Venice Street Food and Sightseeing Small-Group Tour — Cicchetti, Rialto Market & Historic Sestiere Walk
Walk Venice one bite at a time: a local guide leads you from Campo San Bartolomeo through San Polo to the Rialto Market, stopping at family-run bacari for cicchetti and tales of the lagoon. This 2½-hour small-group tour pairs history, flavors, and practical local tips.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear grippy, broken-in shoes
Cobblestones and short staircases are constant; closed-back shoes with good soles will keep you steady on wet stone.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Fountains and cafés are available but having water between tastings keeps you energized and reduces plastic waste.
Bring cash for small purchases
Many bacari accept card for larger bills but prefer cash for single cicchetti or market goods.
Check timing for Rialto Market
If your tour is in the afternoon or on a Monday the market stalls may be closed; confirm with the operator and plan expectations accordingly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small bacari on Calle de la Bissa for affordable cicchetti away from tourists
- •A short detour to Campo Santa Margherita for lively student bars and cheap cicchetti in the evening
Wildlife
- •Herring gulls that patrol the markets
- •Urban pigeons that dominate public squares
Conservation Note
Venice faces overtourism and fragile lagoon ecology; travel lightly, use refillable bottles, and favor local family-run bacari to support sustainable livelihoods.
Rialto Market has anchored Venetian commerce since medieval times; cicchetti evolved as quick, affordable bites served to merchants and boatmen in the city’s bacari.
Photographer's Notes
- • Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal
- • Rialto Market stalls (close-ups of produce and fish)
- • Campo San Bartolomeo near the meeting statue
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on wet cobbles and comfort for 2–3 hours of walking.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated during tastings and reduce plastic use.
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Venice weather can shift quickly; rain gear keeps you comfortable without cancelling the tour.
Small crossbody bag or money beltEssential
Keeps cash, tickets and phones secure in crowded bacari and market lanes.
Common Questions
Where exactly do we meet?
Meet at Campo San Bartolomeo next to the statue; the guide will hold a sign marked STREET FOOD TOUR. Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Is the Rialto Market always open?
No — the stalls are typically closed in the afternoon and on Mondays; the guide will still take you to the market area on those days but stalls may not be active.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Vegetarian options are generally available if you advise at booking; the operator cannot accommodate vegan, gluten- or strict dairy-free diets.
Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves cobbled streets and short staircases; it’s suitable for children used to walking and for people with moderate mobility—contact the operator to discuss accessibility needs.
How many tastings are included?
Several cicchetti, local cheese, bunarelli, and dessert tastings are included; the guide will pace portions so you can sample multiple stops over the 2½-hour walk.
Do I need to pay the city access fee?
Some visitors staying outside Venice may be required to pay a €5 access fee on certain dates; check local rules before travel for exemptions and dates.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Venice, Veneto
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for someone with moderate fitness who can stand for periods and walk on uneven, cobbled surfaces.
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