Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Is the first time you visit Lecce and want to know the city and its food specialties? This outdoor street food tour is perfect for you!
Stroll into the city center and taste the best known local street food. Your guide will tell you the histories related to the main highlights such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, considered the emblem of Lecce baroque style, the Cathedral and many palaces you will find on the way. From a highlight to another, you will stop and delight your palate with the most famous and tasty delicacies of Salento, like the "rustico": soft puff pastry disc filled with mozzarella, tomato and bechamel, "frisella": roll bread, twice-baked and topped with fresh tomato, olive oil, or the pastry star "pasticciotto": a short pastry stuffed with custard and other fantastic sample of Salento specialties.
Choose to take this tour either at lunch or dinner time, as it is an ideal way to do some sightseeing while having a light meal as you make your way through the city.
Available options
English option
What's included
Food tasting of local street food like rustico (made with puff pastry and a stuffing), frisa (bread roll seasoned with tomatoes, olive oil), tarallini and pastries
Detailed itinerary
1
You will meet our guide here, down the big arch, that represents one of the three old main entrances of the city
2
This church is important for its façade: convex in the lower part and concave in the upper part
3
The peculiarity of this square is that it's closed, with only one entrance. Inside you can admire the wonderful façade of old bishopric. In the night you will enjoy the special atmosphere coming from the lighting on buildings
4
Stop 4
Porta Napoli is the second entrance to old town together with Porta San Biagio and Porta Rudiae. It takes this name because from this point begins the route to get to Naples
5
Together with Santa Croce basilaca that stands by its side, they are the emblem of local Barocco style: facades full of minute decorations to resemble a thick embroidered sheet
6
While discovering the main highlights of Lecce in old town, you will also anjoy the most famous samples of local specialties, like rustico, a saldy puff pastry snack, pasticciotto, emblem of local pastries and frisella, typical fast food of summer light lunch and dinner
What's not included
Gratuities (optional)
Drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
34 reviews
5★
32
4★
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0
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Tripadvisor
4.9
53 reviews
5★
49
4★
4
3★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour CAN accommodate vegetarians (not vegans). Please advise at time of booking
Please provide information about allergies when booking
Meeting point
Sotto il grande orologio a muro, all'inizio di via Trinchese
Questo meeting point è solo per il tour delle 8.30pm
About Lecce
Lecce is a stunning city in the Puglia region of southern Italy, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is often referred to as 'The Florence of the South' due to its architectural splendor and artistic heritage.
Top Attractions
Basilica di Santa Croce
This stunning Baroque church is one of Lecce's most iconic landmarks. Its intricate facade and ornate interior are a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Roman Amphitheatre
Discovered in 1901, this ancient Roman amphitheatre could once seat up to 25,000 spectators. Today, it's an impressive archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction.
Historical
1-2 hours
€4 (combo ticket with other archaeological sites)
Castle of Charles V
Built in the 16th century, this imposing fortress offers panoramic views of the city and houses several museums, including the Provincial Archaeological Museum.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€4 (combo ticket with other archaeological sites)
Piazza del Duomo
This beautiful square is home to the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Bishop's Palace. The square is a great place to relax and soak in the city's Baroque architecture.
Historical/Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome for the cathedral)
Porta Napoli
This grand Baroque gate marks the entrance to the historic center of Lecce. Built in the 16th century, it's a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural prowess.
Historical/Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Orecchiette
A traditional pasta shape from Puglia, often served with cime di rapa (turnip greens) or tomato sauce.
Main dish
Vegetarian (if made without anchovies)
Burrata
A creamy, fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with bread and local olive oil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Pasticciotto
A sweet pastry filled with custard, similar to a cream-filled croissant.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Negroamaro
A full-bodied red wine from the Salento region, known for its rich flavor and deep color.
Drink
Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in the countryside
Cycling tours
Water sports in nearby beaches
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Historic sightseeing
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The summer months are the busiest and hottest, with numerous festivals and outdoor events. The weather is perfect for beach trips and exploring the city's historic sites.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lecce is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Brindisi Airport • 40 km from Lecce
- Bari Airport • 150 km from Lecce
By train
Lecce Station
By bus
Lecce Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system covers the city and surrounding areas. Buses are affordable and frequent, but schedules can be irregular.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Storico
San Biagio
Arnesano
Day trips
Otranto
30 km from Lecce • Half day to full day
Otranto is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic castle, and stunning cathedral. It's a great day trip from Lecce for those looking to combine history and relaxation.
Gallipoli
50 km from Lecce • Full day
Gallipoli is a historic seaside town known for its stunning beaches, medieval old town, and rich cultural heritage. It's a great day trip from Lecce for those looking to explore more of the Puglia region.
Alberobello
120 km from Lecce • Full day
Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique trulli houses. It's a great day trip from Lecce for those looking to explore the unique architecture and cultural heritage of the Puglia region.
Festivals
Fiera di San Oronzo • August 25-26
Festival della Taranta • August
Sagra del Pasticciotto • July
Pro tips
- Visit Lecce's historic sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
- Try the local specialty, orecchiette, a traditional pasta shape from Puglia, often served with cime di rapa (turnip greens) or tomato sauce
- Explore the city's narrow streets and hidden courtyards to discover the true charm of Lecce's Baroque architecture
- Take a day trip to the nearby coastal towns of Otranto and Gallipoli for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation
- Visit the local markets, such as the Mercato di San Oronzo, for a glimpse into the daily life of Lecce's residents and to sample the city's fresh, local ingredients
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
