Venice: Rialto Market Street Food Tour & Cicchetti Tasting

Summary

Venice food tour with rialto market stroll and cicchetti stops

You’ll follow a Venetian local through Rialto Market’s lively stalls, taste cicchetti and cheese in tucked-away bars, cross bridges over quiet canals, and end near grand churches as evening settles in. Expect laughter over mispronounced words, small surprises at every stop, and that feeling you only get when you’re walking slow enough to notice real life around you.

What’s the experience like?

You know that first moment you step into the Rialto Market? It’s noisy but not in a bad way—just locals shouting about fish, the smell of briny water mixing with oranges from a nearby stall. Our guide, Marta, waved us over to try these fried little things she called “mozzarella in carrozza.” I probably dripped oil on my shirt but honestly didn’t care. She told us how her grandfather used to shop here every Saturday—her eyes kind of softened for a second. That stuck with me.

We zigzagged through alleys I’d never have found alone, past laundry flapping above our heads and old men playing cards at tiny tables. The Grand Canal kept popping up between buildings like it was teasing us. Marta pointed out Marco Polo’s house—just sort of tucked in there, no big sign or anything. At one point I tried to say “buranelli” (those cookies) and she laughed so hard I thought she’d drop her espresso. It felt good not to be rushed; we just ate and walked and listened.

I didn’t expect the cicchetti to be so different at each stop—some with creamy cod, others piled with marinated artichokes. The bread was always crusty, which I loved. There was this moment in Campo Santa Margherita where the light bounced off the stones and everything smelled like coffee and seaweed. We finished outside Basilica dei Frari, hands sticky from dessert, everyone a bit quieter than before. Maybe full or maybe just taking it all in—I’m still not sure which.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice street food and market tour

• Start tour in central Venice
• Walk to Rialto Fish Market
• Explore Rialto Market and taste cicchetti
• Visit Marco Polo's Home (outside)
• Pass by Grand Canal and cross bridges
• See Basilica dei Frari (outside)
• Walk through Campo Santa Margherita and San Polo
• Savor local cheese, buranelli, and dessert
• Receive local tips from guide
• Finish tour in central Venice

Top questions

How long is the Venice street food tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Is food included on the Venice street food tour?

Yes, food tastings are included throughout the tour.

Where does the tour start and end?

The street food tour starts and finishes in central Venice.

Does the Venice street food tour include Rialto Market?

Yes, you’ll visit Rialto Market as part of the experience.

Are children allowed on this Venice food tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is this a walking-only tour?

Yes, the entire experience is by foot since there are no cars in Venice.

Can vegetarians join this street food tour?

Vegetarians can be accommodated if advised in advance.

What should I wear for the Venice street food walk?

Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll cross several bridges during the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes all guided walking through central Venice with a local expert leading you to taste cicchetti, cheese, buranelli cookies, dessert and more—with stops at Rialto Market and key city squares along the way. Food tastings are covered; just bring your appetite (and maybe an extra napkin).