Gardens &
Parks in Venice
Gardens &
Parks in Venice
The green Venice
Gardens & Parks in Venice
Venice isn’t exactly known for sprawling parks or green spaces—after all, the city is built on islands in a lagoon, and space is limited. Yet there are a number of smaller gardens and green areas that provide a welcome contrast to the urban surroundings.
These pockets of greenery are especially refreshing in the summer months, offering shady trees and a peaceful escape from the heat. We’d like to introduce you to some of Venice’s parks and gardens, and inspire you to pay them a visit. We’ll also point out where you can find drinking fountains, which can be a lifesaver on hot days or playgrounds for kids.
What You need
to know
- Venice does have a number of publicly accessible parks, but many gardens are privately owned and behind closed gates.
- The most famous park is undoubtedly the one at the Biennale.
- Picnicking on the lawns is not allowed, but the drinking water from fountains in the parks is safe to drink. Swimming or bathing in ponds or ornamental fountains is strictly prohibited.
- There are a few playgrounds for children, though they aren’t always shaded. Some parks have specific opening hours, which may change depending on the season.
- There aren’t any dedicated dog parks, but dogs are generally allowed in the city’s green spaces.
Table of
contents
Castello
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San Marco
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Cannaregio
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Santa Croce
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San Giorgio Michele
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Castello
Castello is home to some of the largest green spaces in Venice’s historic centre, including three notable parks:
1. Giardini della Marinaressa
The Giardini della Marinaressa are located in the Castello district. The gardens feature monumental sculptures, so you can enjoy a little art alongside the greenery.
The park likely dates back to the 16th century and was created on the grounds of a former monastery. It is open to the public and regularly hosts events such as live music and workshops.
Address: Riva dei Sette Martiri, 30122 Venice
Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 – 23:00
Playground: No
Nearby (5 minute walk), you’ll also find the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument, set in a small pond and surrounded by an avenue offering shade and plenty of benches. The small turtles living here are sure to delight children.
Giardini della Biennale
Also in Castello, the Giardini della Biennale are best known for hosting the famous Venice Biennale art exhibition. While the individual exhibition pavilions require a ticket, the surrounding green areas, seating, and drinking fountains are open to everyone. There’s also a small restaurant set amidst the greenery with views of the lagoon (we haven’t tried the food ourselves yet).
Address: C. Giazzo, 30122 Venice
Opening hours: Open all day / according to Biennale schedule
Playground: Yes
The gardens effectively begin along Viale Trento, which leads to the Biennale, and along this stretch you’ll find two playgrounds.
Parco delle Rimembranze
Near the far end of Castello lies the Parco delle Rimembranze (“Park of Remembrance”), offering not only greenery but also a viewing platform with panoramic views of the lagoon and Venice itself.
This park is relatively large, almost forest-like, and sits at the southern tip of Castello, overlooking the Lido. It features a playground for children, a football pitch, shaded areas for relaxing, and plenty of open space for dogs (though they must be on a leash). Because it’s a bit removed from the main tourist sights, the park feels peaceful and almost deserted—a true escape from the city’s crowds.
Address: Parco Rimembranze S. Elena, 30132 Venice
Opening hours: Open 24/7
Playground: Yes
San Marco
Giardini Reali
The Giardini Reali (“Royal Gardens”) are located just a stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco. These historic gardens were created in the 19th century by Napoleon Bonaparte during his rule over Venice. While not particularly large, the gardens certainly live up to the elegance implied by their name.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and offer a perfect spot for a brief pause amid the city’s hustle and bustle. Entry is free, and there’s a small drinking fountain just outside the gardens.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venice
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 – 17:00
Playground: No
Cannaregio
Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth – Giardino Mistico
The Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, located near Santa Lucia station, was built in the 17th century and is a masterpiece of Venetian Baroque architecture.
The Giardino Mistico (“Mystical Garden”) features carefully selected plants, each representing a virtue. Originally much larger, the garden was reduced in size following the fall of the Venetian Republic and the arrival of Austrian rule. It is relatively unknown and can only be visited by prior arrangement.
Address: A Carmelitani Scalzi, 54, 30121 Venice
Church opening hours: Daily, 07:00–13:00, 14:30–18:45
Playground: No
Another green space in Cannaregio is Parco Savorgnan, which we have not yet visited.
Address: Calle Pesaro, 427, 30121 Venice
Opening hours: Daily, 07:00–21:00
Playground: Yes (according to Google Maps photos)
Santa Croce
Giardini Papadopoli
Papadopoli Park is located near Santa Lucia station and is often crossed by visitors arriving in Venice via bus or tram at Piazzale Roma on their way into the city centre.
The park sits on the former site of the Church and Monastery of Santa Croce, which gave the sestiere (district) its name. Under Napoleon, the monastery was dissolved, and the complex was later demolished. In 1834, the park was designed by Francesco Bagnara. Today, it offers a relaxing environment with ponds, plants, and plenty of seating. Families will also appreciate the small playground for children.
Address: 30135 Sestiere Santa Croce, Venice
Opening hours: Daily, 07:00 – 20:30
Playground: Yes
San Giorgio Maggiore
The island is home to the Cini Foundation, which deserves a more detailed look.
Within the foundation’s grounds, you’ll find a labyrinth and a wooded area housing the so-called Vatican Chapels. Access to both areas requires an entry fee, but it’s well worth it—a visit that appeals to both adults and children, combining cultural enrichment with a green, outdoor experience.
Address: San Giorgio Maggiore Island
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday; times vary depending on which areas you wish to access
Tickets for the Cini Foundation + Labyrinth: EUR 25
Playground: The labyrinth can serve as a playful space for children
Enjoy the tranquility of Venice’s gardens!
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2023–2026
With support from Susanne Vukan.
More
Neighborhood-specific tips
Districts of Venice
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Churches by district
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Aperitivo in different districts
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