Libreria Acqua Alta, meaning “Bookstore of High Water,” is one of the most unique and
charming bookstores in the world. Located in the Castello district of Venice, it’s famous for
its creative way of protecting books from the city’s frequent floods — by storing them in
bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even an old gondola. Every corner of this cozy shop is filled
with piles of books, postcards, maps, and cats lounging on stacks of novels. It’s a paradise
for book lovers and photographers, offering a truly magical and quirky Venetian
experience.
- Browse thousands of books 📚 in multiple languages 🌐 stored in gondolas 🛶 and bathtubs 🛁👀
- Climb the famous “book staircase” 🪜 made from old encyclopedias 📜 for a scenic canal view 🌊📸
- Meet the shop’s friendly resident cats 🐈 lounging 🐾 around 😌💚
- Discover hidden corners 🗺️ filled with rare books 💎 and travel guides 🧭💡
- Capture creative photos 📷 of this one-of-a-kind 🥇 Venetian bookstore ✨🇮🇹
- By Vaporetto 🚌 (Water Bus 🚢): Take Line 1 🚍 or 2 to Rialto 🌉 or San Zaccaria stop 📍 and walk 10 minutes 🚶♀️⏱️💨
- By Foot 👣: Short walk 🚶♂️ from St. Mark’s Square 🕌 through charming side streets 🏘️✅
- By Gondola 🛶: Accessible ✨ via small canal 🌊 behind the shop 🚪 for a unique entrance 🛶👍
- Be respectful 🙏 — the shop 📚 is small 🤏 and often crowded 🏃♀️🤫
- Bring cash 💵 if you plan to buy books 📚 or souvenirs 🎁💰
- Visit on a sunny day ☀️ to enjoy canal-side reading 📖 outside 🌊😌
- Don’t miss 📸 the back patio view 🏞️ — one 🥇 of the bookstore’s best-kept secrets ✨🤫
- 10:00 AM – Arrive 🧭 at Libreria Acqua Alta 📚 and explore the main rooms 🛶💨
- 11:00 AM – Take photos 📸 on the famous book staircase 🪜 and find the resident cats 🐈👀
- 12:00 PM – Enjoy a coffee ☕ at a nearby café 🥐 or walk 🚶♂️ to Rialto Bridge 🌉👋
