Tour Details
Duration
2 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Rialto Market
Photos & Highlights
- Forget the pre-trip research in food blogs and reviews: just show up hungry. You’ll leave with a go-to list of local gems and the know-how to dodge a tourist trap like a true Venetian
- Whether you are travelling with picky eaters or curious kids, vegetarians or seafood lovers, there’s going to be something tasty for everyone
Select a date
Tour Description
This isn’t just a food tour, it’s a confidence boost for navigating Venice like a local, free from language barriers and decision fatigue. With a local expert by your side, you’ll wander the iconic Rialto Market like a seasoned insider, learning how to spot the freshest ingredients and where to find the best bites.
As you stroll through vibrant stalls bursting with colors, scents, and sounds—crisp artichokes, the briny tang of lagoon-fresh shrimp, and the lively calls of vendors—you’ll taste your way through seasonal produce and local favorites. Along the way, discover the stories behind these ingredients and how they’ve shaped Venetian cuisine and history, going back all the way to the trade routes.
Choose this tour if…
- You're drawn to the places where locals gather, away from the crowded tourist restaurants that require reservations weeks in advance.
- You want to soak up the essence of the Rialto district through flavor and insight, even if you’re short on time.
- You’re traveling with mixed tastes or dietary quirks: this tour fits every palate, from first-time visitors to long-time Italophiles, curious kids to seasoned foodies.
- You want to experience Venice with care, not just take home the photos, but connect with the city’s soul and support the farmers and fishmongers who keep it alive.
- You want to gain stories that change how you see food everywhere and understand the care behind every meal. Return home with a deeper appreciation for the ritual of eating.
Traveler Testimonials
History in Every Bite
I especially enjoyed the farm-to-table atmosphere of the food markets mixed with the historic and beautiful architecture. It seems there is a story around every corner in Venice and our guide covered them all.
-Michael J.
-Michael J.
Memories You Can Taste
Our guide was not only fun for our family of 5 to spend time with, but she gave us such wonderful information that we were able to make a fantastic dinner at our apartment using ingredients she had highlighted on the tour, and recipes she had shared with us. Because of this, our daughter had a wonderfully unique birthday dinner!
-Damian S.
-Damian S.
Local Tips That Matter
Our guide very kindly gave us local recommendations of where to eat, drink, and find gelato. It makes such a difference getting a local perspective, even more so in a city that has so many tourist traps.
-Lydia U.
-Lydia U.
- Freshly-caught Seafood
- Artichokes or other seasonal produce
- Coffee and pastries: learn the difference between espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, and more!
- These tastings can replace a meal. You may find a gelato or small snack at the end of your Venice food tour, which will round off your experience nicely.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run; hours and availability may vary.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour.
During this 2-hour tour, your expert guide will introduce you to Venetian culinary treasures, like the tender artichokes from the nearby island of S. Erasmo and the Schie, tiny shrimps harvested from the lagoon. You’ll learn why these ingredients matter, not just to Venetian cuisine, but to Venice itself. Trade routes, sea battles, economic booms and busts… It’s all on your plate.
Whether you’re a culinary geek or simply curious about the culture, your guide will meet you where your interests lie. Savor authentic Venetian specialties while learning about the cultural and economic significance behind these time-honored traditions.
By the end, you will have eaten well and, most importantly, you’ll know how to keep eating well in Venice. This immersive experience connects you to Venice’s past and present, offering a fresh appreciation for the vibrant flavors and colors that define its cuisine. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to recreate a few of these dishes back home, with a sharper eye and a deeper connection to what’s on your plate.
Sites Visited
- Rialto Market – vibrant outdoor market in the heart of the city
- San Polo Neighborhood – A lively local district known for its authentic bars, artisan shops, and a true taste of everyday Venetian life.
Logistics
General Information
You are pre-paid for this tour and several tastings. During this tour, we will sample a good variety of foods. Though not obligated, you are certainly welcome to make purchases during the walk.
Resources
- Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you to Venice, accompanied by a leading Context Expert.
- A little pre-trip prep: Food in Venice: Top Tips of Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Order
- Looking to try more bites in Venice? See our Venice Wine Tour and Tasting.
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
This tour is accessible to clients with mobility issues. This tour is not walking extensive and the area around the market is wheelchair accessible, the guide would need to be notified so they can choose an accessible route.
Is this tour suitable for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian diets, or those with food allergies? Yes, we will do our very best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, but it’s essential to let us know in advance—ideally at the time of booking. This allows our team and guides to plan ahead, suggest alternative tastings, and check ingredients where needed.
Can we request to visit specific stalls or try specific foods? Yes, absolutely. If you let us know your preferences when you book, we’ll be happy to share them with your guide. While our guides will do their best to accommodate your requests, please note that the market can be quite busy, and availability may vary depending on the day and the freshness of products. That said, your guide will always aim to find the best and quietest spots—and include your request whenever possible.
Should we come on an empty stomach or plan for lunch afterward? We recommend arriving with a good appetite, but not overly hungry or right after a big meal. For many guests, the tour is satisfying enough to count as a full meal. Others may prefer to enjoy a light bite, like a gelato, afterward.
Will I be expected to try things even if I don’t like them? Not at all. Tastings are not pre-selected or pre-ordered, and your guide will make choices based on what's fresh, available, and suited to your preferences. You're welcome to share any dislikes or hesitations with your guide at the time of booking—they’re there to make the experience enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Can we bring our kids on the tour? Yes, children are welcome—especially if they’re curious and open to trying new foods. The guide will do their best to accommodate younger participants and adjust selections accordingly.
Will I find "acqua alta" (high water level) in Venice during the tour?
If you are traveling between November and March, there is a chance you will experience Venice's famous "acqua alta". You might prepare yourself by bringing along rubber boots or purchasing some upon arrival to Venice
How do I get to the Market?
The Rialto Market is within walking distance to many Venetian hotels or it is also accessible at the "Rialto Mercato" Vaporetto stop.
Can we take the tour at lunchtime or at a different time than what's listed? We don’t recommend changing the scheduled time. The market is only open in the mornings, and the current tour time has been carefully chosen by local experts to avoid the peak lunchtime rush, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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77 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
We had a wonderful time on our market tour in Venice with our guide, Leo. He was incredibly personable and knowledgeable- full of fascinating insights about the history and daily life of Venice. It felt like we were exploring the city with a friend who happened to be an expert!
We sampled delicious local foods- a variety of cheeses, and a delicious meatball paired with wine and some classic cicchetti with a glass of prosecco.
The time flew by, and honestly, we wish the tour had been longer. It was such an engaging experience. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Leo as your guide!
Kc
Reviewed on:
Jul 12, 2025
What a wonderful experience! I always have high expectations from Context tours, but Leo was absolutely top notch. We enjoyed the quick stops in small, out of the way venues. Leo brought the history of Venice and the trading traditions to life.
Robin
Reviewed on:
Jul 4, 2025
Our guide Leo was fantastic - engaging, knowledgeable and as local as it gets!
Barry
Reviewed on:
Jun 19, 2025
