RIALTO BRIDGE
No one can visit Venice without climbing the stairs of the iconic Rialto Bridge and looking over the Grand Canal. You are likely to cross over the bridge numerous times during your stay because the Grand Canal can only be crossed at four points: Rialto, Academia, Ponte degli Scalzi (the bridge next to the station), and Ponte della Constituzione (the one next to Piazzale Roma).
Rialto Bridge is truly beautiful both in the day and at nighttime.
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
Crossing the bridge with a pram can be a struggle. There is a main staircase in the center between the shops as well as two stairs on either side. The stairs on the north side are usually the least busy and the gradient of the steps seems slightly easier to get up with a pram.
INSIDER TIPS
The area is often very busy and in peak tourist season the crowds can be overbearing. Get up early and go to Rialto before the crowds arrive (or very late when they have left). I regularly cross Rialto after taking the kids to school and often find it empty before 9am.
If you’re in the area pop straight into the Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store for a wonderful, free view over the bridge and canal. Before noon, stroll around the Rialto Fish Market too.
Remember that Venice is very small. You can walk from Rialto Bridge to Saint Mark’s square in less than 15 minutes! So don’t waste time on crowded water buses unless you’re going further away.
Address: Ponte di Rialto, Sestiere San Polo
Nearest waterbus: Rialto (lines 1 & 2)