Livraria Lello

Situated in the heart of Porto, Livraria Lello is housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building. Its exterior is adorned with an ornate facade featuring intricate carvings and stained glass windows, giving you a taste of the beauty that awaits inside. The moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by a breathtaking interior.

The main attraction of Livraria Lello is its exquisite spiral staircase, which is considered an architectural masterpiece. Crafted in stunning red wood, the staircase winds its way up to the upper levels of the bookstore, creating a sense of wonder and awe as you ascend. The intricate details and craftsmanship of the staircase are truly remarkable and make for a perfect photo opportunity.

Once you’ve marveled at the staircase, you’ll find yourself surrounded by shelves upon shelves of books, creating a cozy and immersive atmosphere. Livraria Lello is known for its extensive collection of books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary works, catering to a variety of interests and tastes. You can easily spend hours browsing through the carefully curated selection, discovering hidden gems or revisiting beloved titles.

Aside from its architectural and literary delights, Livraria Lello has a rich history. It has been a gathering place for intellectuals, writers, and artists since its establishment in 1906.

It’s important to note that due to its popularity, Livraria Lello can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. To ensure a pleasant visit, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day or consider purchasing a ticket in advance, as they have implemented a ticketing system to manage the flow of visitors.

Visit Notes

I walked by the bookstore at various times every day during my stay and every day there was a mob of people standing in the sun, waiting for entry. There’s almost nothing I love more than bookstores and I would have loved nothing more than to go inside… if it weren’t for the crowds. I don’t really want to go into a store with hundreds of other people all pushing to get the same picture. No thank you. If this is something you want to do, get your ticket online in advance. This doesn’t save you from the crowds, but maybe your wait in the sun will be shorter.

By the way, this library has nothing to do with J.K. Rowling or Harry Potter. She has gone on record that she did not know about the existence of Livraria Lello. Harry Potter was not inspired by this bookstore.