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Visitors should explore the iconic architecture of Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and admire its stunning staircase, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows. It's also a great place for book lovers to browse through a wide selection of literature, including Portuguese works and international bestsellers.
Livraria Lello, located in Porto, Portugal, is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. It was once named one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World."
Livraria Lello boasts a Neo-Gothic facade and staircase, featuring intricately carved escalators and a stained-glass skylight. Food and wine are also available on the top floor. The exquisite art and architecture, the exquisite books, and the ingenious design of Livraria Lello leave a lasting impression on readers and tourists alike.
Climate: Portugal enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm, humid winters and relatively dry summers. The northern part of the country has a temperate maritime broadleaf forest climate, while the southern part has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range from 8-14°C in January and 17-28°C in August, with annual rainfall of 500-1000 mm.
Best time to travel: May to October
Recommended places to visit:
Liberty Square in Porto
Located in the heart of Porto, Portugal, Plaza de Liberdade is the most bustling area of the city. Built in 1718, Plaza de Liberdade boasts a bronze equestrian statue of Don Pedro I in its center. Nearby are a post office and tourist information center.
Today, the area around the Liberty Square is well-developed, making it more convenient for people to visit. The Liberty Square has become an important tourist attraction in Porto, and the number of tourists visiting it is increasing.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Regular ticket: 5 euros
09:30-19:00
Livraria Lello, opened in 1906, is a historical landmark in Porto and is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. The store is known for its unique, neo-Gothic architectural style, with elaborate woodwork and a stunning central staircase. It is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and has been a major influence on the literary scene in Portugal.
Livraria Lello is located in the center of Porto, at Rua das Carmelitas, 144. It can be reached easily by metro (Trindade station), bus, or taxi. It's also within walking distance from many major landmarks in Porto.
The bookstore is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist crowds.
The entrance fee is approximately 5 EUR, which can be used as a discount toward the purchase of books. Tickets can be bought either online or at the entrance of the bookstore.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid long queues. Booking a few days ahead is advised.
Visitors typically spend around 30 to 60 minutes exploring Livraria Lello, admiring the architecture, browsing the bookshelves, and taking photos.
The stunning staircase is the highlight, along with the ornate woodwork and the stained-glass ceiling. The second floor offers beautiful views of the store, making it a popular photography spot.
Guided tours are available in English and Portuguese. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, can also be rented.
The best photography spots are on the second floor, with a view of the staircase and the overall interior of the bookstore. The stained-glass ceiling also provides excellent lighting for photos.
Start by exploring the ground floor, admire the architecture, then proceed to the second floor to get a higher perspective of the bookstore. Don't forget to stop by the book section that interests you!
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows. The bookstore operates during daytime hours only.
The bookstore can get crowded, especially in the afternoons and during weekends. The least crowded times are early in the morning, right when the store opens, or later in the evening just before closing time.
Livraria Lello has restrooms and a small café where visitors can relax. The bookstore also has a shop selling a wide selection of books, souvenirs, and literary-themed items.
The bookstore has limited accessibility for disabled visitors due to its historic architecture and narrow stairs. However, children and elderly visitors can easily explore the lower level.
Both cash and card payments are accepted at Livraria Lello, including mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
There are several cafes nearby, including Café Majestic, a famous spot for traditional Portuguese pastries, and other cafes offering light snacks and coffee.
There are a variety of vegetarian and vegan options in the cafes nearby, with some halal restaurants in the city center as well.
There are several hotels near Livraria Lello, including the Hotel Infante Sagres, PortoBay Hotel Teatro, and many budget options in the vicinity.
Nearby attractions include the Clerigos Tower, the Porto Cathedral, and the São Bento Railway Station, all within walking distance from the bookstore.
Livraria Lello has a small souvenir shop selling books, literary-themed items, and unique stationery. Nearby, you can also find local Portuguese crafts and souvenirs.
After visiting Livraria Lello, the best transportation options are walking to nearby attractions, or taking a taxi, metro, or bus to other parts of Porto.
