Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

The Basics

The Rialto is one of the most famous landmark bridges in Europe, and a popular and crowded Venice attraction connecting the San Marco district, home of St. Mark's Square, to the San Polo district, where Venice's famous fish market has stood for 700 years. The bridge is visited on nearly every walking tour through the "Floating City," along with other historic tourist attractions like the nearby Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), and St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). For a unique view of the bridge far from the crowds, consider booking a Venice gondola ride or Venice Grand Canal evening boat tour to see the bridge from the water.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The bridge is lined with tiny shops and leads to the San Polo neighborhood, known for its market and gourmet stores; it’s an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.

• The Rialto is a pedestrian bridge but has stairs on each side, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get to There

The Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and San Polo districts, and can be reached by vaporetto water bus lines 1 and 2 via the Rialto stop. Along Venice's maze of tiny streets, there are signs and arrows painted on the walls at regular intervals pointing toward the Rialto.

When to Get There

The islands of Venice are crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be a challenge to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Take an early morning or late evening stroll if visiting between April and October, or book a private tour by boat along the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal Bridges

The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the wood-and-steel Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble ‘Bridge of the Barefoot’ (Ponte degli Scalzi).

Is there a fee to visit and cross the Rialto Bridge?

No, there isn’t a fee to visit and cross the Rialto Bridge. Whether you visit during the day or at night, this public bridge can be crossed free of charge. There tend to be a lot of visitors there, though, so it's best to come early in the morning.

What are the best tips for photographing the Rialto Bridge?

For stunning photos of the Rialto Bridge, consider two perspectives: an up-close shot from a gondola ride or a panoramic view from the canal banks. Locate Naranzaria on your map of Venice, just before getting to Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, for an ideal spot to take photos of the Rialto Bridge from afar.

Can you kiss under the Rialto Bridge?

Yes, you can kiss under the Rialto Bridge. Accessing the bridge's underside requires a boat; you can choose between a romantic gondola ride or the budget-friendly Vaporetto. This tradition is akin to the superstition of the Bridge of Sighs, where a kiss promises eternal love.

What are the costs and options for gondola rides at the Rialto Bridge?

Gondola rides featuring the Rialto Bridge can cater to various budgets. A shared 30-minute ride is typically priced at around US$40. Alternatively, couples seeking a more intimate experience can choose private gondola rides for around US$170. Premium packages with photography can be around US$440 per couple.

How can I reach the Rialto Bridge?

Nestled in Venice's San Polo district, the Rialto Bridge crosses the famous Grand Canal and is easily accessible on foot or by boat. Visitors often use public water buses, with lines #1 and #2 servicing the area. Alternatively, it’s an easy 15-minute walk from Santa Lucia railway station.

What is the Rialto Bridge like at night?

The Rialto Bridge in Venice offers a quieter, more romantic setting at night than its busy daytime atmosphere. The bridge, lit up beautifully, provides an excellent opportunity for night photography, especially around sunset. Visiting in the evening allows travelers to experience the bridge's beauty with fewer tourists around.

Ways to explore

The popularity and fame of the Rialto have ensured that this crowded Venice attraction is visited on nearly every walking tour through the Floating City. Stop for photos both on the pedestrian arch bridge and at nearby viewpoints along the canal to capture this signature vista of Venice. For a unique view of the bridge far from the crowds, book a gondola ride or an evening canal boat tour to see the bridge from the water. Budget travelers can replicate this experience aboard one of the city’s vaporetto, its public water buses, but the views aren’t quite the same.

Accessibility

The Rialto is a pedestrian bridge with stairs on each side, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

All ages are welcome; parents should keep a close eye on their children to prevent them from getting lost at this crowded attraction.

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Don’t sit on the stairs of the bridge, as that can block access to other pedestrians.

Amenities

The stairs to the bridge are lined with tiny shops selling souvenirs and specialty items.

Address

The pedestrian Rialto Bridge connects the San Marco and San Polo districts of Venice and is the most central bridge over the Grand Canal. Taking a boat along the canal is the only alternative to walking.

Driving

With no roads in this part of Venice, park your car on the mainland or in the parking lots at Santa Chiara, just on the other side of the Ponte della Libertà.

Public transportation

Take Line 1 or Line 2 of the vaporetto ferry service along the Grand Canal and alight at the Rialto dock, a short walk from the bridge.

Best times to visit

Take an early morning or late evening stroll for your best chance at getting a good spot on the bridge.

Best days to visit

Come on a weekday to miss the busy weekend tourist scene.

Best months to visit

The islands of Venice are crowded with tourists from June to September; visit in spring or fall for fewer crowds on the bridge and in the city.