Lecce stands out as a superb destination for city tours, thanks to its stunning baroque architecture, lively streets, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer exploring on two wheels, a rickshaw, or sampling its famous cuisine, Lecce offers a variety of ways to experience its charm firsthand. I personally love the Bike Tour because it combines active sightseeing with informative commentary, allowing you to see key sights like Piazza del Duomo and the Roman Amphitheatre while riding through the historic streets. For a more relaxed but equally engaging experience, the Rickshaw Tour offers a fun, eco-friendly way to cover Lecce’s highlights while meeting native residents along authentic alleys. If you’re a foodie, the Street Food Tour gives you a taste of Lecce’s culinary treasures, from savory rustico pastries to sweet pasticciotto — a perfect way to learn about local flavors.
Below, you’ll find a list of seven excellent city tours, each with its own highlights. Whether you’re after a quick look at the main sights or a more immersive experience, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike
At number one, this bike tour delivers a lively way to explore Lecce’s baroque architecture and vibrant streets. For just $40 per person, you get a two-hour guided ride through key sights like Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, the Church of the Holy Cross, and the Roman Amphitheatre. The tour’s pace is manageable, and the guide’s explanations are engaging, with anecdotes that bring Lecce’s past to life. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and entertaining guides like Mattia and Adriano make the experience memorable, layering history with humor. The route begins at Vico de Argenteris and includes stops at Lecce’s most iconic landmarks, allowing you to learn and take photos along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of physical activity and cultural insight, perfect for travelers who want an active way to see the city. Plus, the small group size means you get personal attention. For a well-rounded introduction to Lecce, this tour offers outstanding value, especially if you prefer cycling over walking. The only potential downside is that it’s weather-dependent, so check availability in advance.
Bottom Line: A fun, energetic way to see Lecce’s highlights with expert guides and plenty of stories to remember.
2. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Rickshaw
Coming in at number two, the rickshaw tour combines eco-friendliness with comfort. For around $68, you’ll spend one to three hours riding through Lecce’s streets, passing sights like Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, all while enjoying the explanations of your friendly guide. This is an especially good choice for those who want a relaxed experience but still want to cover most of the major sights. The tour includes stops at the city’s main landmarks, with the opportunity to meet locals along the authentic alleys of the Old Town.
Reviewers appreciate how Flore and other guides blend historical facts with humor and personal stories, making Lecce’s architecture come alive. The rickshaw can access narrower streets that vehicles can’t, providing a more intimate view of the city’s hidden corners. Plus, it’s ideal for travelers with limited mobility or those who prefer sitting over walking. The tour’s flexibility and the chance to enjoy Lecce at a relaxed pace make it a favorite.
Bottom Line: A charming, leisurely way to see Lecce’s highlights, especially suited for those who want comfort but still get an authentic experience.
3. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
Number three on our list is this street food tour, which for about $339 offers a deep dive into Lecce’s culinary scene alongside its landmarks. Over roughly two and a half hours, your guide will take you past the Basilica of Santa Croce, cathedral, and other historic sites while stopping at several street food stalls. You’ll get to sample local specialties like savory “rustico” pastries and the famous “pasticciotto” desserts. This tour is an excellent way to combine culture and cuisine — perfect if you want to turn sightseeing into a tasty adventure.
Guests rave about how the guide brings Lecce’s food and architecture to life, making it more than just a walk through pretty streets. It’s especially suitable for food lovers who want to experience authentic tastes and local traditions. The tour’s timing makes it ideal for lunch or dinner, acting as a light meal with plenty of flavors. Since it covers key sights along the way, you’ll get a good sense of Lecce’s baroque beauty and culinary richness in one go.
Bottom Line: A flavorful way to discover Lecce’s top sights and local dishes, great for foodies and cultural explorers alike.
4. Full Day Tour of Otranto City and its Amazing Seacoast from Lecce
At number four, this full-day trip offers a comprehensive look at the coastal jewel of Otranto. It’s perfect if you want to escape Lecce’s urban charm for a day of seaside scenery. The tour includes free time to explore the cathedral, castle, and walls of Otranto, along with visits to Torre Sant’Andrea and Torre dell’Orso beach. A driver-guide makes the journey easy, with stops at scenic spots like Punta Palascia Lighthouse and even a hidden natural pool in a grotto. The itinerary balances sightseeing and relaxation, with opportunities for swimming and snapping photos of dramatic cliffs and rocky coves.
Guests praise the personalized experience, with some noting the driver’s local knowledge and friendly attitude. The tour’s length of 7-8 hours makes it suitable for travelers who want a full immersion without the hassle of planning transportation. The only consideration is that it’s a long day, so if you prefer a shorter excursion, this might be too much.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a relaxed, all-in-one coastal adventure with plenty of free time and scenic stops.
5. Lecce City Shared Tour with Museum Undergrounds
Number five features this city and undergrounds tour, perfect for lovers of architecture and archaeology. For just over $40, you’ll spend about two hours exploring Lecce’s cobblestone streets, marveling at the Basilica di Santa Croce, and descending into the Archaeological Museum’s underground chambers. The guide shares stories about the buildings’ baroque facades and the city’s past, revealing secrets hidden beneath the surface.
Reviews highlight Fabio’s engaging style and how he brings Lecce’s history to life through vivid storytelling. Visitors appreciate the chance to see artifacts and underground chambers that reveal the city’s layers of history. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in art, architecture, and archaeology, and it offers excellent value given the small group size and in-depth insights.
Bottom Line: A compact but rich experience for history and architecture buffs wanting insider access to Lecce’s secrets.
6. Lecce: Bike Rental (City, Trekking, E-Bikes)
Need more flexibility? At number six, the bike rental allows you to explore Lecce at your own pace. For $24 per person, you can rent a standard or trekking bike for one to seven days, giving you the freedom to visit nearby towns, cycle along the coast, or get lost in quiet countryside roads. It’s a simple, affordable way to extend your experience beyond organized tours, especially if you enjoy independent travel.
While this isn’t a guided tour, staff can suggest routes and points of interest, making it suitable for confident cyclists or those eager to plan their own adventure. The flexibility and affordability make it appealing, but it requires a bit of planning and some physical stamina if you’re covering long distances.
Bottom Line: Perfect for seasoned cyclists or those seeking a self-directed exploration of Lecce and surrounding areas.
7. Lecce: City Pass
Last but not least, the City Pass offers a cost-effective way to visit Lecce’s main churches and monuments. For about $33, this pass is valid for 15 days and includes multimedia guides and priority access to key sites like Santa Croce and Lecce Cathedral. It’s ideal if you prefer to explore independently but want to avoid long lines and have additional multimedia aids to enrich your experience.
Reviewers mention how the pass enhances their visit, especially with insightful commentary available at each site. It’s best suited for travelers who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace over several days, making it a good choice for a relaxed, self-guided discovery.
Bottom Line: An economical option for independent travelers who want easy access to Lecce’s top monuments.
$33 per person
How to Choose the Perfect Lecce Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and preferred pace. If you love active exploration, the bike tour offers a lively experience, while the rickshaw provides a relaxed, accessible way to see the sights. For food lovers, the street food tour combines culture and cuisine beautifully, especially if you want a meal along the way.
Those seeking flexibility might prefer the bike rental to set their own itinerary, while history enthusiasts will find the underground tour especially rewarding. If you want a comprehensive, self-guided experience, the Lecce City Pass adds convenience and savings.
For the best results, book early, especially in peak seasons, and choose tours that match your energy level and curiosity. Spring and early fall are ideal times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a range of engaging ways to explore its baroque beauty, from active bike rides to leisurely rickshaw trips and flavorful food walks. If you’re short on time, the city highlights tours and underground museum tour are perfect for a packed schedule. For those who want to relax and soak in the atmosphere, the rickshaw or self-guided pass are excellent options.
Travelers looking for adventure and independence should consider renting a bike, while foodies will love the street food tour. No matter your style, Lecce makes a perfect backdrop for exploring at your own pace — just remember to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.