The Rialto Bridge
For centuries the Rialto was the only fixed crossing of the Grand Canal. The current stone bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was finished in 1591 after earlier wooden bridges collapsed or burned. Its three walkways (two outer, one central lined with shops) are crowded from mid-morning; come at sunrise for the classic photo along the canal.
Rialto Market
On the San Polo side, the Erberia (produce market) and the arcaded Pescheria (fish market) are still where Venetians shop. Go between 8 and 11 am. The fish market is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Food tours start at the Rialto Market and visit bacari for cicchetti and local wine.
Book a food tour →Cicchetti around Rialto
The lanes behind the market hide some of Venice's oldest bacari (wine bars), serving cicchetti: small snacks such as baccalà mantecato on polenta, sarde in saor and meatballs, with an ombra (a small glass of wine) or a spritz. Stand at the bar or on the canal side like the locals.
Getting there
Rialto is about 25 minutes on foot from the train station and 10 minutes from St. Mark's Square. Vaporetto lines 1 and 2 stop at Rialto; line 1 also stops at Rialto Mercato. For a cheap gondola experience, cross the Grand Canal on the traghetto at Santa Sofia.
Plan your Venice trip
Where to stay
Hotels, B&Bs and apartments: staying overnight lets you see Venice without the day crowds.
Hotels near Rialto →Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.