Exploring Livraria Lello, Porto Portugual: The World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore in Porto
If you’re heading to Porto and love books, beautiful spaces, or anything remotely magical, then Livraria Lello should definitely be on your list. Tucked right in the centre of the city, this bookstore has been called one of the most beautiful in the world and honestly, that’s not an exaggeration.
Between its winding wooden staircase and stained-glass ceiling, it makes you want to linger for hours, Livraria Lello feels like something out of a fairytale. It’s one of those places that really does live up to the hype but bare in mind of the crowds.
Why Visit Livraria Lello?
This place is pretty famous. Over a million people visit each year, and once you step inside, you’ll understand why. The architecture alone is stunning, but there’s also this incredible sense of history and wonder that hits you the moment you walk in.
Many people associate it with Harry Potter (though J.K. Rowling has never confirmed any connection), and if you’re a fan, you’ll definitely pick up on those magical vibes. There’s also a sweet little room dedicated to The Little Prince in the back, which was my personal favourite.
On top of that, the books they carry are gorgeous! Seriously, some of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen and they come in multiple languages, which is great if you’re traveling from abroad.
How to Get There
Livraria Lello is right in central Porto at R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal. It’s easy to walk there if you’re exploring downtown, and it’s super close to landmarks like Clerigos Tower. You can also get there by bus, tram, or taxi.
My Experience
I booked my ticket through Get Your Guide, and it was honestly so easy, just a few taps on the app and I was all set. I went for the Gold Ticket (€15.95) which let me skip the line and included a complimentary book. That ticket price actually goes toward the book you choose in-store, which is such a nice bonus so not so complimentary but more so credit for the book.
Naturally, I grabbed a copy of The Little Prince, they have a beautiful edition in their back room. I arrived right around 9:30 AM, which is when they open. It was already a bit busy, but manageable. By the time I left around 10:30, it was packed. The line to get in was way longer, So yeah, earlier is definitely better.
The staircase is just as dreamy in person as it looks in the photos, and I took my time exploring the shelves. They even had Harry Potter editions with stunning covers that I hadn’t seen anywhere else.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re not a fan of crowds, I recommend getting there right when they open at 9:00 AM. Even at that time, there’s a line, but it moves quickly, especially if you’ve booked a skip-the-line ticket.
And don’t count on just walking in, they don’t allow it. You need to book a time slot in advance, so definitely plan ahead.
Travel Tips
- Book ahead – I used Get Your Guide and would 100% recommend it.
- Gold vs. Silver tickets – The Gold Ticket includes a book and lets you skip the line. The Silver Ticket lets you use the ticket cost toward your purchase, but you’ll wait in the regular line.
- Come early – Even at 9:30 AM it’s busy, but it only gets more crowded.
- No time limit – Once you’re inside, you can stay as long as you want.
- Check the back – The Little Prince room is small but absolutely worth a look.
- Languages – Books are available in English, Portuguese, and other languages too.
- Instagram tip – Want that iconic staircase shot? Head there first before the crowd builds up.
Final Thoughts
Livraria Lello is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with books all over again, even if you’re not a huge reader. It’s atmospheric, historic, and just downright magical.
Sure, it’s popular and can get a bit crowded, but with a little planning (and an early start), it’s absolutely worth the visit. Whether you walk out with a book, a few dreamy photos, or just the memory of being in one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, you won’t regret adding this to your Porto adventure.
Highlights
- The wooden staircase, yes, it’s even more gorgeous in real life
- The peaceful Little Prince room in the back
- A stunning selection of books with designer covers
- The Neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass skylight
- The fact that you can use your ticket as credit toward any book purchase
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