Rialto Bridge Tours and Vacation Packages

Overview

Rialto Bridge is Venice's oldest bridge. It was built in stone between 1588 and 1591 as a sturdier replacement to a wooden bridge that had a history of collapsing and had also been partially burned down. Every year, millions of tourists cross the 157 ft (48 m) long Rialto Bridge. Virtually every walking Tour of Venice will bring you to the steps of the Rialto, around which lie prominent city landmarks such as Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark's Basilica. You can also view the bridge on a gondola ride or a boat tour that takes you to all the landmarks near the Grand Canal.

An evening boat tour is more popular due to a myth that couples who kiss under the floating city's bridges during sunset will have eternal love. The bridge's central passage heaves with tourists buying souvenirs, jewelry, and Murano glassware. You can cross over the bridge from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Market that sells fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. The bridge is less crowded in the mornings. It may be more romantic to visit the bridge at dusk when it's lit up.