Rialto Market in Venice attracts over 20 million tourists every year. This centuries-old marketplace has been serving Venetians since the year 1097.
One of the benefits of social media is meeting people with similar interests from all over the world. I have known Karen Henderson, an American writer and blogger who lives in Venice, for some time, but we have never met in person.
Today, I met Karen for coffee at a bar in Campo della Guerra, near to where I was staying. After a cornetto and a cappuccino and a little time to chat, Karen offered to show me the Rialto Market. This centuries-old marketplace has been serving Venetians since the year 1097! I didn’t know that the Rialto Market attracts over 20 million tourists every year, but I can see why.Rialto Market in Venice attracts over 20 million tourists every year Click To Tweet
I have not been to the market in the morning, when all the fish vendors are there, so this was a first-time experience for me. Karen explained that the fish vendors leave at noon and are not there on Sundays or Mondays. That is why it’s best to eat at a seafood in Venice on any days of the week except Sundays and Mondays.
The fish vendors were located in one area of the market and the produce vendors in another.
Karen explained that by noon the pescheria closes and the area gets washed down, but that the produce section stays open longer.
The produce was so fresh and the colors made for great photographic moments. 
The entire marketplace was very well organized, and there were also meat stalls and place which specialized in equine products, a common food in all parts of Italy. 
What fun to see a traditional landmark like the Rialto Market with a local like Karen, who has lived in Venice for the past eleven years. She also pointed out the only working fountain in Venice is here at the market. 
Grazie mille, Karen for a wonderful time!
Have you been to the Rialto Market? What was your experience?
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twoblackdoggies
I love those markets, such colour and atmosphere plus we bought some delicious sweet and crunchy apples from one of the stalls during our stay 🙂
margieinitaly
And you know everything is as fresh as it can be too!
margieinitaly
Thanks so much for stopping and commenting. I am glad you take advantage of these markets too!
twoblackdoggies
You’re welcome. We’ll be in Italy in November and I’m very curious to see what sort of produce is available then, it is so nice to pick up something fresh to eat for a quick snack or tasty lunch.
Sasha Wang
Wow what wonderful shots!!! Makes me want to eat seafood right away!!!
margieinitaly
Thank you Sasha…I can certainly understand getting hungry. I felt that way when I was there!
Claire 'Word by Word'
What beautiful photos and a wonderful experience with a new friend.
margieinitaly
Yes, going with a friend made it all the better!
Postcards from Travel PiZazz
Favoloso! Something I’ve always wanted to do and now I will! (Next spring!) Grazie, Margie!
margieinitaly
Great Victoria! I’ll go with you!
greeneyewitchygirlbree55
the way they present their fresh produce looks like art!!
margieinitaly
My friend Karen tells me they take great pride in the way they set up the produce.
Debra Kolkka
I love the fish markets in Venice, I always wander through there and wish I had a kitchen nearby to take advantage of the wonderful things on offer.
margieinitaly
Yes, especially the fish! If you buy you must be able to go straight home!
Ruth Rainwater
Beautiful food!
ooooo666
The food markets in Italy are so wonderful and interesting to stroll through.
margieinitaly
And they seem to be everywhere too!