Rialto Fish Market

Venice is a city of many traditions, and one of the oldest is the way residents get groceries. The Rialto markets have been serving the population of Venice since 1097, making them an authentic part of life in the city.
The best-known of the markets is the Rialto Fish Market, called the “Pescheria” in Italian. In addition to familiar seafood you'll see for sale, you'll also find specialties of the Venetian lagoon. Browsing the aisles is a great way to get an idea of what's local and fresh before you browse restaurant menus later in the day.

Practical Info

From the San Polo end of the Rialto Bridge, turn to the right and follow the edge of the Grand Canal. You'll eventually arrive at the Campo della Pescaria, the open square where the Erberia (fruit and vegetable market) is located. Beyond that is the Pescheria, the indoor fish market. Both markets are only open Tuesday through Saturday, and they're usually closed up by lunch. To see them at their most interesting (and to pick up anything you'd like for a picnic lunch), be there early.