Browse antique collections, indie bookshops, and stunning literary havens in this must-read guide to the city’s top bookshops.
From Thomas Mann’s great works to the renowned Venetian Bargain, Venice has long been a setting for literary greatness. And with this legacy comes a wealth of bookstores waiting for eager readers to uncover.
Heading to Venice soon? Make sure to add these amazing bookshops to your itinerary.
Libreria Acqua Alta
It only makes sense to kick off this list with one of Venice’s most iconic bookstores, Libreria Acqua Alta. Situated close to the Ponte Tetta, this establishment has garnered massive attention from social media for its one-of-a-kind setup. Books are stacked in every corner, both indoors and out, and even on a gondola.
An impressive selection of new and vintage volumes can be found here, with a dedicated Venetian section. While most are in Italian, some are written in English, too. Before you leave, be sure to climb the staircase made of books for a stunning view of the surrounding canals.
Librairie MarcoPolo
Swing by Librairie MarcoPolo next to Santa Maria dei Carmini and dive into their collection. Many of the books are focused on social topics like feminism and climate change, but there’s also a good mix of fiction for those interested.
The trendy pendant lighting and brick walls give Librairie MarcoPolo’s design a modern touch, but it still retains that cozy charm every good bookstore has.
Libreria Studium
Spanning two floors with more than 10,000 titles, Libreria Studium is a must-see in the San Marco area. The line-up is centered around Venetian history and culture, but they also have the latest bestsellers on their shelves in English, French, German, and Italian.
Besides the incredibly welcoming staff, the clean and stylish design with sharp black display units makes for a pleasant shopping experience. Don’t leave without heading upstairs for a peek at the fiction lounge; a treasure trove of good reads awaits.
Bertoni Bookshop
Next up, we have one of Venice’s oldest bookshops, Bertoni Bookshop. With a legacy spanning three generations, this shop is devoted to out-of-print books, offering everything from modern philosophy to architectural texts.
As you walk inside, you’ll be met by towering stacks of books. While some digging around is required, the team can point you in the right direction. Look closely at the price tags because some prints even have a 50% discount.
Libreria Editrice Mare di Carta
Only four nautical bookstores exist in all of Italy, and Libreria Editrice Mare di Carta is one of them. A sanctuary for anyone interested in sailing and maritime history, readers can find a bunch of great reads related to the ocean within these walls.
Libreria Editrice Mare di Carta has been in the business of selling nautical-themed works for 28 years. Even though most of the books are in Italian, it’s still worth coming by to see the finely crafted navigational charts covering the walls.
Libreria Antiquaria Segni Nel Tempo
Bookstores of Libreria Antiquaria Segni Nel Tempo’s ilk are hard to come by these days. A few minutes spent here, surrounded by 20th-century books and old maps of Venice, will take you on a journey through history.
The place may seem small, but a huge variety of ancient reads in Italian and foreign languages will have you stuck for hours. Quality literature isn’t the only thing this shop offers; you’ll come across vintage posters, fabulous paintings, and much more.
Libreria UBIK Goldoni VENEZIA
A short walk from the Rialto Bridge, Libreria UBIK Goldoni VENEZIA is the kind of establishment where you’ll lose track of time. It features two beautifully designed floors with hundreds of Italian and English books on a range of subjects like astronomy and cooking.
Be aware that there is a resident cat who you may spot napping on the shelves. He calls Libreria UBIK Goldoni VENEZIA home, but if you have allergies, keep your distance.
Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua
Step into the world of antique books at Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua. Every inch of this bookstore is reserved for first editions, along with a few bits of remarkable artwork and maps.
Tucked away beside Ponte de la Cortesia, Libreria Antiquaria Linea d’Acqua sells everything Venetian, whether it’s literature about politics or life in general. Beyond the books, the paintings are a true feast for the eyes, especially those by Davide Battistin.
Il Giralibri
If you prefer a bookstore with a more upbeat vibe, you’ll love Il Giralibri. Unlike most locations where peace and quiet are favored, vinyl records play softly in the background as you browse for your next book.
In contrast to many other spots in Venice, Il Giralibri is on the mainland, which gives it a more local feel. You might not have heard of many of the publications on sale, but that adds to the excitement. They’ve got plenty for younger readers, too.
Libreria Editrice Filippi Di Franco Filippi
Last but certainly not least, we have Libreria Editrice Filippi Di Franco Filippi. Another old kid on the block, these guys have been selling books at this very location in the heart of Venice for more than a hundred years.
Libreria Editrice Filippi Di Franco Filippi is yet another bookstore with an emphasis on Venice; music, architecture, you name it, they’ve got it. Franco, the owner, is an expert when it comes to the city, so don’t be afraid to ask him any questions.
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
