Lello Library


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Lello Library


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Porto’s Livraria Lello will leave you spellbound with its swirling red staircase, magnificent stained glass, and the timeless charm of a bookstore that feels more like a magical cathedral.
Lello Library Interior
Lello Library Inside View

Highlights

  • Lose yourself in the breathtaking splendour of a neo-Gothic masterpiece.
  • Ascend the world-renowned staircase, a breathtaking work of art in its own right.
  • Venture into the secluded Gemma room, a treasure trove of rare literary finds.
  • Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of José Saramago, surrounded by his personal belongings.
  • Delight in an ever-evolving tapestry of exhibitions, each a love letter to the world of books.

Stepping inside Livraria Lello is like stepping back in time.

This magnificent bookstore opened in 1906, the creation of the Lello brothers and the masterful engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves.

Its Neo-Gothic facade, adorned with allegorical figures of Art and Science, hints at the treasures within.

Inside, you’ll be awestruck by the symphony of details. Sunlight pours through a massive stained glass ceiling, its motto “Decus in Labore” (Honor in Work) casting shimmering colours across the intricately carved wood. Bookshelves line the walls, reaching towards the ceiling like ancient trees.

The centrepiece, however, is the iconic crimson staircase. It swirls and curves in a seemingly impossible feat of engineering, inviting visitors to explore the upper gallery. Throughout, Art Nouveau flourishes and intertwines with Neo-Gothic elements, creating a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Rumour has it that J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto in the 1990s, found inspiration for the magical world of Harry Potter within Livraria Lello’s grand interior. Whether fact or fiction, the bookstore’s mystical atmosphere certainly sparks the imagination.

Open:

Every day from 09:00 am to 07:30 pm

Closed:

December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 24th.

Silver Ticket Voucher – 8€

Includes an 8€ discount on a book purchase & entry to Livraria Lello.

Gold Ticket Voucher – 15,90€

Includes priority access & includes a selected book from the store.

Book a Tour

  • Reserve Now & Pay Later
  • Free Cancellation (up to 24hrs before)
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Frequently Asked Questions

It’s highly recommended! Due to its popularity, Livraria Lello can get crowded. Buying a ticket online in advance (https://www.livrarialello.pt/en/how-to-visit-us) guarantees your entry and can save you time waiting in line.

Yes! The €8 entry fee is like a voucher you can use towards the purchase of any book within the store.

Yes, photography is allowed inside Livraria Lello.

If you plan to take lots of photos and browse the books, allocate 30 minutes to an hour. If you simply want to admire the space, it could be a shorter visit.

Unfortunately, due to the building’s historic nature, Livraria Lello has limited accessibility. The iconic staircase and upper level are not wheelchair accessible.

While their focus is on Portuguese literature, Livraria Lello does have a section dedicated to books in other languages, including English.

Early mornings and later afternoons tend to be less crowded than midday. Purchasing your ticket in advance also helps streamline your entry.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a dedicated cafe or seating area within the bookstore itself.

Yes, it’s easy to reach by public transport! The Aliados metro station is a short walk away, and several bus lines stop nearby.

Yes, children are welcome in the bookstore. Its unique atmosphere might be particularly enchanting for young readers. Just be mindful of the crowds and potential noise.

No, there’s no specific dress code at Livraria Lello. However, comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll likely be doing some standing and exploring.

Yes! Livraria Lello occasionally hosts book launches, author signings, and cultural events. You can check their website (https://www.livrarialello.pt/) or social media for upcoming events.

While J.K. Rowling did live in Porto, there’s no substantiated evidence that this specific bookstore was a direct inspiration. Nonetheless, the bookstore’s magical atmosphere certainly evokes a similar feeling.

This depends on your priorities. If you’re an architecture lover, a bookworm, or a fan of beautiful, historic spaces, then Livraria Lello will likely be worth it. If you’re on a tight budget or dislike crowds, you might want to explore the many other charming bookstores Porto has to offer.

Definitely! While the Harry Potter connection draws in some visitors, the real magic of Livraria Lello lies in its stunning architecture and historical atmosphere.

Yes! Porto has a lovely selection of independent bookstores each with its own charm. A few to consider include Galeria de Paris, Poetria, and Chaminé da Mota.

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