Of all of the numerous markets in Venice the best known is the Rialto Market. It dates back from 1097 and has been a constant source of fresh produce and fish for centuries. The market offers the largest selection of fresh fish in all of Venice as well as plentiful fruits and vegetables making the market an easy place to decide on an entire meal. The size of the market also allows competitive prices and towards the end of the day, around 12:30 it is even possible to haggle the prices even further down.

Contents 1 History 2 Location 3 Hours the Market is Open 4 Tips 5 Italian Names for Different Fish 6 References

History

There is very little history about the Rialto Market. It began as early as 1097 as a place for vendors to meet and exchange and purchase fresh produce and fish. The market is mentioned in literature as well, in both the Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare as well as in Sonnets from the Portuguese, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Location

The Rialto Market is located in the Campo San Giacomo/Campo della Pescheria in the sestieri of San Polo. If you are coming from Cannaregio, Castello, or San Marco you have to cross the Rialto Bridge and then just walk straight. You will pass a lot of touristy stores, but just keep walking until you see a big open air market on your right hand side. From the Rialto Bridge it is only a 2 or 3 minute walk. You will know when you get there because you will be able to smell all of the fish.

You can also take a vaporetto or water bus to get to the market. You will have to take either the 1 or 3 boat and then get off at the Rialto Mercato stop.

It is usually easiest to walk to the market. It is only a 10 or 15 minute walk from most of the apartments making it very easy to get to. I found that it is best to bring a backpack with you so you can just put all of your food in it and then take it home.

The map on the left denotes the Rialto fish market with the number 7. Next to it you will see the vegetable market labeled with the number 6.

Hours the Market is Open

The fish market is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00. The majority of the stands start closing around 12:30 so it is better to be early then late in that regard. If you are looking for the best deals showing up around 12:30 is acceptable as you may be able to haggle down the price on the days remaining catch. However if you are after the prime cuts of tuna and swordfish, or even just the best shrimp, then the best time to go is early in the morning.

The produce market is open Monday thru Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00, however most of the produce booths stay open far later then 13:00. Some of the booths remain open until 16:00 in my experience . The same that is true with the fish market is true here, if you want the best vegetables then go early, if not then you can really go whenever you are free. The vendors at the booths do not haggle like the fish vendors do even at the end of the day so they may become offended if you try. However, if you are buying large quantities of goods from them then they usually try to offer some kind of deal.

Tips

• The time you go to the market depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for the best deals then later is better for fish, because you can attempt to haggle. If you are looking for the prime choice of fish then earlier is better, usually sometime around 09:30.
• If you are going for vegetables, shop around. DO NOT buy from the first person that you see selling them. Usually there is a cheaper vendor. For instance potatoes may be 3 Euro per kilogram at one vendor but can be 1 Euro per kilogram at another. Take your time to make sure you get the best deal
• When buying you have three options, by price, by number, or by weight. Remember that the price shown is in price per kilogram. When buying by number it is important to point out what pieces of fish you want.
• Most of the vendors speak English and are a lot nicer if you make an effort to ask in Italian. However, be aware that if you are asking in Italian then also point to what you are talking about to clarify any confusion
• When ordering remember that the prices are per Kilogram, which is 2.2 pounds. So be careful when ordering, if you want two pounds of fish then get one kilogram do not ask for two because then you will get either two pieces or two kilograms. If you want less then that then you can ask for a “mezzo” or half kilogram.
• If you are unfamiliar with the fishes name that you are looking for then there are often illustrations of the fish on the price tag next to the fillet.
• Have an idea of what you are looking for when you arrive so you are not overwhelmed, however do not be afraid to break away from that plan if all of the ingredients are not available or if the prices are too great.

Italian Names for Different Fish

Bass = Spigola

Flounder = Limanda

Haddock = Asinello

Halibut = Halibut

Herring = Aringa

Mackerel = Maccarello

Shrimp = Mazzancolle/Gambri

Salmon = Salmoni

Tuna = Tonno

References

• Wikipedia
• [goitaly.about.com/od/veniceitaly/p/venice.htm]
• [www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187870-d544357-Reviews-Rialto_ Market-Venice_Veneto.html]