Lecce is a city that deserves more than just a quick photo. Its baroque architecture and charming streets make it a perfect place to explore on foot, especially if you’re a lover of good food. What sets Lecce apart is the way its culinary traditions are woven into the city’s historic fabric. From flaky pastries to hearty street eats, Lecce offers a feast for all senses. We especially like tours that combine walking with tasting, like the Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour, which balances local history with delicious bites. It’s a great way to make sense of the city’s streets while sampling the best of Salento’s street food.
Although Lecce is known for its spectacular baroque buildings, it’s equally famous for its culinary delights. Think flaky pastries filled with custard, crunchy tarallini, and savory rustico discs—each bite telling a story of local tradition. For those wanting a deep dive into both culture and cuisine, the list below covers a variety of experiences, from guided walking tours to private tastings, each offering a different taste of Lecce’s soul.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of tours that made our list:
– Guided walking tours combining history and street food (see Tour #1)
– Tours that focus on local landmarks and flavors (see Tour #2)
– Private and small-group experiences emphasizing cultural treasures and culinary samples (see Tour #3)
– Tasting experiences dedicated to Puglian wines (see Tour #4)
– Bike or rickshaw tours that combine sightseeing with street food stops (see Tour #7)
– Shorter, more focused food walks ideal for quick visits (see Tour #8)
– Hands-on cooking classes for those eager to learn how to make local dishes like orecchiette (see Tour #11)
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top food tours in Lecce.
1. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour
This 2.5-hour walking tour perfectly marries history and street food in Lecce’s enchanting old town. The guide will lead you past iconic sites like Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, sharing stories behind Lecce’s architecture as you nibble on local snacks. Street food is included, so you’ll taste freshly baked pastries with cheese, tarallini, and other regional specialties.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of storytelling and tasting, letting you get a real feel for Lecce’s cultural fabric. The itinerary includes stops at Porta San Biagio, Teatro Romano, and the Anfiteatro Romano, giving a rich historical context alongside your bites. Guests rave about Antonella’s lively narration and the plentiful tastings that serve as a meal.
Bottom line: If you want an engaging overview of Lecce’s history and gastronomy, this tour offers excellent value at just over $62 per person. It’s ideal for those short on time but eager for a full-flavor experience.
2. Lecce: Street Food Tasting and Sightseeing Tour
Spending a couple of hours on a guided walk that covers Lecce’s top landmarks while sampling the city’s favorite street foods is a fantastic way to orient yourself. This tour takes you from Piazza Sant’Oronzo to the Church of St. Matthew, with stops at the Cathedral and Porta Napoli. Along the way, you’ll try Salento staples such as rustico, tarallini, and pasticciotto.
The highlight is the chance to see off-the-beaten-path sights and get local tips from your guide, making this a more personalized experience. The itinerary includes six tastings over 2–2.5 hours, making it both a cultural and culinary sampler. Guests comment on how this tour helps them “look at Lecce with a more thoughtful eye,” and it’s especially suitable for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive introduction.
Bottom line: For around $60, this tour offers a nice balance of sightseeing and tasting. It’s perfect if you want to see Lecce’s main sites while savoring the best street foods.
3. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
This 2.5-hour tour is tailored for travelers eager to combine architecture, culture, and food. The guide will lead you past Basilica of Santa Croce, the Cathedral, and other historic highlights, all while stopping for savory rustico, frisella, and sweet pasticciotto. It’s a great way to connect Lecce’s visual beauty with its tasty traditions.
Guests say Antonella’s storytelling makes Lecce come alive, and they appreciate how she explains the history behind each building while offering generous tastings. The price is higher at over $338 per person, but this includes a personalized experience with more in-depth storytelling and sampling.
Bottom line: Ideal for history and foodies wanting a more intimate, guided experience. It’s a bit pricier but worth it for the richer interaction.
4. Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town
For a relaxing break in your day, this 1.5-hour experience offers a taste of Puglian wines paired with regional cheeses and snacks. Hosted in a cozy wine bar, you’ll sample four regional wines while enjoying views of traditional palazzi. Michele, the host, shares insights into Puglia’s winemaking history and the terroir behind each glass.
This tour is perfect if you prefer a less active, more in-depth tasting experience, especially if you’re interested in regional wines. Guests note the friendliness and knowledge of the host, and the small size makes for a comfortable setting. The value is great, especially considering the quality of wines and pairings.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for wine lovers seeking a local, authentic tasting without the long commitment. It’s a calm, flavorful interlude in your Lecce visit.
5. Street Food Lecce: Guided walking tour with typical food and wines
Running about 2 hours, this tour introduces you to Lecce’s main streets and landmarks like Porta San Biagio and Piazza del Duomo, all while sampling rustico, tarallini, and local wine. Your guide explains the city’s culinary culture alongside its architectural highlights, creating a full picture of Lecce’s soul.
Guests love how Antonella’s passion shines through, making each stop both informative and delicious. The tour’s price is reasonable at just over $53 per person, and the variety of food and wine keeps everyone engaged. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a compact, tasty overview of Lecce.
Bottom line: If you prefer a well-rounded, budget-friendly experience that combines sights and bites, this tour hits the spot.
6. Lecce: walking and food tour
As a quick, 3-hour introduction, this tour offers a walk through Lecce’s 2000-year-old streets, with inside visits to Santa Croce and the Duomo. You’ll taste Puccia Leccese and Pasticciotto along the way, ending with a satisfying flavor of the city’s culinary traditions.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to get a taste of Lecce’s culture and cuisine. The single review confirms it’s an engaging experience, with the guide sharing local insights and food samples that make a lasting impression.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a compact, guided overview with some delicious bites to finish.
7. Lecce Street Food Group Tour (3h)
This 3-hour bike or rickshaw tour combines sightseeing with street food tastings across Lecce’s historic streets. It’s a lively way to cover more ground without tiring your legs, with stops at Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, and other landmarks. You’ll sample puccia, taralli, and pettole, washed down with local wines or beers.
Guests find this tour fun and energetic, especially during good weather. The small group setting encourages interaction, and the itinerary ensures you get a taste of Lecce’s essence both visually and gastronomically.
Bottom line: If you prefer active exploration and want to combine cycling with tasting, this tour offers good value and a memorable experience.
8. Lecce: walking and food tour
This shorter, 3-hour tour is ideal if you’re in Lecce for a brief visit. It covers more than 2,000 years of history, including a visit inside the Santa Croce church. You’ll also enjoy tasting Puccia, coffee, and Pasticciotto, making it a tasty way to connect with the city’s local flavors.
The only review is glowing, emphasizing how the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm make Lecce’s story come alive. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a quick, but meaningful introduction with delicious snacks.
Bottom line: A great choice for a bite-sized, guided experience that combines history and food.
9. Lecce: Guided Tour & Street Food Tasting by Bike
For those wanting to explore Lecce on two wheels, this 3-hour guided bike tour covers the city’s main landmarks with stops for local food tastings. You’ll cycle past Piazza del Duomo, Basilica of Santa Croce, and more, while sampling typical street foods like puccia and tarallini.
The tour offers an interactive way to learn about Lecce’s cultural fabric while tasting regional specialties. It’s suitable for active travelers comfortable on a bike, and reviews highlight the informative narration and delicious stops.
Bottom line: Perfect for active explorers who want both sightseeing and tasting in one go.
10. Lecce: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local
This 3-hour walking adventure takes you through Lecce’s streets to sample authentic Salento street food, including caffè leccese, rustico, puccia, and artisanal gelato. The route is carefully curated to visit best venues and hidden gems.
Guests love the chance to enjoy local specialties in authentic settings, concluding with a visit to a top gelato shop. This tour is great for those who want a comprehensive taste of Lecce’s food scene without sacrificing the city’s lively street atmosphere.
Bottom line: If you want a full-flavor experience with a local guide, this tour is a top choice.
11. Orecchiette Cooking Class with Food & Wine
For the culinary enthusiast, this hands-on class teaches you how to make orecchiette, a regional pasta favorite. In a cozy Lecce bistrot, you’ll learn pasta-making secrets from local experts, then enjoy your creation paired with regional wines and snacks.
This experience is perfect if you want to bring home a skill and enjoy an authentic meal straight from the kitchen. The friendly atmosphere and focus on local ingredients make it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a culture.
Bottom line: Best suited for foodies eager to learn how to craft traditional pasta while tasting local wines.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lecce Food Tour
When deciding which tour is right for you, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re in Lecce for a brief stop and want quick highlights, the Lecce: walking and food tour might be perfect. For a more immersive experience, try the Street Food Lecce: Guided walking tour with typical food and wines or the Ultimate Street Food Tour.
If you’re a wine lover, the Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce offers a relaxed, flavorful escape. For those eager to learn how to cook local pasta, the Orecchiette Cooking Class is unbeatable.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure spots in your preferred tour. Consider combining a food-focused tour with sightseeing to maximize your Lecce experience.
Lecce offers a range of delicious and cultural experiences that suit different tastes and schedules. Whether you want to walk among its stunning baroque architecture while tasting local snacks, relax over regional wines, or learn to cook orecchiette, there’s a tour for you. For the best experience, pick a tour that matches your interests and pace, and don’t forget to book ahead—these popular options fill quickly. Enjoy your culinary journey in Lecce’s lively streets and historic squares.
