Located in the heel of Italy lies Lecce — a golden-hued city that instantly captured our hearts. We absolutely loved wandering its quiet alleys, admiring the intricate Baroque details, and sipping spritzes on sunny piazzas. Lecce is one of Puglia’s most captivating towns and a must-see on your itinerary, thanks to its rich architecture and history. Discover everything you need to know in our complete guide.
Things to do in Lecce, Italy
Known for its baroque architecture and limestone buildings, Lecce in Italy is often dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’. This living museum was such a surprise during our Puglia itinerary, where we wandered the narrow streets, discovered hidden piazzas, and had a relaxed lunch in a wine bar.
1. Roam the Historic Streets
Lecce is one of the biggest cities in the Puglia region and is truly breathtaking. There’s immense history to discover here. We loved wandering around the city’s baroque streets, admiring all the architecture.
Did you know? The buildings in Lecce are made from a soft, golden limestone called pietra leccese (Lecce Stone), which gives the city a beautiful, warm glow.
Although it’s not the largest area, we easily spent a few hours here. Tip: Stay in a hotel and wake up early to catch the prettiest light on the buildings!
Book a guided walking tour in Lecce to learn more about the city
2. Basilica di Santa Croce (a must in Lecce, Italy)
The Basilica di Santa Croce’s exterior is out of this world — we were so impressed by the detail of the stone carving. It’s one of the most intricate Baroque facades you’ll find in Italy, which is no wonder, as it took over 200 years to complete!
Also read: Best things to do in Puglia, Italy
In the evening, locals love to hang out on the stairs here. While many simply come to enjoy the basilica’s exterior, you can also enter the building to see its richly decorated interior. Tickets: 7 EUR.
Tip: We bought a combined ticket for Lecce’s most important historical sites. It costs 9 EUR and includes entry to the basilica, several baroque churches, and the seminary palace. Pre-book them here.
We came here around sunset, when the light casts the buildings in a truly special light. It’s also possible to climb the Duomo’s Bell Tower for panoramic views over the city (perfect if you’ve got the combo ticket).
Tickets & opening times: The Duomo is open from 9 AM to 9 PM in the summer, 9 AM to 6 PM in the winter. Entry costs 6 EUR, but we recommend getting the combined ticket.
4. The Roman Amphitheater – Highlight of Lecce, Italy
Tucked right into Lecce’s central Piazza Sant’Oronzo lies quite the surprise: the Roman Amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century, it once held up to 25,000 cheering spectators — and was completely buried for centuries until it was accidentally rediscovered in the 1900s during construction work.
Today, you can stroll past its weathered arches, sit on the ancient steps, and imagine the roar of the crowd echoing through the arena. It still hosts performances from time to time! It’s a surreal contrast: Roman ruins surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings, right in the heart of the buzzing town. We did not expect to see this in Lecce, and a must-see on your Puglia itinerary.
5. Indulge in a Pasticciotto
After a morning of sightseeing, we went looking for Lecce’s incredible foodie spots. We loved the pastries at Caffè Alvino. We were told the regional favorite is Pasticciotti, a pastry filled with vanilla custard (in production since the 1700s!).
However, you can now get different variations of this yummy snack with chocolate, pistachio, and fruity fillings. Our favorite was the one with the lemon cream filling, which was really good! The pastries are typically served warm, making them the perfect addition to your morning coffee.
Tip: Lecce has a vibrant food scene in general. Therefore, it’s a great place to join a street food tour. This way, you not only get to taste all the specialities but also get to know more about the city and its important sites. (Book your street food tour here)
6. Il Castello di Carlo V
Il Castello di Carlo V sits right in the center of Lecce. This massive 16th-century fortress was built to defend the city from invasions, but these days it’s all about art.
There are beautifully restored rooms, arched ceilings, and hidden passageways that we loved exploring. Especially when you join the 50-minute guided tour to hear all the fascinating stories behind the walls. Check the castle’s website for times and tickets.
7. Dive into the Museums in Lecce, Italy
Lecce has some incredible museums, whether you’re into archaeology, Jewish heritage, or contemporary art. These are a few of the most popular:
- Museo Faggiano: A house turned accidental archaeological site. With tunnels, old tombs, and fascinating history right under your feet.
- Fondazione Biscozzi Rimbaud: A modern art gallery with over 200 pieces. This one’s quiet, creative, and perfect for a relaxed hourly stroll.
- MUST (Museo Storico). Think ancient ruins to modern art. It’s small but packed with history.
- Museo Ebraico di Lecce. Discover Lecce’s medieval Jewish community at this underground museum. Short guided tours are included!
Hotels in Lecce, Italy
Although you can visit Lecce for just the day, we spent one night in the city in an incredible hotel and highly recommend it. That way, you get to experience its quieter side, when daytrippers have left, and the locals are out for their passeggiata (evening stroll).
How to Visit Lecce
Puglia has two international airports: Bari and Brindisi (the closest to Lecce, Italy). Both have plenty of options for traveling throughout
From here, you can reach the limestone city in a few different ways:
By car: The easiest way to get to Lecce is by renting a car. Driving time: 40 minutes from Brindisi, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Bari Airport. We love it as we get to explore hidden gems across Puglia!
By train: There are no direct trains from the airport to Lecce, but there’s one to Brindisi’s center and then another to the limestone town. Travel time: ~1 hour (check timetables here).
By bus: There are regular direct buses from Brindisi Airport to Lecce (40 minutes). The bus system in Puglia is surprisingly efficient and often faster than the trains.
Getting Around
The best way to explore the city’s rich history is on foot. We loved strolling through the limestone piazzas and alleyways. Our favorite moment is pausing for a delicious focaccia or gelato, sitting down on a bench, and watching the people pass by.
Note: Most of the town is a ZTL zone, meaning only residents may drive here. Because of this, parking can be a bit of an inconvenience once you get to Lecce, Italy. The good news is that there are a few larger underground parking areas (about 15 EUR for the day).
Best Restaurants and Cafes
Lunch or dinnertime in Puglia is fantastic; there are so many restaurants where you can indulge in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Order a Frisella to-go or try Cicera e Tria (pasta and chickpeas) and Pesce alla Pignata (slow-cooked fish with tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs).
Some of our favorite restaurants in Lecce are:
The city’s vibrant dining scene also makes it the perfect place for a street food tour!
Best Time to Visit Lecce, Italy
We visited in October and found it the best! We had an average daily temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius, there were fewer crowds, and in the late afternoon/evening, we’d often have the busy city streets all to ourselves!
- Popular time to go: July + August (though hot and busiest months!)
- Best time of the day: First thing in the morning or later in the afternoon (best light and less busy).
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