Things to do in Lecce

Things to do in  Lecce

Splendid coasts on all sides

Home to lavish 17th-century baroque churches and palaces, Lecce has been dubbed the “Florence of the South”. Its historic center stands out for magnificent barocco leccese gems like the Duomo, Santa Croce, and Santa Chiara, as well as traditional artisan stone carving and papier-mâché workshops—both headline tours on foot, by bike, or via rickshaw. The city sits in the heart of Puglia’s Salento peninsula, known for its top-tier cuisine and street food tours, wine tastings, and cooking classes top the list of the most popular things to do.

Learn more

Top 6 attractions in Lecce

#1

Lecce Basilica of Santa Croce (Basilica Di Santa Croce)

star-5624
In a city famous for its gorgeous baroque architecture, the Lecce Basilica of Santa Croce (Basilica Di Santa Croce) is a standout. With a glorious stone facade decorated with ornately carved animals, gargoyles, flora, and a large rose window, this 17th-century masterpiece is a feast for the eyes and a highlight of Lecce.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce)

star-5272
Lecce is known for its 17th-century Baroque beauty, but the city’s history stretches back to the Roman empire. Nowhere is this legacy more evident than in Lecce’s Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where theLecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce) from the second century BC is still used today for performances.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Porta Napoli

star-5439
Lecce’s imposing Porta Napoli is a 16th-century triumphal arch that once served as the main entrance into the historic city center. Modeled on triumphal arches from ancient Rome, its neoclassical design is a departure from Lecce’s ornate baroque style, and the soaring marble gate is considered one of the city’s architectural treasures.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Lecce Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce)

star-4.583
Lecce is famous for its sumptuous baroque architecture, and the Lecce cathedral (Duomo di Lecce) is one of the most ornate examples. Its magnificently carved and adorned Leccese-stone facade is a 17th-century masterpiece and one of the highlights of this city on Puglia’s Salento peninsula.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene)

star-4.598
Lecce is home to some of the most magnificent baroque churches in Italy, and the sumptuous Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene) is one of the city’s architectural gems. Its facade is a masterpiece of 17th-century stonework, and the twin altarpieces inside, which face each other across the transept, are equally dazzling.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Faggiano Museum (Museo Faggiano)

star-51
Lecce’s sumptuous 17th-century baroque architecture immediately catches the eye, but the city has a history that stretches as far back as the Greek empire. Trace its evolution through the millennia at the Museo Faggiano, a private residence now home to an eclectic archaeological museum with excavated artifacts and ruins.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Lecce by interest

Itineraries for your Lecce trip

Top activities in Lecce

Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

star-4.5
105
From
$72.74
Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Departing from Lecce
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Departing from Lecce

star-5
117
From
$146.78
Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Lecce

Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Lecce

star-4.5
105
From
$108.44
Lecce: Baroque and Underground Tour - Private Tour

Lecce: Baroque and Underground Tour - Private Tour

star-5
62
From
$98.58
Strolling through Lecce

Strolling through Lecce

star-5
135
From
$32.86
Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town

Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town

star-4.5
44
From
$32.86
Semi-Independent Tour to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce

Semi-Independent Tour to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce

From
$492.92
per group
Otranto and Castro Full-Day Tour

Otranto and Castro Full-Day Tour

star-5
2
From
$284.80
Private Tour: Otranto Guided Walking Tour

Private Tour: Otranto Guided Walking Tour

star-5
4
From
$257.41
per group
Share your Pasta Love: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Lecce

Share your Pasta Love: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Lecce

star-5
32
From
$147.88
Puglia - Walking Tour of Lecce the Florence of the South

Puglia - Walking Tour of Lecce the Florence of the South

star-2.5
3
From
$32.86
Gallipoli Inland and Surroundings Full-Day Bike Tour

Gallipoli Inland and Surroundings Full-Day Bike Tour

star-5
15
From
$147.88
Private Tour: Castro and Otranto Day-Trip from Lecce

Private Tour: Castro and Otranto Day-Trip from Lecce

star-4
3
From
$427.34
per group
Private pasta-making class at a local's home with tasting in Lecce

Private pasta-making class at a local's home with tasting in Lecce

From
$158.83
Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour

Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour

star-4.5
27
From
$258.51
per group
Bike tour: Otranto, Giurdignano and the Megalithic Garden

Bike tour: Otranto, Giurdignano and the Megalithic Garden

star-5
2
From
$54.77
Gallipoli walking tour

Gallipoli walking tour

star-5
5
From
$219.08
per group
Private Transfer from Lecce to Bari (BRI) Airport

Private Transfer from Lecce to Bari (BRI) Airport

star-5
1
From
$471.01
per group
LECCE & GALLIPOLI from Bari or customers accomodation
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

LECCE & GALLIPOLI from Bari or customers accomodation

star-5
7
From
$239.31
Private Tour: Gallipoli 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Private Tour: Gallipoli 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

star-5
9
From
$295.75
per group
See all Lecce tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Lecce

When to visit

Though Lecce is a popular summer hot spot, with its easy access to the beaches on both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, the city’s mild climate and wealth of cultural sights make it an attractive destination for all seasons. The main draw in the summer—in addition to the nearby seaside—is the feast day of Saint Orontius of Lecce (Sant’Oronzo) in August. In the winter, the city sparkles with holiday lights, while balmy temperatures keep the city’s street life going through January.

Getting around

Most travelers to Lecce arrive by car, although the baroque historic center of Lecce is small enough to explore on foot or by bike. Much of the old town is closed to traffic, but there are free and paid parking areas just outside the center; from there, it’s a quick and scenic stroll to the main sights. If you don’t have a car, Lecce is along the main rail line that connects to Bari; the train station, Stazione di Lecce, is an easy 10-minute walk from the center.

Traveler tips

Lecce is one of Puglia’s top towns for experiencing the café scene, so grab a table in one of the buzzy squares and order a caffè leccese, an iced espresso laced with sweet almond milk. If you’re in the mood for a sweet snack to go with it, opt for a pasticciotto, a short-crust pastry filled with rich custard. For a savory pick-me-up, choose a rustico leccese: puff pastry with tomato sauce, mozzarella, béchamel, and ground black pepper.

Attractions
6
Tours
218
Reviews
4,154
EN
07b03878-04e8-4f6b-bc0b-9f2bfdb9d22b
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Lecce known for?

Often called the Florence of the south, Lecce is known for 17th-century baroque architecture. Top examples of this style include the Basilica of Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, and Church of Saint Clare. This handsome city is also known for its excellent local cuisine and traditional artisan crafts.

...More
What is there to do in Lecce?

Stroll through the city to admire its ornate historic palaces and churches, plus the ancient Roman amphitheater in the main square. Browse the town’s traditional stone carving and papier-mâché workshops to watch artisans at work, and then relax over a hearty meal featuring local dishes at a local trattoria.

...More
How many days do you need in Lecce?

Though Lecce is a midsize city, its historic center is quite compact and easy to cover in a day. Set in the center of the Salento peninsula, Lecce makes a great base to explore the surrounding hill towns and coastline over at least four days.

...More
How far is Lecce from the beach?

Lecce is set inland, with the Adriatic coast about 8 miles (13 kilometers) to the east and the Ionian coast about 17 miles (28 kilometers) to the west. The most popular beaches include Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea and the coastline of Otranto along the Adriatic Sea.

...More
Is Lecce part of Sicily?

No, Lecce is located on the Salento Peninsula (the “heel” of Italy’s “boot”) in the region of Puglia in the far southeast of the country. Lecce borders three other regions: Molise to the north and Basilicata and Campania to the west.

...More
Is Lecce worth visiting?

Yes, Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy and a highlight of Puglia’s Salento Peninsula. The baroque architecture and ancient ruins in the old town are world-class, and the town is a hub of traditional artisan handicrafts and unparalleled regional cuisine.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Lecce?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Lecce?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Lecce?
A:
Check out things to do near Lecce:

More Tours in Lecce