With a history that goes back centuries, Venice teems with incredible attractions - architecturally stunning buildings, majestic collection of artworks, and of course gorgeous sceneries. A dream destination that is on the top of almost every traveler’s bucket list, the city has a charm like no other. Whether that’s gliding over the canals on a gondola or marveling at paintings or sculptures by masters, the city offers unforgettable experiences. Rialto is Venice’s central district and that’s where you will find some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Rialto Bridge. Scroll on and find the top 10 things to do in Rialto, Venice, Italy.
1. Appreciate the food culture of Venice
As an island city, Venice’s food scene is a unique one offering flavours quite different from other regions of Italy. Explore its culinary treasures by touring its markets, eateries as well as osterias/trattorias, pastry stores and of course wine bars so you can sample some of the city’s best dishes. Try taking one of the many food tours dedicated to Rialto where you will be escorted by a local foodie to this area’s top markets and eateries. You will also get insights into the rich history of the city as you explore these food establishments.
Book Tours : Venice: Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour
2. Walk across the iconic Rialto Bridge
One of Venice’s most celebrated sights, Rialto Bridge is the distinctive stone arch bridge that connects San Marco and San Polo. This bridge over the Grand Canal was constructed between 1588 and 1591 and spans 7.5-meter (24-feet). The bridge consists of three walkways, two go along the outer sides and the central one, which is lined with dozens of small shops, leads to the portico. Though crowded, walking up the pathway to enjoy the views is an unmissable experience. Alternatively, you can hop onto a water bus and enjoy the beauty of the bridge from the Grand Canal.
Rialto Bridge
Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
3. Get spooked on a ghost tour
Venice has numerous curious legends, episodes and stories that will leave you fascinated. Experience the mysterious side of this ancient city by touring the top sights of San Marco Square and Rialto in the company of an experienced guide who will relate interesting stories associated with them. As you walk through ancient churches, squares and hallways you will get a chance to learn facets about Venice that you may miss otherwise.
Book Tours : Venice: Ghost Tour to Rialto and San Marco Square
4. Experience a gondola ride across Grand Canal
Travel through Venice like locals by going on a gondola ride over the Grand Canal, exploring hidden parts of the city. Glide through the city enjoying its iconic sights like Rialto Bridge from a different perspective and appreciate the city’s beauty from the water. You will be able to easily find tours that feature expert gondoliers who will take you on a smooth ride while adding interesting trivia about the city and its culture.
Book Tours : Classic 30-Minute Gondola Ride in Venice
Nearby things to do
5. Spend time at the lovely St. Mark's Square
Located in the heart of the Floating City lies one of its must-visit attractions, St. Mark’s Square museums. The square holds four museums that offer insight into Venetian history: Museo Correr, Doge’s Palace, National Archaeological Museum Venice, and finally Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana. Museo Correr houses the collection of Teodoro Correr a Venetian noble. You will find displays that showcase the life, arts and culture of Venice from 15th century onwards. Doge’s Palace showcases stunning Gothic-style architecture - you can admire the ornate carvings, decorations, paintings and also various collections displayed inside. The city’s oldest surviving public library is Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana where you can also admire beautiful frescos. National Archaeological Museum Venice offers a rich collection of ancient archaeological finds and historical art, antiques and collectables.
6. View the outstanding Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Peggy Guggenheim Collection hosts one of the best collections of modern art in Europe. Housed inside an 18th-century palace located on the Grand Canal this museum has some of the most well-known artworks by a range of celebrated artists from Picasso, Magritte, Willem de Kooning, Rothko and Warhol. Also onsite is the Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden which features sculptures from top artists like Duchamp-Villon, Giacometti, Merz, and Richier.
7. Admire the remarkable interiors of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Said to be the most impressive of Venice’s churches, Santa María Gloriosa dei Frari, also known as Los Frari will take your breath away. Although this large Gothic-style church has a plain exterior, the interior boasts some of the incredible work by artists like Titian, Donatello, Vivarini and Bellini. The church also hosts the tombs of some of Venice’s illustrious residents like Antonio Canova.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Address: San Polo, 3072, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Website: Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 8:30am - 7:30pm
8. Explore the breathtaking Doge's Palace
Doge’s Palace is one of the most-visited attraction in Venice and for good reason. This palace has a majestic exterior but its interiors are even more spectacular. Once the residence of the Doge (the ruler of Venice), the palace is large and has several separate sections such as the Courtyard, Doge Apartments, the Prisons, and Museo Dell’ Opera. Inside you will see a vast array of amazing artworks - sculptures, carvings, paintings and frescoes - by celebrated artists lining the architecturally majestic rooms.
Book Tours : Doge's Palace secret passages tour in Venice - Klook
9. See the artworks of Venetian masters at Gallerie dell'Accademia
The Accademia Gallery of Venice was started as a training institution for artists in the 18th century but is today known for some of the most stunning Venetian paintings from artists like Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pontormo, Domenico Ghirlandaio to Orcagna. The museum has an extensive art collection including those that were possessed by churches and convents of yore. Artworks found here feature different art styles ranging from Byzantine to Gothic and also Renaissance.
Book Tours : Skip the Line: Venice Accademia Galleries Ticket
Enjoy the beauty of Venice
Being the heart of Venice and its oldest neighbourhood, Rialto gives a wonderful glimpse of all that this amazing city has to offer. Be sure to set aside enough time so you can experience this magical place without rushing. With this list of top 10 things to do in Rialto, Venice, Italy, you are sure to cover all of its main attractions.
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