Giardini della Biennale

The basics

The Giardini della Biennale has an impressive collection of permanent pavilions representing various nations, each designed by esteemed architects. If visiting outside the busy Venice Biennale event—which takes place every two years—it's best to take a leisurely walk around the grounds to see each pavilion up close. Start in the morning before the crowds gather, then take a break for a coffee at the Serra Dei Giardini café, housed in a pretty glass building near the pavilions.

Things to know before you go

• If visiting during the Biennale, a map is available when you enter—be sure to collect one, as it can be easy to get lost in the crowds.

• There are benches dotted throughout the park, as well as a café.

• Feline fans often have a welcome surprise—the park is famous for being home to many cats who freely roam the vast area.

• There are restroom facilities available.

• Although there are ramps to aid wheelchair accessibility, be aware that the gravel pathways can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

The Giardini della Biennale is approximately a 30-minute walk from San Marco. In the heat of summer, consider taking the vaporetto (water bus) to one of the nearby stops—Giardini Biennale A or B, served by vaporetto lines 4.2, 5.2, and 6. Both ferry stops are a short walk from the gardens.

When to get there

The gardens are open from Tuesdays through Sundays (closed on Mondays), typically from mid-morning until early evening. For an unparalleled experience, try visiting during the Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art event held every two years. Even though there are crowds, it offers world-class art installations against the scenic backdrop of the gardens.

Tips for visiting the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale spans several months—typically April through November—and is hosted at the Giardini and the Arsenale in Venice. To make the most of your visit, purchase tickets and accommodation well in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines. Also, read up on reviews of the pavilions before visiting and shortlist your favorites, rather than arriving and deciding on the spot. Also don’t forget comfortable shoes!

Ways to explore

Outside of the busy Venice Biennale event, visit this garden for a leisurely walk around the grounds. See the impressive collection of permanent pavilions representing various nations and take a break for coffee at the Serra Dei Giardini café, housed in a pretty glass building nearby.

Most visitors spend an hour or two exploring Giardini della Biennale. Private tours with an art historian are available for those who wish to dive deeper into the history of the garden and the festival. Some people combine a visit to the garden with a lagoon cruise or walking tour.

Accessibility

The garden has ramps and stairlifts to improve mobility, but gravel paths present a challenge for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, picnic blanket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat

Not allowed

Large bags, off-leash pets

Amenities

Café, restroom, seating areas, water fountains, plus pop-up shops and information kiosks during the Venice Biennale

Address

Located in the Castello district of Venice, Giardini della Biennale is about a 30-minute walk from Piazza San Marco. The address is Calle Giazzo. Many visitors utilize the vaporetto (water bus) to reach the gardens, or arrive on foot.

Driving

It is not possible to drive to Giardini della Biennale. Venice’s canals and the car-free nature of the historic city center mean that visitors must utilize a boat or water bus to reach this landmark, or walk.

Public transportation

To travel to Giardini della Biennale by public transit, utilize the vaporetto. The water bus offers two stops, Giardini Biennale A or B (served by vaporetto lines 4.2, 5.2, and 6), both of which are a short walk from the gardens.

Best times to visit

Giardini della Biennale is generally open from 10am to 6pm. The morning hours are most peaceful, offering a quiet backdrop to enjoy a stroll through the gardens.

Best days to visit

The gardens are open from Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Try and visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience.

Best months to visit

Art enthusiasts may want to plan a trip to coincide with the Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art event held every two years (in 2024, it was held from early April to late November). Generally, shoulder season in Venice is a lovely time to visit, including April and May or October and November.

Special events

This garden is famous as the home of the Venice Biennale. Art enthusiasts from around the globe travel here to experience this contemporary art event.