Livraria Lello, at Rua das Carmelitas 144, is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world and one of the busiest places in Porto. Opened in 1906 by the Lello brothers, it is known for its neo-Gothic facade, its stained-glass ceiling and its central wooden staircase. Entry is paid: you must buy a ticket-voucher, even if you only came to buy a book. Its value is then deducted from the price of a book bought in the shop. The bookshop is open every day from 9am to 7:30pm, and closes on some public holidays.
Highlights
The neo-Gothic facade
The decoration of the facade, with its painted panels and openwork gable, sets the tone for the building. Stop in the street before you go in.
The stained-glass skylight
The stained-glass ceiling lets daylight into the main hall. Look up: it is one of the details that sets the bookshop apart.
The central staircase
The wooden staircase curls up to the upper floor and is the most photographed view of the bookshop. It is also the most crowded: do not expect to be alone in your photo.
The Manifesto Library and the Gema Room
The visit includes the Manifesto Library, a selection of 100 contemporary titles, and the Gema Room, which shows rare books and first editions.
Practical info
Tips
- Buy your ticket in advance on the bookshop's official ticket site: same-day online tickets are sold until 30 minutes before closing, subject to availability, and each voucher is valid for 60 minutes after the time you choose. On site you can also buy with your phone or ask staff for help; if you buy while waiting in the queue, cash is not accepted. Children up to and including 3 years old enter free with proof of age. Priority entry is provided for visitors with reduced mobility, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with infants. Several voucher options exist (their value is deducted from a book): the price is not shown on the information page, so check the official ticket site for the current price. The bookshop is often linked to Harry Potter because J.K. Rowling lived in Porto, but no official link is confirmed: do not expect a themed visit.
How to get there
Rua das Carmelitas 144, Porto. Metro: São Bento or Trindade stations, a few minutes' walk away. The bookshop is next to the Clérigos Tower and the Carmo Church.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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