The most famous of Venice's 400+ bridges, spanning the Grand Canal at its narrowest point. The current marble bridge was completed in 1591 and for centuries was the only crossing of the Grand Canal. The views up and down the canal from the centre are among the best in Venice — best in the early morning light before the vaporettos fill the water.
The Rialto market, operating since 1097, spreads across the San Polo bank of the canal: the Pescaria (fish market, open until midday) and the Erberia (produce market) together give the clearest picture of what Venetians actually eat. A morning walk through is the best introduction to the city's food culture.