Things to See:

• Basilica di Santa Croce – The crown jewel of Lecce Baroque. The facade is one of the most elaborately decorated in all of Italy. A must.
• Piazza del Duomo – One of the most beautiful squares in Italy, enclosed on three sides. Even better at night when it’s lit up.
• Piazza Sant’Oronzo – The heart of the city. The Roman Amphitheater sits right in the middle—partially underground, wild to just stumble upon.
• Castello Carlo V – 16th-century castle right in the center of town.
• Roman Theatre – 2nd-century ruins, worth a look. Note: has been closed since 2025, verify before visiting.

Dishes to Try:

• Caffè Leccese – Espresso poured over ice with almond syrup. Order this every morning, no exceptions.
• Ciceri e Tria – Fried pasta with chickpeas. Unique to Lecce.
• Rustico Leccese – Savory pastry filled with mozzarella, béchamel, and tomato. Great street food.
• Fave e Cicoria – Mashed fava beans with chicory. Classic cucina povera, don’t skip it.
• Sagne ‘ncannulate – Long twisty pasta, usually with tomato and cacioricotta cheese.

Restaurants:

• Primo – Michelin-starred, headed by Solaika Marrocco, Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef. Two tasting menus reimagining Salento flavors. Book well in advance.
• Trattoria Nonna Tetti – Simple, traditional, local. Strong flavors, great pasta and meat. One of the go-to spots for authentic Puglian food in Lecce.
• La Cucina di Mamma Elvira – Rustic-chic, farm-to-table, all local produce. Quietly one of the best meals you’ll have in Lecce.
• Alle Due Corti – Old school Leccese trattoria, very traditional. Eat here if you want to eat like a local.
• Doppiozero – Good for everything from morning coffee to aperitivo to dinner. Big sunny terrace.

Bars:

• Quanto Basta – One of the best cocktail bars in the city, extensive and creative menu. Multiple sources call it one of the best bars in all of Puglia.
• Prohibition – Right near Quanto Basta, good for bar hopping. Creative cocktails, solid beer and wine.
• Liberrima – Bookstore by day, wine bar by night. Terrace under one of the cathedrals. Only in Italy.
• Porta San Biagio / Piazza Sant’Oronzo area – The main nightlife hub. This is where the movida happens, especially between the Church of Santa Chiara and Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Just wander and find your spot.

Rooftop Bars:

• Sira Rooftop Bar (Patria Palace Hotel) – The top pick. Cocktails with a direct view of the Basilica di Santa Croce’s rose window. Lonely Planet’s pick for aperitivo in Lecce.

Clubs:

• Lecce is a university city so there’s actually a real nightlife scene here, unlike the rest of Puglia. The action is concentrated around Porta San Biagio. For the real party though, most locals head to Gallipoli about an hour south—Puglia’s summer party capital, with beach clubs that turn into clubs at night including Praja and Riobo, one of Italy’s most famous clubs.