For a relatively small city, Venice covers all bases for bibliophiles, from charming book-themed hotels to historic libraries.
With so much to see, a visit to Venice can be somewhat overwhelming for avid readers. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide for book lovers to help you see all the literary highlights ‘La Serenissima’ has in store.
Aman Venice
Located in the grand Palazzo Papadopoli, the 5-star Aman Venice never fails to amaze with its Rococo-inspired elements, tranquil gardens, and sumptuous architectural grandeur. This is about as lavish as it gets with literary hotels.
While Aman Venice’s opulent setting attracts many, it’s the bookish features that every bookworm can appreciate, like the vintage library room with walls of expansive wooden cases and an elegant chandelier hanging overhead.
Address: Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 2PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is arguably the most well-known bookstore in Venice for its quirky decor, funky floor plan, resident cats, and Insta-famous ‘book steps.’ Although it might be a little touristy, their dedicated English section on a range of subjects makes a strong impression and is bound to catch your interest.
Because this shop draws a lot of interest, the earlier you come, the better. By afternoon, the place will be packed as you search for a new cover.
Address: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 7:15PM
Nolinski Venezia
A stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco, Nolinski Venezia makes a statement with its striking design out front and pristine characteristics such as mango-colored paneling.
The aspect that garners the most attention is the Library Bar that blends more than 4000 covers with expertly crafted drinks. Soaring above is an incredibly detailed fresco, watching over guests as they sip and flick through the pages.
Address: Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2032, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 3PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Sullaluna – Libreria & Bistrot
Resting in the neighborhood of Cannaregio, Sulla Luna – Libreria & Bistrot is a cross between a bistro and a bookshop. Fully independent and focused on illustrated texts, its brick-walled establishment, draped in shelves of stories, makes for the perfect place for a quiet read.
Sulla Luna provides books in both English and Italian and delivers a solid menu of scrumptious snacks, including vegan-friendly bites.
Address: Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2535, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: Closed
– Friday to Sunday: 8:30AM – 3PM & 6PM – 10:30PM
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
Operating since 1468, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana is home to an extensive inventory of over 1 million volumes. Many of the written materials you’ll find here are related to important periods of Venetian history, as well as plenty related to Greek culture.
The library itself garners as much praise as the selection of literature for its coffered ceilings, ornate sculptures, and monumental corridors.
Address: P.za San Marco, 7, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8:30AM – 6:30PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca della Fondazione Querini Stampalia
A cultural institution at heart, Biblioteca della Fondazione Querini Stampalia serves as a library, museum, bookstore, and events location all in one. Here, visitors can marvel at an impressive assortment of roughly 400,000 contemporary and classical texts before exploring the book stands with many independent options available to purchase.
Anyone who plans to visit the library on-site can do so for free as long as they register for a card in advance. However, if you want to access the museum, tickets must be purchased online beforehand.
Address: Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday: Closed
– Tuesday to Sunday: 10AM – 6:30PM
IUAV University Library (Tolentino)
IUAV University Library in Tolentino is one of the biggest hidden gems on our book lovers’ guide for Venice. Operating as the library for IUAV University, it’s a dream for those interested in architecture and design, with a collection that primarily focuses on these fields.
Regular visitors have praised the library’s facilities inside and out, especially the gorgeous courtyard with ornate arches soaked in ivy.
Address: Santa Croce, 191, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 9:45PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Libreria Antiquaria Emiliana
If you want to get your hands on some rare books, make sure you head over to San Polo and check out Libreria Antiquaria Emiliana. Known for being one of the oldest bookstores in Venice, they’ve built up a reputation for their varied mix of titles released between the 15th and 21st centuries.
Should you have something lying around from the 15th to the 19th century, the crew at Libreria Antiquaria Emiliana may be willing to buy it from you, as they’re always on the lookout to update their stock. The same goes for the first Italian translations and 20th-century first editions.
Address: S. Polo, 2941, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday, Friday, and Saturday: 9AM – 1PM & 4:30PM – 7PM
– Tuesday to Thursday: 10:30AM – 1PM & 4:30PM – 7PM
Library of San Francesco della Vigna
The Library of San Francesco della Vigna in the Castello neighborhood is more niche than most, as a lot of the work here revolves around theology. Historic manuscripts, polyglot bibles, and age-old texts, you name it, they’ve got it.
While it’s possible to explore the Library of San Francesco della Vigna alone, don’t pass up the opportunity to do so with one of their guides, as they have extensive knowledge of the grounds’ history and all its works.
Address: Calle S. Francesco, 2786, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9AM – 5PM
– Tuesday and Friday: 9AM – 1PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Libreria Toletta
A big figure in Venice’s second-hand book scene, Libreria Toletta has been the go-to for used covers since its opening in 1933. The extensive stock here spans endless subjects; whether you’re after something art-related or a fresh story for your child, you can find it here.
A large portion of the literature here is written in Italian, but there are a handful of books in English, too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Address: Dorsoduro, 1214, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 7:30PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua
Another antiquarian bookshop that supplies a stellar lineup of first editions, maps, and rare texts worth checking out is Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua. Their cozy store on Calle de la Mandola is a visual delight with patterned rugs, framed artwork from renowned artist Davide Battistin, and track lighting that transforms the space into an exhibition-like setting.
Even though it’s situated in one of the busier parts of Venice, Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua still maintains its authentic charm, made all the more special by an owner who devotes time to helping each visitor find just the right book.
Address: Calle de la Mandola, 3717/D, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 1PM & 2PM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 1PM
– Sunday: Closed
Librairie MarcoPolo
Librairie MarcoPolo is where Venetians get their independent fix. This place honors the best independent works across a diverse range of topics, from graphic novels to social issues and beyond. The entire selection has been carefully handpicked by booksellers who are true experts in all things literary.
Though smaller than some on this list, its selection, especially in English, is so varied that a quick visit just won’t cut it, so come when you have time to spare.
Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2899, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 1:30PM & 2:30PM – 8PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 1:30PM & 2:30PM – 7PM
Libreria Studium
Wedged between the Bridge of Sighs and the Basilica di San Marco, Libreria Studium was bought by new owners in 2022 who have transformed it into an olfactory bookshop. Spanning two levels, they’ve amassed upwards of 10,000 titles, many of which revolve around Venice, but also include many other themes like fiction.
It’s not just Italian readers who are taken care of at Libreria Studium; English, Spanish, German, and French speakers are covered as well.
Address: S. Marco, 337, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 7:30PM
– Sunday: 10:30AM – 6:30PM
Libreria Goldoni
Within strolling distance from the Rialto Bridge is Libreria Goldoni, primarily delivering volumes in Italian. Bathed in bright light, the store’s white shelves and neatly arranged aisles are filled with manga, history books, and novels as well as the owner’s cats, who regularly make an appearance.
Be sure to check out both levels before you leave, as the second level upstairs is where you’ll come across all the discounted covers.
Address: Calle dei Fabbri, 4742/4743, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 1PM & 2PM – 7PM
Libreria Editrice Mare di Carta
Those who cherish the ocean won’t be able to get enough of Libreria Editrice Mare di Carta, a nautical bookstore on Fondamenta dei Tolentini. It’s all about the sea here, think vessel-focused manuals, nautical charts, and materials related to life on deck.
You can tell the staff know their stuff on maritime subjects, whether it’s related to Venice’s canals or the Adriatic. If you have something specific in mind, they’ll be able to steer you in the right direction.
Address: Fondamenta dei Tolentini, 222, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday: Closed
– Wednesday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 1PM & 3:30PM – 7PM
Bertoni Bookshop
Passed down through three generations, Bertoni Bookshop on Calle della Mandola in San Marco specializes in out-of-print texts. Easily identifiable by its aqua-colored display out front, loaded with rare covers, it’s hard not to be drawn inside, where stacks of titles, sometimes reaching up to your shoulders, await.
This isn’t a store where books are neatly displayed for easy browsing. You’ll need to search carefully to find what you want, but if you look hard enough you’re guaranteed to get your hands on some surprises.
Address: Calle de la Mandola, 3637/B, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 1PM & 3PM – 7:30PM
– Sunday: Closed
Libreria Segni nel Tempo
Adding to the list of Venice’s rare bookstores, Libreria Segni nel Tempo is packed with ancient writings, modern artwork, maps, and volumes from the 20th century. Somewhat of a newcomer to the antiquarian market, this place only opened on Calle Lunga San Barnaba in 2012.
Stepping inside, you’re met with the scent of old books and a timeless atmosphere, with literature stacked everywhere and beautiful paintings hanging throughout.
Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2856, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10:30AM – 7:30PM
– Sunday: Closed
