Top Parks and Gardens in Venice
In a city built on the water and famed for its canals, green spaces can be hard to come by. But when you’re looking for a respite from the crowds of Venice’s main attractions (or the heat of an Italian summer), try these tree-filled spots tucked along the water’s edge.
Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici)
Reachable by a brisk 15-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, this is one of the largest green spaces in Venice and a great place to catch a break from the tourist throngs. You're more likely to encounter local morning joggers here—except during the Venice Biennale, when the art-world glitterati floods into the park’s temporary expo pavilions.
Memorial Park (Parco delle Rimembranze)
Situated on the southern edge of Venice’s Castello district, this pretty neighborhood park and World War II memorial is best reached by vaporetto (water taxi). It's one of the few spots in the city with a children's playground, so kids can burn off some energy on multiple climbing structures while grown-ups enjoy a welcome break under a tree.
Papadopoli Gardens (Giardini Papadopoli)
When you need a shady place to rest on your way in or out of Venice, pop into this pint-size park near Piazzale Roma and the Santa Lucia Railway Station. In a city not known for its playgrounds or mature trees, this miniature oasis has both.
St. Julian’s Park (Parco San Giuliano)
If you're truly craving room to roam in Venice, catch a ferry across the lagoon to this wild open space on the edge of the mainland’s Mestre district. Lengthy paths are popular with local runners, cyclists, families, and dog owners, while trails near the shoreline offer a great perspective on historic Venice in the distance.
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