During my trip to Venice, I visited Libreria Acqua Alta TWICE. Why? The first time was during the…read moreafternoon on a weekend and seeing a glimpse of the entrance, I already knew that I was going to have a different experience than what I had imagined.
~ SUPER POPULAR PHOTO OP SPOT ~
TikTok/Instagram brought in a huge crowd in this tiny, cramped bookstore. Shoulder to shoulder, we all walked through. It almost felt like cattle being herded. So if you're a bit claustrophobic, your comforts may be tested in here. It was so crowded that my sister-in-law wasn't able to walk through the entire space and opted to leave the store. I was determined to reach the end where there is a mountain pile of books that you're able to climb over. A staff member was ushering everyone to quickly take their photo at this popular photo op spot and get a move on. It was so hectic that I couldn't even function enough to have my photo taken. I wanted to see the gondola, pet the resident cats, and buy a book and some souvenirs, but I was tunnel-visioned on getting some fresh air, that I just had to get out.
~ COME EARLY, RIGHT WHEN IT OPENS ~
On another day, I had the intent of waking up at the crack of dawn so that I would be at Libreria Acqua Alta's entrance a few minutes before they opened. And I am so glad I did! Such a different and wayyyy better experience than prior. I met the two resident cats and was able to pet them. I found the other photo op in a gondola that's on standby adjacent to the store. And I was at peace browsing through the entire store looking for the perfect book and souvenir to take home. There were still a few people who had the same idea of going in early, but it was still a huge 180 from the first time I went.
~ UNIQUE BOOKSTORE, A MUST IN VENICE ~
All in all, I am so glad I went a second time. I was able to appreciate fully this unique bookstore and the piles and stacks of books all around. Love this spot!!!
