During a recent trip to Porto, Portugal, I had the chance to visit Livraria Lello, renowned as the “world’s most beautiful bookshop.” The bookshop, known for its resemblance to scenes from Harry Potter, features impressive bookshelves, intricate architecture, stained glass ceilings, and an iconic red spiral staircase.
Due to its increasing popularity, Livraria Lello now requires visitors to book a time slot in advance for a fee of €10. This measure was implemented to manage overcrowding as many visitors were only seeking photo opportunities without purchasing books. However, the entrance fee is deducted from your total purchase if you buy books during your visit.
Arriving at a 9.30am slot, I was amazed by the grandeur of the bookshop despite the queues. Livraria Lello’s ambiance resembles a storybook castle, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a majestic staircase reminiscent of a ballroom scene from Bridgerton. Surprisingly, the bookshop caters to international visitors with books organized by language sections.
In addition to a wide selection of books, Livraria Lello offers limited edition covers exclusive to the store and merchandise for fans of Harry Potter and The Little Prince. The manageable queue at the checkout counter justifies the entrance fee, making the experience worthwhile.
Located in the heart of Porto, Livraria Lello is conveniently close to many landmarks, allowing visitors to explore the city easily. Not far from the bookshop is a renowned McDonald’s known for its beautiful architecture, adding to the unique charm of the area.
For more information and ticket bookings, visit livrarialello.pt. To discover Porto’s attractions, visit visitporto.travel. If you have a holiday story to share, email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
