Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Lecce to help you make the most of your trip while feeling like a local
Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and follow our anti-tourist guide to truly experience what it’s like to live in Lecce—one of the most underrated cities in Italy. From vintage Vespas to archaeological remains of Roman rule, you will see it all. We put together this anti-tourist guide to make your visit even easier.
How many days should I save to visit Lecce?
Tricky question! You could really spend an entire month discovering all the cafés, bars and surrounding beaches, like in many Mediterranean countries. However, if you are backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, two to three days are usually enough to cover the must-see spots in Lecce. Nevertheless, if you want to see other cities in that region and make Lecce your home base (which I highly recommend), an entire week allows for a more relaxed and less stressful experience.
Now that this is covered, our next question is…
What is Lecce known for?
a) Food
Like the rest of Italy, Lecce is home to incredible food. And although you surely have to indulge in all the classics such as pizza and pasta. Additionally, you should also keep an eye out for these Puglian dishes that you can’t easily find elsewhere.
- Try Pasticciotto Leccese: this pastry, typical for the Puglian region, is a must-try when in Lecce. It’s usually filled with ricotta or some kind of egg custard. We recommend trying both!
- The savory equivalent would be the Rustico Leccese: it’s a puff pastry disc filled with béchamel sauce, tomatoes, mozzarella, and a pinch of pepper. This is the perfect snack and can be found in every cafe.
- Mustaccioli Leccesi
- Fruttone Leccese
- Pizzi Leccesi
- Caffè Leccese: The Italians love their coffee. But did you know they even prepare them differently in each region? Well, nothing beats a good espresso in the long run, but if you are in Lecce, definitely try caffè leccese. It is essentially a shot of espresso with almond milk over some ice cubes. Some people like to add a bit of almond syrup as well.
- Orecchiette con le cime di rapa: “Le cime di rapa” is a vegetable from the Puglian region and is similar to broccoli rabe. This dish is fresh and comforting at the same time, and you have to give it a try.
- Ciceri e Tria: Another pasta dish prepared with chickpeas. I was skeptical in the beginning, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
b) Architecture
We know Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo pop up at first when planning your trip to Lecce. But even though this is an anti-tourist guide to Lecce, we have to admit that the architecture is breathtaking, and you absolutely have to admire this art. In addition, we collected some monuments and art museums besides the off the beaten path:
Day trips and crystal-clear blue beaches near Lecce
Lecce is wonderfully connected, and it’s easy to discover other cities and magnificent beaches by public transport. Below is a list of some—though by no means all—spectacular destinations to reach easily by bus or train in less than two hours.
- Torre Sant Andrea
- Parco Naturale Regionale Isola di Sant’Andrea e litorale di Punta Pizzo
- Bari
- Brindisi
- Ostuni
- Le Due Sorelle
- Otranto
- Monopoli
- Polignano a Mare
- Porto Cesareo
- Gallipoli
Time for anti-tourist shopping spots in Lecce
Don’t worry! I won’t name any of the places you already know. We believe traveling should be more sustainable, both for the environment and the locals. Hence why you should get ready for the best second-hand, free-spirited concept stores and antique markets in Lecce:
- Haus28: This is your cute, little vintage store to shop casual clothing from the 1960s to the early 2000s. What’s special about them is that they upcycle some pieces into unique and innovative treasures. It’s worth checking out.
- Biba Vintage: One of the best vintage spots in Lecce! They offer a wide variety of clothes and are praised for their beautiful collections.
- Lecce antique market: Every last Sunday of the month, Viale XX Settembre turns into a huge flea market. There is nothing you can’t find here. The market shuts down early in the afternoon; so arrive in the morning to avoid the midday sun. This might also be the place to find unique and individual souvenirs.
- Honestly, just wander through Lecce. Maybe you’ll stumble upon other beautiful shops we didn’t get to discover. Even if there’s no space in your luggage anymore. Strolling through the city with all its flair is just a vibe.
Anti-tourist (fancy-ish) restaurants and bars in Lecce
- Al Ventuno: Open every day from early in the morning until late at night, whether you want a quick Italian breakfast of espresso and a cornetto or enjoy a cocktail in the evening hours. This place won’t disappoint you. They also offer other dishes that aren’t typically Italian
- Blunotte: a little bit more pricey but worth the upcharge if you want to eat scrumptious fish
- La Bocca: This is the kind of place you go to if you really want to treat yourself. Amazing Italian cuisine that you can experience with all your senses – but most importantly with your mouth (La Bocca). They happily adapt to your circumstances, and you get to choose where to sit: either inside a refined dining room or outdoors in an intimate courtyard with a garden.
- 400 Gradi: If you couldn’t make it to Naples yet, that’s sad. But after eating their Neapolitan pizza, you’ll feel like you’ve been there before. Prices range from 7€ and 13€ depending on what you get. Which, if you ask me, is a perfect deal considering the nice ambience you’re sitting in.
If you are looking for some cheaper options, make sure to check out our cheap eats guide to Lecce.
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