Lecce isn’t just about stunning baroque architecture—although it’s that, too. This southern Italian city boasts a lively culinary scene that’s just as captivating as its ornate facades. Whether you’re eager to sample crispy pasticciotto, sip local wines, or learn about the city’s Roman roots through its flavors, Lecce offers a variety of food tours to satisfy any appetite. We especially enjoy tours that blend history with food, like the Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour, which combines sightseeing with generous tastings and engaging storytelling. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic taste of Lecce.
If you prefer a more comprehensive experience that includes local wines and cultural insights, the Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide offers a deep dive into the city’s treasures and flavors. For those with extra time and a passion for wine, the Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour combines visits to two top wineries with a scenic drive and a relaxed lunch. Each of these tours offers a different way to connect with Lecce’s culinary soul—whether through walking, biking, or wine tasting.
1. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour
Enjoy the perfect blend of food and history on this guided walking tour through Lecce’s charming old town. Starting at Porta San Biagio, your guide Antonella takes you past key sights like the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Roman Amphitheatre, sharing stories that bring the city’s baroque architecture to life. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a generous sampling of local street foods, like freshly baked pastries filled with cheese and succulent pastries called pasticciotto. The tastings are designed to give you a real taste of Lecce’s culinary traditions while exploring its historic streets.
What sets this tour apart is the seamless combination of cultural insights with authentic bites. Guests rave about Antonella’s knowledge and friendly style, often mentioning how much more they learned about both the city’s history and its food. The stops are brief but frequent, allowing you to try a variety of snacks without feeling overwhelmed, and the walk ensures you see the main sights like Piazza Sant’Oronzo. The value for money is excellent, especially considering that street food snacks are included, making it a smart choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed, in-depth introduction to Lecce.
Bottom line: If you love walking, history, and a taste of local flavors in one go, this tour offers a balanced, friendly experience that leaves little out.
2. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
At number 2, this tour combines city sightseeing with an immersive food experience. Starting at Porta San Biagio, your guide will lead you past Lecce’s most iconic sites, such as Piazza del Duomo and Santa Croce, blending architectural commentary with cultural stories. The focus is on traditional Lecce street food, including savory rustico pastries and sweet pasticciotto, which are sampled at carefully chosen locations along the route.
What makes this experience stand out is its thorough exploration of Lecce’s Baroque style, with stops at its most emblematic landmarks. Guests consistently mention how the tour deepened their appreciation of Lecce’s architecture while enjoying delicious tastings that serve as a light meal. The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, and the price reflects a premium experience, including extensive food samples and personalized attention. Perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded cultural and culinary overview, especially if they prefer guided walks that include storytelling and local flavor insights.
Bottom line: This is an ideal pick for visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Lecce’s sights and tastes, with a focus on authentic dishes.
3. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
For around $62, the Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine offers an engaging 2-hour journey through the city’s flavors and sights. This tour combines tasting local snacks like pasticciotto and taralli with visits to Lecce’s beautiful churches and squares, such as Santa Croce. The highlight is pairing each bite with a glass of regional wine, making it a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll move between narrow alleys and lively squares, discovering both architectural gems and culinary delights. Guests often mention that the tour provides a great balance between history, culture, and gastronomy, with enough food to serve as a full meal. It’s best suited for those looking for a relaxed, sensory experience with a focus on regional wines and local snacks.
Bottom line: This tour is excellent for food lovers who want to indulge in local flavors paired with wine without a lengthy schedule, perfect for an afternoon break.
4. Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town
At just $35.55 per person, the Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town is a short but sweet way to explore Puglia’s wine culture. Hosted at a cozy wine bar, this 1.5-hour experience features tastings of four regional wines, each paired with local specialties like cheeses and small bites. The host, an expert in regional wines, shares stories about Puglia’s vintage history while you relax enjoying views over traditional palazzi.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a quick yet authentic wine tasting session, perfect as a pre-dinner activity or a brief escape from sightseeing. Reviewers love the informative host and the opportunity to try multiple wines without leaving the old town.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but want to sample Puglia’s wine and regional snacks, this experience offers good value and a cozy setting.
5. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Private Tour
For a personalized experience, the Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Private Tour offers a tailored 2.5-hour walk through Lecce’s main sights and flavors, for $138.29 per person. This private option is perfect for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, flexible itinerary. You’ll visit highlights like Porta San Biagio, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Roman ruins while sampling rustico, taralli, and freshly baked pasticciotto.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention and the chance to customize stops based on your interests. The reviews mention how guides like Antonella make the city’s history and food come alive with engaging stories and tastings. It’s ideal if you prefer an experience that balances cultural discovery and culinary delights without rushing.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a flexible, private experience that combines Lecce’s architecture with its tasty street foods.
6. Street Food Lecce: Guided walking tour with typical food and wines
This tour, costing around $53.36, offers a 2-hour stroll through Lecce’s streets with a focus on local snacks and wines. Starting at Porta Rudiae, you’ll try Pizzi, taralli, and rustico, all paired with regional wines. The guide provides detailed explanations of Lecce’s cultural attractions as you enjoy each tasting. It’s a good choice for those interested in a focused food and drink experience combined with cultural context.
Tour guests emphasize the informative narration and friendly guide, making it a pleasant way to learn about Lecce’s culinary traditions while exploring the city’s main squares and churches. The tour is not long, but it packs in authentic flavors and a good dose of history.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want to combine food tasting with cultural highlights in a compact, well-organized walk.
7. Lecce Street Food Group Tour (3h)
At 3 hours, the Lecce Street Food Group Tour offers a lively exploration of main streets and alleyways in Lecce. The tour includes stops at Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral, and Porta Napoli, with tasting opportunities of puccia, pettole, and regional wines. Led by a friendly guide, you’ll taste local delicacies like the famous Rustico and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s streets.
Guests appreciate the mix of cultural commentary and food, with many noting the engaging guide and the chance to try a variety of authentic Salento specialties. The longer duration allows for a more relaxed pace, making it suitable for those who want a thorough overview.
Bottom line: Ideal if you’re looking for a longer, more detailed walk that combines sightseeing and tasting in a lively group setting.
8. Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour
For those with a full day to spare, the Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour offers an immersive experience. Visiting two award-winning wineries, you’ll taste varietals like primitivo and malvasia, paired with regional bites. The day includes a light lunch at the winery or a nearby restaurant, plus optional stops at Porto Cesareo for a swim.
Led by a private guide, this 8-hour tour is perfect for wine aficionados or travelers who want a comprehensive culinary experience. The reviews highlight the spectacular winery grounds and the delicious lunch. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and tasting.
Bottom line: This is a premium, all-day experience ideal for wine lovers and those wanting a deep dive into Salento’s gastronomic scene.
9. Lecce: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local
Finally, the Lecce: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local focuses entirely on street food. Over about 3 hours, you’ll try Caffè Leccese, Rustico, Puccia, and finish with artisanal gelato. The tour emphasizes visiting carefully selected venues that showcase the best Salento has to offer.
This tour is perfect for foodies wanting a deep, hands-on experience of local snacks and a lively walk through Lecce’s streets. Reviews praise the friendly local guide and the diverse tastings. It’s a flavorful way to understand Lecce’s culinary identity without missing any key bites.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers eager to focus solely on street food, with a relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Lecce
Picking the best tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you want an entire culture with history and street food, the small group tour offers a friendly, comprehensive experience. For a more luxurious day, consider the full-day wine tour, which combines wine estates, scenic drives, and regional bites. Travelers on a tight schedule or seeking a focused food experience might enjoy the wine and food tasting in Lecce old town or the ultimate street food tour.
Budget-conscious visitors should consider shorter experiences like the guided street food walk, which packs flavor into a quick two hours, or the private tour if personalized attention is a priority. Booking early is advised, especially during high season, as popular tours tend to fill quickly.
In summary, Lecce’s food scene is as rich and detailed as its architecture. Whether you prefer guided walks, private outings, or wine tastings, there’s an experience tailored for your tastes. Each offers a taste of local life that’s worth savoring—so pick your favorite and get ready for a delicious adventure.
†Happy travels, and buon appetito!