eye-catching architecture to its culinary delights. For those who want a rundown, the Baroque Architecture and Underground Walk hits the mark. If you’re after local flavors and lively streets, the Street Food Tour is a delicious way to experience the city. For a customized visit, private options in Gallipoli or Lecce itself provide flexibility and personal attention.
No matter which tour you choose, Lecce’s charm is best appreciated on foot. So lace up your shoes early, book ahead, and prepare to see a city that’s as beautiful as it is full of stories waiting to be uncovered.