Libreria Acqua Alta

Venice's quirkiest bookshop

Eccentric bookshop where gondolas and bathtubs serve as bookshelves and cats rule the aisles.

Free Admission With Kids

Castello

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Rialto + 10-min walk

Vaporetto Guide

www.libreriacqualta.it

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+39 041 296 0841

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Admission is free.

Additional resources

What makes this place special

Acqua alta (high tide)

To protect books from Venice's high tides, the shop stores them in gondolas, canoes, and bathtubs instead of ordinary shelves: a practical solution that gives the place its wonderfully eccentric character.

An eclectic collection

From new and used books to rare editions and antique volumes, the collection spans a wide range of subjects, with plenty to discover about Venice itself.

The gondola photo spot

A covered gondola moored beside one of the shop's canal-side entrances offers a memorable photo opportunity and an unmistakably Venetian backdrop.

Libreria Acqua Alta : Certainly! And you can even have a photo taken while you're at it!

Discover more about Libreria Acqua Alta through 7 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to experience here

Browse books while the resident cats judge your taste - and make sure they approve of your purchase.
Climb the famous staircase made of books to see where it leads.
Step aboard the moored gondola for a memorable photo opportunity.

Arrive early

Word has got out about this quirky little bookshop, and it's no longer the 'hidden' gem it once was.

Hidden gems in Venice

Crowds can build as the day goes on, so for a more relaxed browse and a chance to explore every nook and cranny, aim to arrive around opening time, at 9 am.