The oldest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal, a single stone arch by Antonio da Ponte built in 1588-1591 on the site of earlier wooden bridges; until the Accademia bridge opened in 1854 it was the only way to cross the canal on foot. Two rows of small shops run over its central arcade, and the top gives one of the classic views up and down the canal.
- Address
- Ponte di Rialto, 30125 Venezia
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time to go
- Morning, Evening · About 20 min
- Price
- Free
- Price level
- €
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Go at sunrise for photos without crowds; from mid-morning to late afternoon the steps are packed.
- Cross to the San Polo side for the Rialto fish and produce market in the morning (fish market closed Sundays and Mondays) and the bacari around it.
- The shops on the bridge sell glass, masks and jewellery at higher prices than elsewhere; treat them as browsing.