Livraria Lello, Porto

Name: Livraria Lello
Address: Rua Carmelitas 144, Porto, 4050-161, Portugal
Telephone: +351 22 200 2037

#12 among attractions in Porto

Library, Bookshop, Gothic Revival architecture, Art Nouveau architecture

Gallery (11)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 2.0 / Jose A. / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Morray / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rastrojo / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alegna13 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alegna13 / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL

Facts and practical information

Livraria Lello, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, is a literary haven nestled in the heart of Porto, Portugal. This exquisite Neo-Gothic gem, with its stunning façade and breathtaking interior, has been a beacon for book lovers since its opening in 1906.

Designed by the engineer Xavier Esteves, the bookstore features a unique fusion of art nouveau and gothic elements. Upon stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a lavish, stained-glass skylight that casts a warm, ethereal glow over the entire space. The centerpiece of Livraria Lello is its iconic crimson staircase, which spirals elegantly towards the upper floor, creating an almost magical atmosphere that has been rumored to inspire J.K. Rowling's depiction of Hogwarts in her Harry Potter series.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Livraria Lello is a treasure trove for bibliophiles, housing an extensive collection of Portuguese literature alongside a rich selection of international works. The bookstore also serves as a cultural hub, hosting literary events, book launches, and discussions that foster a vibrant intellectual community.

Despite its popularity, Livraria Lello has maintained its original character and charm. To preserve the tranquility of the space and ensure a quality experience for all visitors, the bookstore has implemented an entry fee, which is redeemable against any book purchase.

Alternative names: Opened: 1881 (143 years ago)Architectural style: Art NouveauCoordinates: 41°8'49"N, 8°36'54"W

Address

Rua Carmelitas 144Porto 4050-161 Portugal

Contact

+351 22 200 2037

Website

Social media

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Porto

Day trips

Livraria Lello – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Monument to Pedro IV, Porto Cathedral, Casa do Infante, Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis.

~1030 ftE
Historical place, Memorial
Monument to Pedro IV, Porto
5 min walk • The Monument to Pedro IV stands proudly in the heart of Porto, Portugal, serving as an enduring tribute to the former King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil. This notable memorial is situated in the vibrant Avenida dos Aliados, a location that pulses with the city's...
~1860 ftSE
Monumental 12th-century religious site
Porto Cathedral, Porto
9 min walk • Porto Cathedral, standing majestically in the heart of Porto, Portugal, is a monumental landmark that embodies the historical and religious fervor of the region. Known in Portuguese as Sé do Porto, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the city's oldest monuments and a...
~1630 ftS
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Casa do Infante, Porto
8 min walk • Nestled within the historical heart of Porto, Portugal, lies the Casa do Infante, a site of significant cultural and historical importance. This ancient building, whose foundations date back to the 14th century, is believed to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the...
~1790 ftW
Art museum within an 18th-century palace
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, Porto
9 min walk • Nestled in the vibrant city of Porto, the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis stands as a beacon of culture and history. Housed in the Carrancas Palace, a former royal residence from the late 18th century, this prestigious museum is named after the renowned Portuguese...
~150 ftS
Nicolau Nasoni, Church, Baroque architecture
Torre dos Clérigos, Porto
1 min walk • The Torre dos Clérigos, with its soaring bell tower, is an iconic landmark in the coastal city of Porto, Portugal. Built in the 18th century, this baroque church is a masterpiece of Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and an integral part of the city's skyline.
~150 ftW
Fountain
Fonte dos Leões, Porto
1 min walk • The Fountain of the Lions, is a 19th-century fountain built by French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l'Etranger, in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória in municipality of Porto.
~870 ftS
Museum, Specialty museum
Centro Português de Fotografia, Porto
5 min walk • The Portuguese Centre of Photography was founded in 1997. First exhibitions were held in December of the same year on the ground floor of building until 2000. The building was temporarily closed for renovation and reopened in 2001.
~1740 ftE
Theater
Teatro Sá da Bandeira, Porto
9 min walk • The Teatro Sá da Bandeira is the oldest performance venue in the city of Porto, with a capacity for 786 people and opened in 1846, it was responsible for the first presentation of films produced in Portuguese, and was converted in the first years of its opening on stage to some...
~1030 ftE
Square
Liberdade Square, Porto
5 min walk • Liberdade Square is a square in the city of Porto, Portugal. It is located in Santo Ildefonso parish, in the lower town area. The square is continuous on its north side with the Avenida dos Aliados, an important avenue of the city.
~1450 ftE
Theater, Concert hall, Concerts and shows
Rivoli Theatre, Porto
7 min walk • Rivoli Theatre is a municipal theatre in Oporto, Portugal.
~1540 ftSW
Fountain
Chafariz da Rua das Taipas, Porto
8 min walk • The Fountain of Rua das Taipas is a fountain in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the municipality of Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Livraria Lello open?

Livraria Lello is open:

Monday 10 am - 7:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 7:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 7:30 pm
Thursday 10 am - 7:30 pm
Friday 10 am - 7:30 pm
Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday 10 am - 7 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Livraria Lello?

Nearby attractions include Torre dos Clérigos, Porto (1 min walk), Fonte dos Leões, Porto (1 min walk), University of Porto, Porto (1 min walk), Igreja do Carmo, Porto (2 min walk).

How to get to Livraria Lello by public transport?

The nearest stations to Livraria Lello:

Bus

Guilherme Gomes Fernandes • Lines: 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 300, 302, 305, 501, 703 (2 min walk)
Carmo • Lines: 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 300, 302, 305, 501, 507, 601, 602, 703 (3 min walk)

Tram

Guilherme Gomes Fernandes • Lines: 22 (2 min walk)
Carmo • Lines: 18, 22 (2 min walk)

Light rail

Aliados • Lines: D (7 min walk)
São Bento • Lines: D (7 min walk)

Train

Porto - São Bento (8 min walk)
Antigo Terminal Ferroviário da Alfândega (12 min walk)