
Riva degli Schiavoni Venice
A bustling waterfront promenade in Venice offering market stalls, stunning views of the lagoon, and easy access to iconic landmarks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Riva degli Schiavoni Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling waterfront promenade in Venice offering market stalls, stunning views of the lagoon, and easy access to iconic landmarks.
"The Riva degli Schiavoni is a lively promenade with market stalls and great views, a perfect starting point for exploring Venice."

🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Venice is best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating charming alleys and bridges.
🍕 Skip St. Mark's Square Food
Restaurants here are tourist traps. Venture off the main paths for better quality and prices.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Mark's Square Views
Piazza San Marco
Iconic square with stunning architecture, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the Venetian atmosphere.

Bridge of Sighs Glimpse
Ponte dei Sospiri
A brief, poignant view of this famous bridge connecting the Doge's Palace to the prison.

Market Buzz
Riva degli Schiavoni promenade
Lively promenade with market stalls offering souvenirs and local treats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walkability
Avoid Tourist Traps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Venice is best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating charming alleys and bridges.
🍕 Skip St. Mark's Square Food
Restaurants here are tourist traps. Venture off the main paths for better quality and prices.
💰 Traghetto for Budget Rides
Cross the Grand Canal for just €2 on a traghetto, a local gondola ferry service.
💧 Vaporetto Pass
Consider a multi-day Vaporetto pass for easy travel on the water buses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Venice is best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating charming alleys and bridges.
🍕 Skip St. Mark's Square Food
Restaurants here are tourist traps. Venture off the main paths for better quality and prices.
💰 Traghetto for Budget Rides
Cross the Grand Canal for just €2 on a traghetto, a local gondola ferry service.
💧 Vaporetto Pass
Consider a multi-day Vaporetto pass for easy travel on the water buses.
📸 Gondola Photo Op
Get a gondola picture without the high cost by finding creative spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riva degli Schiavoni offers a vibrant waterfront experience with stunning views and a lively promenade. Visitors appreciate the atmosphere and proximity to major attractions, though some find the food options directly on the promenade to be overpriced tourist traps.
"I love this street, 2 miles of great shops and restaurants."
Stephen MacLean
"Great street by the water with lots of vendors , water bus and restaurants"
Vernon Brady
"Lots of people,cafes and tour groups. Best place to the pictures of boats. Reasonable priced souvenirs."
Darlene jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Marco Polo Airport (VCE), you can take a water taxi directly to Riva degli Schiavoni for a scenic but pricier option, or a bus to Piazzale Roma followed by a Vaporetto (water bus) to the San Zaccaria stop, which is very close to Riva degli Schiavoni.
Venice is a highly walkable city, and exploring on foot is often the most rewarding way to discover its charm. For longer distances or to reach outer islands, the Vaporetto (water bus) system is efficient. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass if you plan to use it frequently.
Yes, Riva degli Schiavoni is easily accessible by Vaporetto. The San Zaccaria stop (Lines 1 and 2) is located right at the eastern end of the promenade, making it a convenient arrival point.
You can walk from the Santa Lucia train station to Riva degli Schiavoni, but it's a significant walk (around 30-40 minutes) through the city. Taking a Vaporetto from the Ferrovia stop is a quicker and more direct option.
While traditional taxis are not available on the canals, water taxis are a luxurious and direct way to travel between points, including Riva degli Schiavoni. They are, however, considerably more expensive than the Vaporetto.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Riva degli Schiavoni is a public promenade and does not require any tickets for entry. You can stroll along it freely at any time.
No, there are no entrance fees to walk along Riva degli Schiavoni. It's a public space enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Riva degli Schiavoni is always open as it's an outdoor public area. You can visit at any time of day or night.
Yes, the promenade is lined with numerous market stalls selling a variety of souvenirs, crafts, and local treats.
Riva degli Schiavoni itself doesn't require a pass as it's a public area. However, a Venice City Pass might be beneficial if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions in the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire length of Riva degli Schiavoni offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with views of the San Giorgio Maggiore island and the Doge's Palace. The early morning or late afternoon light provides beautiful golden hour shots.
To capture the best photos with fewer crowds, aim for early morning, just after sunrise, or late in the evening. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
You can get a glimpse of the Bridge of Sighs from certain points along Riva degli Schiavoni, particularly from the eastern end looking towards the Doge's Palace. For a clearer view, consider a boat tour.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography for personal use along Riva degli Schiavoni. However, always be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography of individuals.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide-angle views of the promenade and tighter shots of architectural details. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is excellent for the expansive waterfront.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Avoid eating directly on Riva degli Schiavoni or in St. Mark's Square, as these are often tourist traps with mediocre food and high prices. Wander into the side streets and smaller campi for authentic trattorias and bacari (wine bars) offering cicchetti (Venetian tapas).
Yes, you can find affordable options by exploring away from the main tourist thoroughfares. Look for 'bacari' for cicchetti and wine, or 'pizzerie al taglio' (pizza by the slice).
Try Venetian specialties like Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines), Risi e Bisi (rice and peas), and various seafood dishes. Cicchetti are a must-try for a casual dining experience.
Some travelers suggest that pizza in Venice might not be as flavorful as in other parts of Italy, possibly due to restrictions on wood-burning ovens. It's advisable to manage expectations or seek out highly recommended pizzerias.
For a classic Venetian breakfast experience, consider Caffè Florian on St. Mark's Square, though it's pricey. For more budget-friendly options, explore local 'pasticcerie' (pastry shops) in the surrounding sestieri (districts).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Venice's Waterways
For a more local and budget-friendly experience, consider the Traghetto. These are gondolas that ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at specific points where bridges are not available. It's a quick ride for a very low cost, offering a glimpse of gondola travel without the hefty price tag.
While water transport is essential, don't underestimate the joy of walking. Venice is a remarkably walkable city, and many of its most enchanting discoveries are made by simply wandering through its labyrinthine alleys and over its countless bridges. Comfortable footwear is paramount.
Experiencing Venice Like a Local
Many travelers recommend venturing away from the heavily touristed areas like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Exploring the quieter sestieri (districts) such as Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, or Castello can lead to more authentic encounters and discoveries. Look for local markets and smaller churches for a more intimate experience.
Consider unique activities like a secret Duomo tour or exploring lesser-known museums. The Guggenheim Collection, for instance, offers a different perspective on art in Venice. Engaging with local culture, even in small ways like enjoying a coffee at a neighborhood pasticceria, can significantly enhance your visit.
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