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Ponte di Rialto

Rialto Bridge

The first bridge over the Grand Canal, now one of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

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Rialto (1-min walk)

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What makes it special

The first bridge to cross Canal Grande

Even today, there are only 3 other bridges spanning this main waterway.

The bridge you see today is not the original

Multiple iterations occurred from the initial floating bridge of 1181 to the current design by Antonio da Ponte in 1591.

A daring design for its era

The bridge has a single central arch supported by an impressive 12,000 elm poles.

Inspiration for another famous bridge

After contributing to the construction of the Rialto bridge, Da Ponte's nephew designed Bridge of Sighs.

The narrowest section of Canal Grande

The intensity of the boat traffic here is amplified by the tight space and the sharp 90-degree bend just past the bridge.

Three sets of stairs

The lateral ones offer views of Canal Grande and the traffic beneath the bridge, while the shops flanking the central staircase make it easy to forget you're crossing a waterway.

Rialto Bridge : Standing at the highest point of the bridge, on the central stairs that are lined with shops, looking west

Discover more about Rialto Bridge through 15 photos with explanations.

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Your experience here

Cross one of the most iconic bridges in the world.
Stand where merchants and financiers made deals that shaped Venice's trading power.
See the parade of boats - gondolas, water taxis, vaporettos - glide under the arch.

Ways to see the bridge

Although crossing the bridge is the main experience, viewing it from all angles is a spectacle in its own right.

From underneath

Rialto Bridge : Experience passing under the bridge from the front seats of a water bus for the best view

The #1 or #2 vaporetto is the easiest way to pass under the bridge and truly appreciate its impressive width.

Even more spectacular if you pair it with a full ride along the entire Canal Grande.

A simple 75-minute ticket might not be enough, so it’s always a good idea to opt for a day pass, ride as much as possible, and enjoy full flexibility.

Waterbus Guide

From a gondola

Rialto Bridge : Glide peacefully in a gondola and enjoy a brief moment of calm between the waves created by passing waterbuses

Gondoliers are plentiful on-site, ready to take you close to the bridge and glide underneath when the way is clear of the large water buses.

Standard gondola rates set by the city apply: a 30-minute ride costs €90 during the day and €110 in the evening or at night.

This price is per boat, not per person, and each gondola can carry up to five passengers.

Payment is cash only, so if you don’t have cash on hand or are traveling in a small group, shared gondola rides can be booked online for a more budget-friendly option.

From the south

The south side of the bridge basks in sunlight, making it a delight to watch.

While the embankment near the Rialto water bus station provides a decent view, it is the sunny western quayside opposite that offers some of the best perspectives.

This area is called Riva del Vin, and the views are especially enjoyable from a table at one of the open-air restaurants lining the water.