Livraria do Mercado
A unique bookstore and market in Óbidos, featuring rare books on shelves made from old produce crates.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Livraria do Mercado
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique bookstore and market in Óbidos, featuring rare books on shelves made from old produce crates.
"A charming establishment where you can feed both the body and the mind in harmony."
📚 Browse the Unique Shelves
Admire how old wooden crates are ingeniously transformed into bookshelves, a signature feature of this charming store.
🥕 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to buy fresh, biological fruits and vegetables from their market section.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bookshelf Crates
Throughout the store
Discover books housed in repurposed wooden crates, a unique and eco-friendly display that tells a story.
Rare and Alfarrabista Books
Book section
Browse a curated selection of rare books and antique finds, perfect for collectors and literary enthusiasts.
Biological Produce Market
Market section
Find fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and other biological products, a delightful contrast to the books.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Unique Blend of Books and Produce
Navigating Óbidos' Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Browse the Unique Shelves
Admire how old wooden crates are ingeniously transformed into bookshelves, a signature feature of this charming store.
🥕 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to buy fresh, biological fruits and vegetables from their market section.
🧐 Ask for Prices
Be sure to confirm prices, especially for items like ginjinha, to avoid unexpected charges.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Óbidos has cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the town and the market.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Browse the Unique Shelves
Admire how old wooden crates are ingeniously transformed into bookshelves, a signature feature of this charming store.
🥕 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to buy fresh, biological fruits and vegetables from their market section.
🧐 Ask for Prices
Be sure to confirm prices, especially for items like ginjinha, to avoid unexpected charges.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Óbidos has cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the town and the market.
📖 Seek Out Rare Finds
This alfarrabista bookstore is a treasure trove for those looking for unique and hard-to-find literary gems.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Livraria do Mercado for its unique concept, blending a bookstore with a biological produce market, and its charming, rustic ambiance created by bookshelves made from old crates. While the novelty and the quality of produce are often highlighted, some travelers caution about price transparency, particularly for beverages like ginjinha, advising clear communication beforehand.
"Óbidos, that quaint pearl of Portugal, has revealed to me a most peculiar establishment—a farm-to-table shop where the vegetables are not merely consumed but leave behind wooden coffins to live their second lives as bookshelves. This enterprising use of refuse impressed me, for it combines two great human virtues: thrift and storytelling. The vegetables, they claim, are grown just beyond the charming medieval walls, kissed by sunlight and caressed by sea breezes. And truly, the carrots seemed to have more character than many a poet, while the onions offered layers of flavor (and emotion) beyond the reach of mere mortals.
But it is not the food alone that warrants commentary. Upon finishing their earthly duties, the crates that carried the produce are repurposed into bookshelves lining the shop's walls. These wooden relics, now dressed in philosophy, fiction, and cookbooks, seem to whisper the wisdom of the ages—or at least offer excellent recipes for soup.
The irony of reading Plato's musings on simplicity from a box that once held turnips is not lost on me. Nor is the poetic justice of a once-empty crate, destined to house life's knowledge instead of life's nourishment.
Would I recommend this place? Certainly. It is an honest establishment where the food is fresh, the books are plenty, and the ingenuity is boundless. It is, after all, rare to find a place where one may feed both the body and the mind in such harmony.
But beware! The cleverness of the place might convince you that your own idle fruit baskets deserve a literary second act, and not all ideas are as charming in practice as they are in Óbidos."
dan safra
"A quirky little store in central Obidos selling fruits, wines and books among other things! Fun place to visit if you love books"
Bharathi Mani
"Nice bookstore with market on the side."
SoniA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Livraria do Mercado is located in the heart of Óbidos, a medieval town easily accessible by car or bus from Lisbon. Once inside the town walls, it's a short walk through the charming streets.
Parking is available outside the medieval walls of Óbidos. You'll then need to walk into the town to reach the market and bookstore.
Yes, regular bus services connect Lisbon to Óbidos. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. From the bus station, it's a short walk to the town center where Livraria do Mercado is located.
Livraria do Mercado is centrally located within the charming medieval streets of Óbidos, making it relatively easy to find as you explore the town.
Walking is the best way to explore Óbidos. The town is compact and best enjoyed on foot, allowing you to discover hidden corners and charming shops like Livraria do Mercado.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Livraria do Mercado. You can freely browse the books and the market.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours. It's advisable to check their social media or local listings for the most up-to-date information, especially for market hours.
There is no entry fee to enter the town of Óbidos itself. You can wander through its medieval streets freely.
Yes, Livraria do Mercado uniquely combines a bookstore with a biological produce market, allowing you to shop for both simultaneously.
While not explicitly advertised, the unique nature of the establishment often draws attention. Keep an eye on local event listings or their social media for any special happenings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Its distinctiveness lies in its dual nature: a bookstore featuring rare finds and a market selling biological produce, with bookshelves ingeniously made from old produce crates.
You can find a variety of books, including rare and antique titles (alfarrabista), as well as other interesting literary works. 
The market offers fresh, biological fruits, vegetables, and other related products, emphasizing local sourcing.
Children might enjoy the novelty of the market and the unique displays, though the focus on rare books might be more appealing to adults.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and staff. Some creators have shared their experiences and photos online.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While it's primarily a bookstore and market, some visitors have mentioned being offered ginjinha (a local cherry liqueur). However, be mindful of pricing.
Óbidos has numerous charming restaurants and cafes within its walls, offering traditional Portuguese cuisine. You can easily find a place to eat after visiting Livraria do Mercado.
The market section focuses on fresh produce, but you might find other local food items. It's best to inquire directly about available snacks or drinks.
Ginjinha is a sweet cherry liqueur popular in Portugal. While offered at Livraria do Mercado, it's also widely available in many establishments in Óbidos.
Óbidos offers traditional Portuguese dishes, which often include vegetable-based options. The biological market at Livraria do Mercado is a great place to find fresh produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique bookshelves made from crates, the colorful produce displays, and the overall rustic ambiance offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, you can generally take photos of the books and produce. Be respectful of other shoppers and ask if you plan to take close-ups of specific items or people.
No specific restrictions are usually mentioned, but common courtesy applies. Avoid flash photography that might disturb others or damage delicate items.
The blend of old books, fresh produce, and the creative use of repurposed materials creates a visually rich and unique environment for photography.
Searching on Instagram or TikTok with hashtags like #LivrariaDoMercado or #ObidosBooks will show many user-generated photos and videos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the focus on rare books might not hold a young child's attention for long, the market aspect and the novelty of the store can make it an engaging stop. Encourage them to spot different fruits and vegetables, and perhaps find a picture book to take home. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as Óbidos' cobblestone streets are best explored on foot.
📚 Book Lovers & Collectors
+1Take your time to explore the shelves, and don't hesitate to ask staff about specific titles or authors. The unique ambiance, combined with the potential for finding a special edition or a forgotten classic, makes this a rewarding destination for any serious book collector.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Furthermore, the market's focus on biological produce supports local farmers and promotes healthier consumption. This dedication to environmental consciousness makes Livraria do Mercado a destination that resonates with travelers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices in their journeys.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenious Bookshelf Design
This design choice not only serves a practical purpose but also tells a story about the connection between the land and literature. It's a testament to creativity and sustainability, transforming what might be considered waste into functional art. Visitors often marvel at this clever adaptation, finding it a refreshing departure from conventional retail displays.
A Nod to Traditional Markets
The use of crates evokes the feeling of old Portuguese markets and grocery stores, where goods were displayed in similar wooden containers. This nostalgic element adds to the charm of Livraria do Mercado, transporting visitors to a different era while they explore its literary and edible offerings.
A Dual Experience: Books and Bites
+1Complementing the literary offerings is the market, where you can find fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and other biological products. This integration highlights a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, allowing visitors to purchase high-quality, healthy goods. The juxtaposition of intellectual pursuits and natural sustenance creates a harmonious and intriguing environment.
Community and Local Sourcing
The concept of Livraria do Mercado aligns with a growing appreciation for local produce and artisanal goods. It fosters a connection between consumers and the source of their food, while also promoting the joy of reading. This holistic approach makes it more than just a shop; it's a reflection of a lifestyle that values both knowledge and well-being.
Navigating Óbidos and Visitor Tips
The town itself is a destination, and Livraria do Mercado is a delightful discovery within it. When visiting Livraria do Mercado, be mindful of the advice shared by fellow travelers. Some have noted the importance of clarifying prices, particularly for items like ginjinha, to ensure a transparent transaction.
+1Embracing the Óbidos Experience
Beyond Livraria do Mercado, Óbidos offers a wealth of experiences, from walking the ancient ramparts to enjoying local delicacies. The town's literary heritage is palpable, making it a fitting home for such a unique bookstore. Combine your visit with a stroll through the town to fully appreciate its medieval charm and vibrant culture.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit