Venice's Best Independent Bookstores
The independent bookstores of Venice are a reflection of the city’s diversity and long literary history. There are new and well-curated shops, historic booksellers in operation since last century and secondhand stores stuffed with old, dusty books. Here are some of the best places where you can pick up something great to read or spend an hour delightfully browsing.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Bookstore
Libreria Miracoli
Shop
This shop’s interior is about the size of a generously apportioned walk-in closet, and absolutely crammed with old books on all different subjects. However, you’ll mostly want to spend your time outside, where stacks of old posters and postcards are worth browsing through. If you’re on the lookout for a vacation read this is the place to go, with a healthy selection of secondhand English and French books.
Libreria Miracoli, Canareggio 6062, 30121 Venice, Italy +39 041 523 4060
Libreria Toletta
This is one of the largest bookstores in Venice. A place for serious readers, who will no doubt enjoy its well-curated and up-to-date selection of fiction and nonfiction from the best publishing presses in Italy. If you’re on the lookout for new releases, this is certainly the place to go. The books are organized tidily by subject matter and publisher and the staff are great with making suggestions if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
Libreria Toletta, Saca della Toleta, 1214, 30100 Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy +39 041 523 2034
Libreria Editrice Filippi
Shop, Store
This historic shop near Campo Santa Maria Formosa focuses on all things Venice, with books both antique and new. Whether you’re curious about the language your gondolier was speaking, the high water you waded through to get here, or where to make your next dinner reservation, you’ll find something here for you. Franco Filippi, the current owner, is the grandson of the man who opened the store back in 1909. He is knowledgeable and passionate about Venetian history and he’ll be happy to point you in the way of a hidden treasure.
Libreria Editrice Filippi, Castello in Calle Casselleria 5284, 30122 Venezia +39 041 523 6916
Libreria Marco Polo
Bookstore, Shop
Not far from the historic house of Marco Polo is the bookstore that carries his name. The shop specializes in kids’ books, but also stocks a carefully curated selection of books for adults. The shop also organizes talks and activities for young ones and grown ups alike, so be sure to check out the program listed on its door.
Libreria Marco Polo, Dorsoduro, 2899, 30123 Venezia +39 041 822 4843
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