Lecce stands out as a city where baroque architecture and authentic Italian charm combine to create a truly memorable experience. Its narrow alleyways, ornate churches, and lively piazzas invite exploration on foot or by bike, making it a perfect destination for engaging city tours. Among the many options, we particularly love the bike tour for its active approach and in-depth local insights, and the street food tour for a delicious taste of Lecce’s culinary delights. These experiences offer a way to see the city’s architectural marvels while enjoying friendly guides and immersive stories. Looking for something different? The rickshaw tour offers a charming, eco-friendly way to glide through the old town, and the full-day trip to Otranto combines history with lovely seaside scenery.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the six best city tours in Lecce, each with its own style and focus—from energetic biking adventures to relaxed rickshaw rides, culinary explorations to comprehensive day trips. Whether you’re after a quick overview or a deep dive into Lecce’s secrets, there’s a tour here that fits your travel style.
1. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike
Discover the baroque exuberance of Lecce on a guided bike tour that is perfect for those who want to cover a lot of ground while soaking in the city’s architectural beauty. This 2-hour ride takes you through the core sights like Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, with stops that allow plenty of photos and stories along the way. The tour’s route is designed to highlight Lecce’s nickname, the “Florence of the South,” thanks to its stunning architecture and artistic details.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—offering both private and shared options—and the excellent reviews, with a 4.8/5 rating from 232 travelers. Guests praise guides like Mattia and Adriano for their engaging stories, humor, and deep knowledge of Lecce’s history. The $40 price for a 2-hour ride offers great value, especially with the chance to see major sights like the Roman Amphitheatre and Porta Napoli while getting some exercise. The stop at the Church of the Holy Cross is a highlight, with its intricate baroque façade.
The bike tour is ideal for active travelers who want to see the city at a lively pace, and it runs in the afternoon when the temperature is usually mild. Be prepared for some pedaling and a bit of traffic in the narrow streets. Overall, it’s a fun, informative way to familiarize yourself with Lecce’s key landmarks.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of exercise, culture, and storytelling, making it perfect for those who want a quick, energetic introduction to Lecce’s highlights.
2. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Rickshaw
For a more relaxed exploration, the Rickshaw tour provides a charming and eco-friendly way to tour Lecce’s historic center. Spanning 1 to 3 hours, this tour is a delightful mix of sightseeing and conversation, as you glide past landmarks like the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo. The $67.97 per person price includes the comfort of riding while absorbing the stories of Lecce’s golden baroque facades, lively alleys, and ancient walls.
What makes this experience special is its intimate group size and the ability to access narrow streets and alleys that are often difficult for larger vehicles. The guides, like Flore, are praised for their politeness, knowledge, and humor, making the tour both fun and educational. Guests love the stop at a local cafe for coffee and pasticciotto, blending sightseeing with authentic tastes. The amplifiers enhance the commentary, making sure everyone catches the stories even in the busy streets.
Guests appreciate the comfort and the opportunity to meet native Lecce residents along the way. The tour’s flexibility—allowing for a quick ride or a longer exploration—caters well to different schedules and preferences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a leisurely, detailed view of Lecce’s highlights, with a personal touch and the chance to explore hidden corners in a fun, eco-friendly way.
3. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
If you’re eager to combine cultural sightseeing with gastronomic delights, this street food tour is just the ticket. In about 2 hours 30 minutes, you’ll explore the historic center, visiting landmarks like Porta San Biagio, Piazza del Duomo, and Porta Napoli, while sampling authentic Lecce street foods. This tour, priced at $338.89 per person, is a culinary journey that pairs local architecture with flavors, from savory rustico and frisella pastries to the iconic pasticciotto custard tart.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the city’s culinary traditions—you’ll learn about Lecce’s Baroque-style facades while tasting the city’s best bites. The guide’s detailed commentary makes history come alive, enhanced by tastings that serve as a light meal. Guests rave about how the tour makes Lecce’s art and architecture more understandable through food.
The guide, Antonella, is praised for her passion and storytelling, making the experience both educational and delicious. The limited number of reviews (86) with a perfect 5-star rating suggests a highly authentic and personal experience, perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Lecce’s architectural splendors and tasty traditions in one go—ideal for those wanting a flavorful, immersive day.
4. Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its Amazing Seacoast from Lecce
For travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip, this full-day tour offers a seamless way to visit the coastal town of Otranto and explore its stunning seascapes. Costing around $137.62, it includes transportation, a driver-guide, and free time to wander the town’s highlights like the cathedral and castle. The itinerary also includes visits to scenic spots such as Punta Palascia Lighthouse, Torre Sant’Andrea, and the beaches of Torre dell’Orso.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of history, scenery, and relaxation. The 2-hour free time in Otranto lets you stroll, shop, or simply enjoy the views, while the visit to the Bauxite Lake adds a touch of the unusual with its vivid red waters. The guide shares insights into the region’s past, from Roman to Byzantine influences, making it educational as well as scenic.
Guests praise the driver’s knowledge and the attention to detail, with many noting the trip’s smooth pacing and meaningful stops. Perfect for those who want to venture beyond Lecce’s streets and see the picturesque coast, this tour balances sightseeing with leisure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a relaxed day combining history, nature, and seaside views without the hassle of arranging transportation on their own.
5. Lecce City Shared Tour with Museum Undergrounds
This 2-hour guided tour offers a focused look at Lecce’s Baroque architecture intertwined with archaeological secrets hidden beneath the city streets. Starting at Piazza Sant’Oronzo, you’ll walk through ancient alleys and marvel at the Basilica di Santa Croce’s ornate façade. The tour also includes a visit to the Museo Faggiano, where underground chambers reveal relics from the city’s past.
What sets this experience apart is its combination of architecture and archaeology, offering a layered understanding of Lecce’s past. The guide, Fabio, is praised for his clear explanations and knowledge, making complex history accessible and engaging. At just $40.71 per person, it provides excellent value for travelers interested in art, history, and underground discoveries.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to see the hidden chambers of the museum and learn about the artifacts that tell the story of Lecce’s diverse civilizations. The highlight is the underground archaeology, which gives a tangible sense of the city’s layered past.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and those curious about archaeological excavations, offering a compact but rich look at Lecce’s historic layers.
6. Lecce: Bike Rental (City, Trekking, E-Bikes)
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, renting a bike in Lecce provides the ultimate flexibility. With options ranging from standard city bikes to trekking and E-bikes, you can craft your own route—whether wandering through the historic center or riding down to the picturesque coast. The rental fee starts at $24 per person for durations from one day up to a week.
What makes this option appealing is its independent spirit—you can focus on your personal interests, find quiet corners not on guided routes, or enjoy a leisurely ride along the seaside or through the countryside. The staff can suggest hidden spots or local events to check out, making it a tailored experience.
Guests who rent bikes praise the freedom it provides, especially for longer stays or active travelers. The bikes are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly, ensuring a smooth rental process. Ideal for those who like a freestyle approach or want to combine sightseeing with outdoor activity.
Bottom Line: Best for independent explorers who want to set their own pace and uncover Lecce and its surroundings on two wheels.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a Lecce city tour, consider your budget, travel style, and interests. If you want an active but structured experience, the bike tour is a great choice, offering good value at $40. For those who prefer a relaxed ride with storytelling and a personal touch, the rickshaw tour is ideal, albeit at a higher price. Food lovers should not miss the street food tour for its delicious insights, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the underground museum experience. And if you’re itching for a full-day adventure, the Otranto trip combines scenery with cultural exploration.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, and check availability to find a time that suits your schedule. For a deeper dive into Lecce’s art and architecture, combine a guided tour with a self-guided bike rental to extend your exploration on your terms.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a wonderful variety of city tours that cater to different interests—from energetic cycling and charming rickshaw rides to cultural walks and full-day coastal excursions. For travelers seeking a quick overview, the bike tour provides great value and insight. Foodies will love the street food tour for its rich flavors and stories, while history buffs can’t go wrong with the underground museum visit.
If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive experience, the full-day trip to Otranto combines scenic beauty with local history. For flexible, independent exploration, renting a bike gives you the freedom to discover Lecce on your own terms.
No matter your choice, booking ahead and tailoring your tour to your interests will ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful Italian city. Lecce’s charm is waiting—all you have to do is choose your perfect way to explore it.
