The Art of the Alternative "Bacaro Tour": Discovering Hidden Bell Towers

Venice is world-famous for its bacari, the historic taverns where locals gather to sip an ombra (a small glass of wine) and enjoy cicchetti. But have you ever tried following your instincts and the distant sound of bells? There is an alternative way to experience this tradition, far from the tourist crowds, by wandering under the shadow of Venice’s lesser-known bell towers, such as the leaning tower of Santo Stefano or the monumental campanile of San Francesco della Vigna.

Strolling through these quieter sestieri (neighborhoods) allows you to discover corners of absolute peace. In these hidden spots, the cicchetti tradition feels even more authentic: warm meatballs, sarde in saor prepared according to grandmothers' secret recipes, and creamy baccalà mantecato on crunchy bread. Every stop tells a story, and every glass is a toast to the history of the Serenissima.

After exploring the secrets of Venice's hidden corners, the best way to conclude your day is to journey back to the vibrant heart of the city. We welcome you to Ristorante Rialto to turn that informal tour into a true culinary experience. Take a seat on our terrace overlooking the Grand Canal and let us spoil you with our traditional dishes, where fresh ingredients meet the magic of a timeless view.