Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

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.

• 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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.