Want to go to Lecce with your family but don’t feel like puttin’ in the work to design a kid-friendly itinerary?
Take a look at what we did on a recent trip and follow it exactly or tweak it to fit your family or schedule.
We traveled to Lecce in June – me (mamma) and my three boys, ages 4, 7, and 11.
If you want to see my full guide to the city – check out Lecce with Kids. Otherwise, let’s go to Lecce!
Map for Spending a Day in Lecce with Kids
Before You Come to Italy
Call or email to arrange a bicycle rickshaw tour with Velo Service Lecce. Make sure you let them know your exact numbers so they can have enough rickshaws for your group. We were able to squeeze into one rickshaw.
Even if you’ve already been to Lecce, it’s a fun way to explore the city – especially if it’s a hot summer day or your kids are feeling tired or you don’t have a full day to spend in the city.
Arrive in Lecce
Park in the lot noted on the map above (make sure you pay in the machine or with your app) and walk to the Velo Service office.
Breakfast Tip: Eat breakfast at your accommodation or grab coffee and pastries at a bar (coffee shop) when you get to Lecce. If you just need a quick coffee (to wake up), detour to Caffè Otranto and be on your way. If your kids (or you) are craving a sweet, fancy-ish pastry, head to Pasticceria Carmelino (about an 8-minute walk from where you parked, then another 5 minutes to the Velo Service office).
Helpful Tip: Nervous about parking? Read my guide to Parking in Italy for Visitors.
See Some Lecce Sites from the Seat of Your Rickshaw
The tour can be tailored to your family. Your visit may include:
- Lecce’s unique two-façade cathedral
- Roman amphitheater
- Piazza Sant’Oronzo
- Santa Croce Church’s façade
- A wannabe Banksy
- One or more of the city’s porte (doors)
- Papier-maché shops
Stop for Lunch or a Snack
Good To Know: Your bicycle rickshaw guide can drop you off wherever you want – so asked to be dropped off at your lunch or snack spot.
Take a seat outdoors at Caffè Alvino on the corner of Piazza Sant’Oronzo (there’s indoor seating if the weather is poor). Order a salty or sweet snack/lunch. You can also order multiple items and share. We love the rustico Leccese, puccia salentina, and my boys adore the faggottini with hot dogs – true culinary delights.
Go to the Top of the Bell Tower
Don’t worry, I know you’ve just filled your bellies with pucce and hot dogs… You don’t have to do any climbing to get to the top of the bell tower. Stroll back to the Piazza del Duomo, buy your tickets, and take the elevator to the top of the bell tower.
Enjoy the views of Lecce from above. Pick out your favorite rooftop terrace!
Stroll Lecce’s Pedestrian Streets
After visiting the bell tower, visit anything else on your ‘list,’ or just stroll around the historic center.
We spent some time at:
- Roman Amphitheater – we saw it on the tour but my boys wanted to go back
- Shops – Città del Sole, La Feltrinelli book shop,
- Cartapesta – The Cartapesta shop on Via Umberto 1 has a sample out front, which is perfect if you don’t want to bring small children into a papier-machè store. And, it’s also on the same street as Baldo Gelato (in case you need some gelato).
Good To Know: Even pedestrian areas can have some car traffic (local residents, workers, taxis, etc). Always keep your little kids close.
Join Local Kids at the Playground
I Giardini Garibaldi (Garibaldi Gardens) have two playgrounds (within sight of each other). Plus, local kids play soccer (this was a highlight for my older boys).
The playgrounds in Garibaldi Gardens have padded ground, benches for parents, some shade, and basic playground equipment for kids (swings, slides, climbing structures, etc).
It’s a lively place, especially on a summer evening.
The only thing to note is that because it can get crowded, it can be tough to keep track of multiple kids.
Get Gelato to Go
Walk to Gelateria La Romana and get everyone a cone or cup of our favorite Italian sweet treat.
Or, get dinner! I’ve got a few suggestions in my Lecce with kids guide.
Walk Back to Your Car
From Gelateria La Romana to the parking lot, it’s about a 20-minute walk. You can either walk along the main road (more direct, but with traffic), or go back into the city center (mostly pedestrian streets, takes a few minutes longer, more crowded with people).
Heads up that your kids (especially the little ones) may be feeling pretty pooped at this point. You may need to give piggy back rides back to your car. Luckily, my 4-year-old was distracted by his gelato and didn’t really comment on the walk back.
And, that’s it! Arrivederci, Lecce! I hope you and your children enjoy your time in Lecce and that this itinerary helps you out a bit!
You may also want to check out
Puglia with Kids
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
Italy with Kids Packing List
Check out my Puglia beach guides
Torre Guaceto Beach
Torre Lapillo Beach
Lido Stella Maris (at Torre Lapillo)
