Lecce: The Baroque Beauty of Southern Italy
Nestled in the heart of Italy’s stunning Puglia region, Lecce is often called the “Florence of the South” thanks to its incredible baroque architecture and charming old town. Visiting Lecce with kids might not sound like a great day out compared to the coastal charm and beach life of some of Puglia’s other towns, but don’t let its historic vibe fool you — Lecce is surprisingly kid-friendly and full of adventures that will delight the whole family.
If you’re planning a trip with little ones, here’s why Lecce should be at the top of your list, plus tips to make your visit smooth and fun!
How to get to Lecce
Lecce is directly serviced by the Italy’s Trenitalia lines in the Puglia region, so it is an easy day trip from popular towns such as Bari, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli. The train trip between Bari and Lecce is just under 2 hours and will cost around 13 euros per adult.
If you’re flying into Puglia, the region is serviced by two main airports – Bari and Brindisi. Brindisi is slightly closer and a direct bus from the airport to Lecce will only take around 40 minutes and cost around 7 euros. Otherwise from Brindisi town centre, the Trenitalia runs direct to Lecce and takes around 23 minutes.
Best time of year to visit Lecce
A visit to Puglia is best taken in the shoulder season from late March to May and September to late October. The weather is milder than summer, but still warm and the beaches are still swimmable. The crowds are a little less hectic than in peak summer months, which also makes it easier when travelling to Lecce with kids – pushing a pram or baby wearing in the heat of summer in crowded spaces is not a good time for either you or the kids!
As Lecce is a city, there’s no reason not to visit in the off season either. Christmas decorations abound in the city in December which will create holiday magic for the kids and tourist numbers are at a lull. February also usually offers up carnival celebrations, so there’s lots still to love about Lecce in the winter if you’re not concerned about missing out on swimming at the famous Puglian beaches.
Where to stay in Lecce
Lecce is one of the larger cities in Puglia and there’s lots of accommodation options to suit most people’s needs. Definitely stay in the old town if possible as it is the prettiest area of the city without a doubt. The Arco Vecchio Urban Suite is a great option as it has family rooms and is located in the Centro Storico. Alternatively, the Dimora Storica Muratore has suites that offer sofa beds and a great breakfast offering – which I find always helps to get the kiddos fuelled up for a day of exploring.
Things to do when visiting Lecce with kids
Wander the Centro Storico
Visiting Europe’s old towns has to be one of my favourite travel experiences and exploring the old town of Lecce with kids is no exception. The Baroque architecture is ornately stunning and the cobbled streets and piazzas feel like something out of a fairy tale.
Lecce feels quite different to the rest of Puglia, and so a leisurely walk through the town is a great way to enjoy the uniqueness of the “Florence of the South” in comparison with the other villages in the region.
Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre
Whilst it might not pack as big a punch as the Colosseum in Rome, Lecce amazingly has its own Roman ruins in the form of an amphitheatre that was only discovered in 1901. Construction workers uncovered it when they were building the Bank of Italy in the city.
The incredibly well preserved ruins date all the way back to the first century AD with more enhancements made to the structure in the second century’s Hadrianic era. History loving kids will find this amazing and even our toddler loved looking at the site.
Explore the Castello Carlo V di Lecce
Did you know that Lecce has its very own castle? The Castello Carlo V di Lecce is a fortress and castle that now functions as a cultural centre for the city. Originally constructed in 12AD, the castle underwent enhancements completed in around 1553 and those changes are what you see today when visiting.
The Castello Carlo V di Lecce is the largest fortified building in the entire Puglia region. You can wander the area free of charge or even opt for a guided tour of the castle and learn more about the history. There’s also a rather unique papier-mâché museum onsite – who knew Lecce was famous for its papier-mâché?!
Visit Lecce’s beautiful churches
Though visiting Lecce with kids might not sound like the kind of holiday where you want to be visiting religious sites, the incredible Baroque architecture of the city is arguably best represented in Lecce’s stunning and elaborate churches. Some of the best ones to see are:
- Chiesa di San Matteo
- Chiesa di Santa Chiara
- Duomo di Lecce (Lecce Cathedral)
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Chiesa di Sant’Irene
If you only have time to see one of these, then I recommend the Basilica di Santa Croce. Its facade alone is aboslutely breathtaking and even the kiddos will love the intricate detail carved into the exterior. To go inside, you will need to buy an entry ticket which is well worth it, however if you’re wanting to be frugal even just admiring the frontage is enough to be amazed.
Let imagination run wild at the Museo dei Bambini
Lecce has its very own Children’s Museum and if you’re visiting with kids 10 and under, it is the perfect place to escape the weather and enjoy a big play. With interactive exhibits based on science and learning, the Museo dei Bambini is actually a heap of fun for the adults too.
There are all sorts of activities including building a dinosaur skeleton, sensory play, sound and light experiences and even an area focused on early learning for the littlest kids among us. For those who’ve experienced Australian kids museums like Scienceworks or Questacon and even the Osaka Kids Plaza in Japan, this museum is similar to those attractions.
Kid-friendly places to eat in Lecce
- Antica Pucceria Giannone dal 1941: though small and poky, this little store serving up local puccia (like a panini or sandwich) has to be visited because it is truly delicious. Our toddler has a bit of an adventurous palette and was keen to try the mortadella puccia, but less curious toddlers will even just love the bread from the sandwich.
- Flow Bar and Bistro: a lovely relaxed al fresco dining experience with foccacia and other options. The staff here are great with kids.
- Porcaria Il Panino Gourmet: a sweet outdoor store serving up reasonably priced panino. A great lunch option.
- Il Ritrovo Pizzeria: a wide range of pizzas and a kid-friendly setting.
- Cremeria La Scala: amazing gelato. Need I say more?
FAQs about visiting Lecce with kids
Is Lecce stroller friendly?
Yes, Lecce is extremely stroller friendly. It is very flat, totally walkable and easy to navigate making visiting Lecce with young kids a great idea.
Are there baby change facilities in Lecce?
Fortunately, Lecce is extremely baby friendly. Most restaurants and cafes have baby change facilities fitted. If we were desperate, we also brought our travel pram which has a full recline, so we were able to change our daughter in the pram if necessary.
Is Lecce a good destination for families?
Yes! Lecce is a charming, walkable city with a relaxed pace, beautiful architecture, and plenty of open spaces. It’s safe, welcoming, and offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities that appeal to both adults and children.
Are there any parks or open spaces where kids can play?
Unfortunately Lecce doesn’t offer much in terms of playgrounds inside the historic centre, but there are wide piazzas suitable for kids to stretch their legs. Arguably the best park with a large playground is Parco dei Colori however it is around 30 mins walk from the historic centre of Lecce.
Marginally closer is the Parco di Belloluogo which is a 15 minute walk from the Porto Napoli gate.
Villa Comunale Giuseppe Garibaldi is another option which is only 5 mins walk from Castello di Carlo V which has lovely open spaces and a small playground.
Can you find pharmacies and baby supplies in Lecce?
Yes, pharmacies (farmacie) are common and well-stocked. Supermarkets and baby stores carry nappies, formula, and other essentials.
Are there any beaches near Lecce suitable for children?
Yes! Within 20–30 minutes:
- San Cataldo – Calm waters and sandy beach in Salento.
- Torre dell’Orso – Family-friendly, shallow with amenities.
- Porto Cesareo – Shallow waters and great for toddlers.
What’s the best time of year to visit Lecce with kids?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lots of outdoor fun. Summer is lively but can be very hot.
Do restaurants and hotels offer high chairs or kids’ menus?
Many do, especially in tourist-friendly areas. It’s always good to ask ahead or check reviews. Italian hospitality is generally very accommodating to families.
Where else should I visit in the Puglia region?
Puglia has so many incredible towns. We loved Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni in addition to Lecce. We found them all to be charming and very family friendly.
How long should I stay in Lecce?
Lecce is a small city, so for slower travellers a couple of days would suffice. It is also totally possible to see the city on a day trip if you are based in another Puglian town.
Is Lecce expensive?
Lecce isn’t as expensive as other parts of Italy. To travel comfortably (including boutique or 4 star accommodation), I recommend budgeting around 75 to 100 euros per day per person, but that is assuming you’re eating out for every meal and throwing frugality out the window.
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