Libreria Acqua Alta
Nestled in the heart of Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-visit destination for book lovers and tourists alike. This unique bookstore offers an unforgettable experience with its whimsical decor, eclectic book selection, and charming atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this Venetian gem.
About Libreria Acqua Alta
A Unique Atmosphere
Libreria Acqua Alta is more than just a bookstore; it’s a microcosm of Venetian charm. The store is renowned for its unusual way of storing books—in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a full-size gondola. This is a practical solution to Venice’s frequent flooding, known as “acqua alta,” which often inundates the shop.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryAn Eclectic Collection
The bookstore boasts a vast selection of books, including new releases, used books, rare editions, and a wide range of titles themed around Venice. Visitors can explore gondola shelves and overflowing stacks to discover classic Italian literature, international novels, timeless poetry, and much more. There’s also a selection of books in English, French, and other languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

Tips for Tourists
Best Time to Visit
To avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the bookstore’s charm, it’s best to visit early in the morning right at opening time (09:00) or just before closing (19:15). This way, you’ll have a more peaceful experience and better opportunities for taking photos without the hustle and bustle.
What to Bring
Due to the narrow layout and the high volume of visitors, it’s recommended to carry backpacks in your hand rather than on your back to avoid damaging the books and ensure smooth passage through the shop. Water shoes might also be a good idea if you visit during the high water season, as some parts of the shop may be submerged.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
What Not to Miss
- The Book Staircase: At the back of the store, you’ll find a staircase made entirely of old books. Climb it for a fantastic view of a nearby canal and a perfect photo opportunity.
- The Gondola: Inside the bookstore, there’s a gondola filled with books where you can sit and take photos.
- The Fire Exit: This quirky feature opens directly onto a canal, offering another unique spot for photos.
- The Cats: The bookstore is home to several friendly cats who often lounge atop the book stacks, adding to the shop’s cozy and whimsical atmosphere.
How to Get There
Libreria Acqua Alta is located in Venice’s Castello district, less than a 10-minute walk from popular landmarks like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. The closest canals are Rio di San Giovanni Laterano and Rio della Tetta. Despite its central location, the bookstore is situated in a relatively quiet area, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist spots.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for ItalyPlanning Your Visit
- Crowd Management: Due to its popularity, the bookstore can get quite crowded. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Photography: While the bookstore is a popular spot for Instagram photos, remember that it is a functioning bookstore. Be respectful of other visitors and staff, and consider purchasing a book or souvenir as a token of your visit.
- Purchases: The store offers a variety of books, vintage postcards, magnets, notebooks, and other unique souvenirs. Even if you don’t have space for a book, these small items make for memorable keepsakes.
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:15
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
Kaprun Dam (Hochgebirgsstauseen)
Kaprun Dam (Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen) is a high-altitude reservoir complex set […]









