Livraria Lello
Step into a fairytale at Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, famed for its Art Nouveau design and iconic red staircase.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Livraria Lello
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a fairytale at Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, famed for its Art Nouveau design and iconic red staircase.
"It's a tourist trap for sure, but the architecture is truly breathtaking."
🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues. Priority tickets often include a book.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Visit right at opening or during the last hour for a less crowded experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Red Staircase
Main Hall
A breathtaking, winding wooden staircase that is the centerpiece of the bookstore's stunning interior.
Art Nouveau Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the intricate facade and the richly decorated interior, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design.
Harry Potter Inspiration
Throughout the bookstore
Feel the magic of this place, rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling's magical world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
+1Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues. Priority tickets often include a book.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Visit right at opening or during the last hour for a less crowded experience.
📚 Ticket Discount for Books
Your ticket price is deductible from the cost of a book purchase.
📸 Be Patient for Photos
It's crowded, so patience is key for capturing those iconic shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues. Priority tickets often include a book.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Visit right at opening or during the last hour for a less crowded experience.
📚 Ticket Discount for Books
Your ticket price is deductible from the cost of a book purchase.
📸 Be Patient for Photos
It's crowded, so patience is key for capturing those iconic shots.
🚶♀️ Consider Alternatives
If queues are too daunting, Livraria Chaminé Mota offers a beautiful, less crowded historical bookstore experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Livraria Lello is undeniably a visually stunning bookstore, praised for its breathtaking architecture and historical charm, often linked to Harry Potter inspiration. However, many visitors find the experience diminished by overwhelming crowds, leading some to label it a 'tourist trap' where enjoying the books takes a backseat to photography and navigating packed spaces.
"Very popular tourist bookshop, that looks nice to visit, and worth a visit. A few things to note though, there are hundreds of people before opening queuing, and people who pay for priority, get priority.. The shop is crowded, and hard to walk through. The staircase is in constant use, and people also want to take pictures there. You can get 10 euro back from your ticket, towards a book, book only, and not other items, the cheapest book is 16 euros. I would recommend a visit, but either recommend priority, or 9am slot to avoid the crowds, the heat, and the sweat."
arjan virdi
"It is a very popular tourist spot in Porto. I went there before 9 and found that I had to buy tickets online in advance, so I picked a timeslot (12:15) and bought two tickets online.
When I went back to the book store again at 12:15, there were many people lining up to get in. Each basic ticket is 10 euro but if you buy a book there, you will get a 10 euro discount on the book. Discount is only on books. The interior design of the book store was stunning. There were two stories and the iconic red staircase was amazing! There were many people inside, so it might be a bit hard to take nice pictures with the architectural design. But I think it does not matter because you should enjoy and taste the beauty of the book store with your eyes and heart. Books are in different languages such as French and English. I bought their special edition of The Little Prince.
Don’t forget to look up when you were in the bookstore as there was a stained glass window. It is said that this bookstore was the inspiration behind some scenery in Harry Potter.
It is worth a visit!"
Karen Chan
"Is it beautiful? Yes.
Is it worth the trip? Honestly, no.
This place is so crowded that a visit is not enjoyable. It was like walking inside of a panic attack.
We bought advance tickets for 11AM. Despite ensuring you wait in a shorter line and that you get inside…this was nothing special.
The store is truly beautiful. The wood carvings on the walls, the staircase, etc are all gorgeous. There is really no other place like it. But pushing through a crowd of people to get to any part of the store is not my ideal bookstore experience. Maybe it’s better to go at the end of the day in the last time slot? I don’t know. It felt like the magic of this place was lost due to the stress of being surrounded by people on all sides of you."
Gaby Alvarez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Livraria Lello is centrally located in Porto, Portugal. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. Many visitors also walk from nearby attractions like the Clérigos Church and Tower. +1
Yes, Livraria Lello is within walking distance of many popular Porto sights. For example, it's just a short walk from Igreja do Carmo and the Clérigos Tower. +1
The best strategy to avoid crowds is to book your tickets online in advance for the earliest time slot. Arriving just before opening is highly recommended.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Porto and can drop you off near Livraria Lello. However, be aware that the immediate area can get congested with traffic due to its popularity.
Parking directly near Livraria Lello can be challenging due to its central location and popularity. It's advisable to use public transport or a ride-sharing service, or park in a public garage a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price for Livraria Lello is around €8, which is deductible from the purchase of a book. Priority tickets, which often include a book, cost around €15.90.
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially during peak season. This helps you skip the long queues and secure your entry time.
A priority ticket typically allows you to skip the main queue and often includes the purchase of a book, making it a better value if you plan to buy something. Regular tickets require waiting in line. +2
The ticket price is usually deductible from the purchase of a book. You can typically choose from a selection of books, and it's worth asking staff about which ones are eligible for the discount.
Livraria Lello's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information, but they generally open around 9:30 AM and close in the early evening. +1
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Yes, Livraria Lello is extremely popular and can get very crowded, especially during peak hours and seasons. Visiting early or late can help mitigate this. +1
Photography is generally allowed inside Livraria Lello, but it can be challenging to get clear shots due to the crowds. Be mindful of other visitors and staff.
Many visitors find Livraria Lello beautiful and a unique experience, despite the crowds. Others feel the crowds detract from the enjoyment, making it feel more like a tourist trap.
Livraria Lello is widely believed to have inspired J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts library due to its stunning architecture and magical atmosphere.
For the best photo opportunities with fewer people, aim for the very first time slot of the day or the last hour before closing.
🎫 📚 Books & Shopping
Yes, Livraria Lello offers a selection of books in various languages, including English, French, and Portuguese. +1
While it's a tourist attraction, Livraria Lello does have a curated selection of books, including literature, art, and some collector's editions.
Yes, Livraria Lello offers special edition books, and your priority ticket often includes one of these as part of the package.
Due to the crowds, it can be difficult to browse leisurely. It's more of a place to see the architecture and perhaps purchase a specific book or souvenir.
The cheapest books at Livraria Lello are typically around €15-€16, which is the price of a standard ticket if you don't use the discount.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the earliest time slot to minimize exposure to large groups. If the crowds become overwhelming, remember there are other family-friendly attractions nearby, such as the Ribeira district, where kids can enjoy the open spaces and river views.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1To save money, avoid purchasing items other than books for the ticket discount. If the entry fee is a concern, consider visiting Livraria Chaminé Mota as a free, beautiful alternative for a historical bookstore experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase the grandeur of the interior. The Art Nouveau facade also offers excellent photo opportunities. While the crowds can be a challenge, the unique beauty of Livraria Lello makes it a highly rewarding location for photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Crowds: Tips for a Better Experience
+1If you're aiming for a more serene experience, timing your visit strategically is key. The earliest time slot of the day, right when they open, is your best bet to avoid the peak rush. Alternatively, visiting during the last hour before closing can also offer a slightly calmer atmosphere as the day-trippers depart. Weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons, tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Remember that the bookstore is not just a place to buy books but also a significant tourist attraction. While the iconic red staircase is a major draw for photos, be prepared for it to be constantly occupied. Embrace the experience for what it is – a chance to see a truly unique and beautiful space, even if it means sharing it with many others.
The 'Harry Potter' Connection: Fact or Fiction?
+1Many visitors come specifically seeking this connection, hoping to feel a tangible link to the wizarding world. The bookstore's design, with its stained-glass ceiling and towering bookshelves, certainly evokes a sense of wonder and fantasy. Whether it was a direct muse or simply a place that resonated with her creative spirit, the association has undoubtedly contributed to Livraria Lello's global fame.
Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, the bookstore's architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit. It stands as a testament to early 20th-century design and a haven for book lovers, regardless of its rumored magical connections.
Beyond the Bookstore: What Else to See Nearby
For a dose of history and impressive tilework, head to the São Bento Train Station. Its main hall is decorated with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history, making it an unexpected but captivating sight.
If you're looking for a more tranquil bookstore experience, consider Livraria Chaminé Mota. This historical bookstore offers a beautiful, less crowded alternative for those who want to appreciate old-world charm without the overwhelming queues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit