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Recommended Reviews - Livraria Lello
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Livraria Llelo in Porto @livraria.lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. It has elaborate Neo-Gothic woodwork, stained glass ceiling, and an iconic crimson carved staircase. You can book online or on site at €15.95 per person and it's well worth it as you can redeem that against your purchases of LL published books. Tip: there are books for exactly €15.95 so your purchase is free.you need about an hour or so to enjoy it properly.
One of Porto's top attractions, so of course it's gonna be a madhouse. I reserved silver tickets for 9am (opening). At 8:45am, there was already a line about 50 deep and they all had tickets too! The detail in this bookstore is like no other. Rumor is J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter here, although she insists she has never been to Portugal. Nevertheless, it's something to be seen. Good luck if you want a photo with the cool staircase. Unless you are super patient, pushy and don't care, oblivious to your surroundings, or all of the above to the swarms of people going up and down the staircase, you will not get a solo photo for the IGs. I think maybe the first five through the door had success before the staff started telling people to go around then and stop blocking the entrance. There are books in many different languages here, which is awesome, but there is not much variety. Also, the books are pretty heftily marked up because you can use your ticket price toward a purchase (books only, no merch). Neat to see, but it's a one and done.
We chose 7:00pm time slot right before closing at 7:30. The line wasn't too long and moved quick. Staff did a great job getting people in & out in reasonable time. Staff was very helpful and they have a great selection of books in many different languages. If you show your ticket you get a discount and some tickets get you a book with ticket purchase. In general prices are reasonable considering how popular this bookstore is. We were very happy we went and actually bought a couple of small books. I feel it's worth the experience if in Porto especially if you like books.
TLDR: Livraria Lello is not worth the hype--don't waste your money or time coming here!! What attracts the large crowds to Livaria Lello is it's supposedly the bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling, but honestly, it's a scam and not confirmed by JK Rowling herself. It's a tourist trap and overhyped, save your euros! To get in, you have to purchase a ticket online in advance with a set time. The ticketing system has three tiers-- Silver, Gold, and Platinum. I bought a silver ticket for the earliest time, but even at the earliest time, crowds gather quick. Upon arrival, you'll have to queue according to your ticket type, but the line management was honestly embarrassing. The signage was confusing, and even the employees seemed to be on completely different pages. The whole experience felt chaotic, overcrowded, and totally disorganized. All entry tickets are deductible against the purchase of a book, but what they don't tell you is it only applies toward a Livraria Lello book, not all books or items. Once inside, every inch of space is packed with people trying to take photos. If you get anxious in crowds or are even slightly claustrophobic, good luck!! From the tiny glimpses of architecture I did catch, it looked beautiful--but honestly, you wouldn't know it from how crowded it was. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Overall? Hard pass.
I knew it was a tourist trap going in, and the experience was actually much worse than expected. If a place has a timed ticket, I do expect it to not oversell tickets and pack the place to the point of not being able to move. Maybe if you were on the 9am ticket, and got there by 8:30am so that you were the first 50 people to enter, then it may be different. As it were, I booked tickets about 36 hours in advance and only able to get 9:15am. They were organized with signs indicating which line is for which time, I'll give them that. I got there at 8:50am, and was within first 10 people of my group, but didn't get to enter until around 9:20am, and there was already a horde of people inside. After entering, it was impossible to get any nice photos without some random strangers right next to you. Yes, the place was beautiful, but the crowds greatly detracted from the quiet and peace I associate with bookstores and libraries. They try to justify the entry fee by saying that the 10 euros spent can be deducted from the book price, but they literally mark up from MSRP price on everything, and things like mugs or bags do not get the same credit. You cannot combine multiple tickets to buy one book either. The book selection was pretty terrible, though they do include English, French, German and Spanish editions. I thought maybe I'd get a nice photo book of the library itself, but the only one available was in crazy neon and pastel colored fonts with washed out photos, and if I recall correctly, for about 30 euros. Didn't get it. Even the very limited classics selection was pretty sad. None of the books I picked up were under 10 euros. Bought a paperback novel instead for about 19 euros. Fun fact, you can get your book purchase stamped if you ask. When there are other historic sights much grander than this for less, I'd say skip this place unless you are a diehard booklover with no claustrophobia.
While I was well aware that Livraria Lello is a famed "tourist trap" and most guides recommend skipping the long line, I am a huge fan of bookstores and felt that I owed it to myself to pay the shop a visit. Tickets are available online for timed entry by tier (silver for 10 euros, gold for 15.95 euros and platinum for 50 euros)-- with the value of your ticket worth a voucher towards purchase of a book of your choice. If you actually intend on purchasing a book (which is arguably the best reason to visit) then gold tier is definitely the move as it gives you priority access as well as 15.95 toward your purchase, which I ended up spending anyways since most books are 15.95 and up. We showed up about 30 min prior to our entry time and requested early entry since we were trying to catch a flight and the friendly staff outside kindly accommodated our request so we lucked out and only spent about 10 min in line. If you show up on time or late, be prepared for a long queue-- I'd highly recommend coming at least 15 min early! No matter what time you enter, the store is likely to be packed with tourists and tough to navigate (see photo below) so you're probably better off googling photos of the stained glass windows and beautiful red spiraling staircase but the real reason to come is for the gorgeous classic novels rebound in uniquely designed hardcovers. I wish the shop were less crowded because I could have spent forever in there perusing titles and likely would have come out with a handful of classics on my to-read list! There's a lot of controversy around whether or not JK Rowling was truly inspired by this spot (ask your local tour guide for the deets on this debated topic, though FWIW she lectured English several meters away so you decide the likelihood of whether or not she ever set foot in there... ) but regardless I feel that it's worth a visit if you're into bookstores or are a book collector and would like a relatively inexpensive and practical souvenir in the form of a beautifully bound classic novel.
This place is gorgeous inside. I think if you dislike very crowded spaces, then maybe skip it. All the negative reviews were about how crowded it is inside. So yes, it is wall to wall people. Now you know, go & enjoy the experience! I suggest you make the 10 euro reservation. The architecture inside is great with all the beautiful wood. The books offered in so many different languages. It was super fun to me. Only thing not fun were the grumpy rude folks that were mad it was so crowded.... Anyway, your $10 you pay for reservation goes toward any book purchase! It was wonderful be be in such an historical place. Service was adequate! Make sure you have them stamp each of the books you purchase! Absolutely recommend!
This not so hidden gem is truly stunning! It's a must-do for a trip to Porto. You need to buy tickets ahead of time and it seems a little pricey for a quick walk through the library but you can use your ticket price as a credit toward a book purchase so that's a huge value! The selection of books in varying languages is substantial and the staff is wonderful. But the space is really what takes the cake - it's breathtaking and you won't be able to not take photos. The only downside is how crowded it gets but perhaps early morning tickets are better. Must do!
We waited 1 hour 45 minutes to enter (no tickets allowed today) and unfortunately it was rainy and cold. People came by with free hot mulled wine from across the street and pastries. They regulate how many people can enter inside the store and it was still packed inside. They have books in several different languages for fiction and non fiction. They also have journals, tote bags, and pens. Cute inside
Absolutely beautiful book store. Compact. Good selection of classics in several languages. Beautiful books. Not too many. Gets crowded but still enjoyable. Good service too. And nice location.
Beautiful bookstore in library famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. Purchase tickets in advance online and it came with a free book. There was a really long line that stretched probably about 60 to 80 people. The Long line took a while, but it was expected with how popular this place is. The inside is very small for the amount of people in line, but it was beautiful. The art in the ceilings and on the walls transform you back into the past. These staircase is very unique and a great place to take pictures although hard to get a picture with all the people in the background. The employees were really nice and helpful even though they were very busy. But definitely recommend this place if you are in the area
We visited Livraria Lello and purchased a golden ticket for entry. And while it was extremely crowded, it was nice to check out the beautiful architecture and interiors of the bookstore. There isn't a large selection of books, but they did have selections in many languages to choose from. Plus the cost of your ticket is applied towards the cost of a book there, so splurge a little and get the golden ticket. It would've been nice if they had a couple more cashiers available to check people out though. Please note that reservations are required.
Very helpful staff doing their best in an extremely busy shop. Bought a couple of small books and couldn't stayed longer but it's not the most comfortable place to browse due to the crowds. It's like a tin of sardines. Books are reasonably priced and the English language section is decent in terms of classics and new.
Some people find this a magical place that they are convinced inspired J.K. Rowling to create her vision of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. Others see it as the overcrowded, moneymaking result of its own publicity. Given Jamie W and I had to pay 12€ per person in advance to enter, I lean a bit more to the second camp, even though we appreciated the ornate combination of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, especially the stylized, curving red staircase in the middle (Photo 6). The staff credits the payment against a potential book purchase, but make sure you know what you want beforehand because casual browsing was nearly impossible given the streaming masses taking selfies. The bookstore dates back to 1906 but didn't become a heavy tourist magnet until the Harry Potter phenomenon exploded. Ironically, Rowling never took inspiration from this shop as she admitted not being aware of the bookstore while living as an English teacher in Porto in the early 1990's. If you can shift your perception of the space from a bookstore to the pure tourist attraction it has become, you may feel more satisfaction with a visit. As Instagrammable as it is, Jamie and I spent a mere fifteen minutes here. We were overcome by the swarms pouring in, even though the staff made a valiant effort in controlling the number of people at any given time. I really don't mean to discourage you from visiting. Just dial down your expectations of wizardry accordingly. RELATED - Exploring Porto? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/N4i04zdRK2 read more
A not so magical overcrowded bookstore. Livraria Lello is one of Porto's most popular stops, renowned for its stunning bookstore interior. Its double spiral staircase is promoted as an inspiration for Harry Potter despite JK Rowling denying ever having set foot while living in Porto. From afar, we were met with huge lineups outside the stained glass exterior. Once inside, it was overcrowded with many tourists roaming about. The decor features wood carvings, stained glass, and an iconic red spiral staircase right in the center. If you're the first one visiting at 9am, it might be a beautiful experience. But for everyone else it's congested and claustrophobic while squeezing wall-to-wall like a tourist trap. There are too many tourists scheduled for each entry time. Staff were nice enough to allow our entry at 10:30, despite coming an hour after our scheduled entry time due to jet lag. Another saving grace is the €12 silver entry fee can actually be used as credit towards book purchases. There were books of many languages on the second floor while a number of classic novels were available. For €15, we picked up Great Gatsby with edge gilding from this so-called most beautiful bookstore in the world. That's great value as we paid only an extra €3 for the book. Skip it or hit it? With overcrowding, I recommend to skip unless you manage to reserve the 9am slot or visit in the offseason. read more
Livraria Llelo in Porto @livraria.lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. It has elaborate Neo-Gothic woodwork, stained glass ceiling, and an iconic crimson carved staircase. You can book online or on site at €15.95 per person and it's well worth it as you can redeem that against your purchases of LL published books. Tip: there are books for exactly €15.95 so your purchase is free.you need about an hour or so to enjoy it properly. read more
One of Porto's top attractions, so of course it's gonna be a madhouse. I reserved silver tickets for 9am (opening). At 8:45am, there was already a line about 50 deep and they all had tickets too! The detail in this bookstore is like no other. Rumor is J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter here, although she insists she has never been to Portugal. Nevertheless, it's something to be seen. Good luck if you want a photo with the cool staircase. Unless you are super patient, pushy and don't care, oblivious to your surroundings, or all of the above to the swarms of people going up and down the staircase, you will not get a solo photo for the IGs. I think maybe the first five through the door had success before the staff started telling people to go around then and stop blocking the entrance. There are books in many different languages here, which is awesome, but there is not much variety. Also, the books are pretty heftily marked up because you can use your ticket price toward a purchase (books only, no merch). Neat to see, but it's a one and done. read more
4 months ago
We chose 7:00pm time slot right before closing at 7:30. The line wasn't too long and moved quick. Staff did a great job getting people in & out in reasonable time. Staff was very helpful and they have a great selection of books in many different languages. If you show your ticket you get a discount and some tickets get you a book with ticket purchase. In general prices are reasonable considering how popular this bookstore is. We were very happy we went and actually bought a couple of small books. I feel it's worth the experience if in Porto especially if you like books. read more
9 months ago
TLDR: Livraria Lello is not worth the hype--don't waste your money or time coming here!! What attracts the large crowds to Livaria Lello is it's supposedly the bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling, but honestly, it's a scam and not confirmed by JK Rowling herself. It's a tourist trap and overhyped, save your euros! To get in, you have to purchase a ticket online in advance with a set time. The ticketing system has three tiers-- Silver, Gold, and Platinum. I bought a silver ticket for the earliest time, but even at the earliest time, crowds gather quick. Upon arrival, you'll have to queue according to your ticket type, but the line management was honestly embarrassing. The signage was confusing, and even the employees seemed to be on completely different pages. The whole experience felt chaotic, overcrowded, and totally disorganized. All entry tickets are deductible against the purchase of a book, but what they don't tell you is it only applies toward a Livraria Lello book, not all books or items. Once inside, every inch of space is packed with people trying to take photos. If you get anxious in crowds or are even slightly claustrophobic, good luck!! From the tiny glimpses of architecture I did catch, it looked beautiful--but honestly, you wouldn't know it from how crowded it was. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Overall? Hard pass. read more
I knew it was a tourist trap going in, and the experience was actually much worse than expected. If a place has a timed ticket, I do expect it to not oversell tickets and pack the place to the point of not being able to move. Maybe if you were on the 9am ticket, and got there by 8:30am so that you were the first 50 people to enter, then it may be different. As it were, I booked tickets about 36 hours in advance and only able to get 9:15am. They were organized with signs indicating which line is for which time, I'll give them that. I got there at 8:50am, and was within first 10 people of my group, but didn't get to enter until around 9:20am, and there was already a horde of people inside. After entering, it was impossible to get any nice photos without some random strangers right next to you. Yes, the place was beautiful, but the crowds greatly detracted from the quiet and peace I associate with bookstores and libraries. They try to justify the entry fee by saying that the 10 euros spent can be deducted from the book price, but they literally mark up from MSRP price on everything, and things like mugs or bags do not get the same credit. You cannot combine multiple tickets to buy one book either. The book selection was pretty terrible, though they do include English, French, German and Spanish editions. I thought maybe I'd get a nice photo book of the library itself, but the only one available was in crazy neon and pastel colored fonts with washed out photos, and if I recall correctly, for about 30 euros. Didn't get it. Even the very limited classics selection was pretty sad. None of the books I picked up were under 10 euros. Bought a paperback novel instead for about 19 euros. Fun fact, you can get your book purchase stamped if you ask. When there are other historic sights much grander than this for less, I'd say skip this place unless you are a diehard booklover with no claustrophobia. read more
While I was well aware that Livraria Lello is a famed "tourist trap" and most guides recommend skipping the long line, I am a huge fan of bookstores and felt that I owed it to myself to pay the shop a visit. Tickets are available online for timed entry by tier (silver for 10 euros, gold for 15.95 euros and platinum for 50 euros)-- with the value of your ticket worth a voucher towards purchase of a book of your choice. If you actually intend on purchasing a book (which is arguably the best reason to visit) then gold tier is definitely the move as it gives you priority access as well as 15.95 toward your purchase, which I ended up spending anyways since most books are 15.95 and up. We showed up about 30 min prior to our entry time and requested early entry since we were trying to catch a flight and the friendly staff outside kindly accommodated our request so we lucked out and only spent about 10 min in line. If you show up on time or late, be prepared for a long queue-- I'd highly recommend coming at least 15 min early! No matter what time you enter, the store is likely to be packed with tourists and tough to navigate (see photo below) so you're probably better off googling photos of the stained glass windows and beautiful red spiraling staircase but the real reason to come is for the gorgeous classic novels rebound in uniquely designed hardcovers. I wish the shop were less crowded because I could have spent forever in there perusing titles and likely would have come out with a handful of classics on my to-read list! There's a lot of controversy around whether or not JK Rowling was truly inspired by this spot (ask your local tour guide for the deets on this debated topic, though FWIW she lectured English several meters away so you decide the likelihood of whether or not she ever set foot in there... ) but regardless I feel that it's worth a visit if you're into bookstores or are a book collector and would like a relatively inexpensive and practical souvenir in the form of a beautifully bound classic novel. read more
This place is gorgeous inside. I think if you dislike very crowded spaces, then maybe skip it. All the negative reviews were about how crowded it is inside. So yes, it is wall to wall people. Now you know, go & enjoy the experience! I suggest you make the 10 euro reservation. The architecture inside is great with all the beautiful wood. The books offered in so many different languages. It was super fun to me. Only thing not fun were the grumpy rude folks that were mad it was so crowded.... Anyway, your $10 you pay for reservation goes toward any book purchase! It was wonderful be be in such an historical place. Service was adequate! Make sure you have them stamp each of the books you purchase! Absolutely recommend! read more
This not so hidden gem is truly stunning! It's a must-do for a trip to Porto. You need to buy tickets ahead of time and it seems a little pricey for a quick walk through the library but you can use your ticket price as a credit toward a book purchase so that's a huge value! The selection of books in varying languages is substantial and the staff is wonderful. But the space is really what takes the cake - it's breathtaking and you won't be able to not take photos. The only downside is how crowded it gets but perhaps early morning tickets are better. Must do! read more
7 months ago
We waited 1 hour 45 minutes to enter (no tickets allowed today) and unfortunately it was rainy and cold. People came by with free hot mulled wine from across the street and pastries. They regulate how many people can enter inside the store and it was still packed inside. They have books in several different languages for fiction and non fiction. They also have journals, tote bags, and pens. Cute inside read more
2 years ago
Beautiful bookstore in library famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. Purchase tickets in advance online and it came with a free book. There was a really long line that stretched probably about 60 to 80 people. The Long line took a while, but it was expected with how popular this place is. The inside is very small for the amount of people in line, but it was beautiful. The art in the ceilings and on the walls transform you back into the past. These staircase is very unique and a great place to take pictures although hard to get a picture with all the people in the background. The employees were really nice and helpful even though they were very busy. But definitely recommend this place if you are in the area read more
1 year ago
We visited Livraria Lello and purchased a golden ticket for entry. And while it was extremely crowded, it was nice to check out the beautiful architecture and interiors of the bookstore. There isn't a large selection of books, but they did have selections in many languages to choose from. Plus the cost of your ticket is applied towards the cost of a book there, so splurge a little and get the golden ticket. It would've been nice if they had a couple more cashiers available to check people out though. Please note that reservations are required. read more
10 months ago
Very helpful staff doing their best in an extremely busy shop. Bought a couple of small books and couldn't stayed longer but it's not the most comfortable place to browse due to the crowds. It's like a tin of sardines. Books are reasonably priced and the English language section is decent in terms of classics and new. read more
Sadly, I was heavily disappointed by this bookstore experience. It is advertised as a beautiful bookstore, with Harry Potter like elements, but all I felt was overcrowded and pushed to purchase something. This is 100% a tourist trap by the bookstore, which saddens me given that were it to remain a historic bookstore, I could see the architectural charm inside. There is a winding staircase, which is probably the only thing that may resemble Harry Potter. read more
2 years ago
Very crowded but beautiful library and tourist location! The workers were extremely nice and explained everything. People will start lining up outside an hour before! Also, you have to book tickets in advance!! The selection of books is wide! The value of the visit for the price was great!! read more
The "most beautiful bookstore in the world"...well...that marketing phrase should have already been a red flag, but I was blinded by the supposed inspiration for the creation of Hogwarts. It is safe to say that this bookstore is truly a tourist trap, and they know and play well into that. TIMED TICKETS. My bf and I were in Porto, and I had planned for us to visit Livraria Lello since he loves books and I love Harry Potter. The line was SUPER long but that was expected. I knew that entry was €8 a person which could be used towards a discount on a book if you decide to buy one. What I didn't know was that there are actually TIMED TICKETS for you to get in. Unfortunately the worker told me it was sold out that day so we bought tickets for the following day at 1:00pm. LATE ENTRY. Following day, we get there around 12:45pm and again, lines were super long. There was a point where it became two lines, and we were very confused as were a lot of people. I asked the person in front of me what the difference was, and she said one was for 12:30pm, and the other was for 1:00pm. I knew we were into trouble when I saw how long the 12:30pm line was at 1:00pm. They didn't start letting 1:00pm ticket holders in until 1:15pm, and we didn't get into the bookstore until 1:30pm. CROWD. We get into the bookstore and realize how they have packed us in like sardines...how very fitting for Portugal. This crowd was equivalent to being on a crowded bus and trying to fight your way through stand-still people to get to the doors before they leave your stop. We moved very slowly in there for such a small bookstore. My bf was hoping to buy a book here, but a lot of them were in Portuguese, but even if we had gotten a book, I couldn't even tell you where the line was and where you paid. It was that chaotic in there. It was even hard to stop and look at the books, especially upstairs where everyone was going to. INTERIOR. I was expecting it to be big, grand, and fantastical, but the interior wasn't anything noteworthy enough. They had a nice staircase and ceiling...idk...that was about it. I literally paid less to see a whole medieval castle in Spain 2 days prior. We left the store after 10 minutes. This was an epic disappointment all around: long wait times, late entry, crowdedness, and a just ok interior. They really play into the tourism bit. They even have a section and a glass case display of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Another sign of them playing into that marketing of a SUPPOSED inspiration for the series. I'm assuming that they make more money from entry fees than from actually selling books. Don't fall into this tourist trap like I did. It's not worth it! read more
3 years ago
Yelpers Warning! This well-known library has become a TOURIST TRAP, and in my mind a rip-off for €8 per person. They unfortunately cram around 250 visitors in what is a very small library. I understand that this is not a public museum but the process is remarkably poorly managed. The library on its own is quaint with some beautiful faux-wood marqueterie work (it is actually plaster painted). And it is rumored to have been inspired J.K. Rowling's depiction of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Probably a good marketing ploy that is working too well as hundreds of Harry Potter fans are invading the store and doing selfies in a crammed staircase. Yes, the owner has problem. This thing is working too well. Sorry folks but this is not my cup of tea. You have so many old libraries in Europe where you don't have to pay any access fees. In addition, the staff guarding and processing the access to the library is rude and unhelpful. It was an excruciating painful process to get in. They want you to use a payment app that does not work. The service staff could not care less and had us waiting for more than 20 minutes at the door. This was unfortunate and not typical for the well established Porto's hospitality. In my mind, this deserves a fair warning as it is not worth your time nor your dime! read more
Livraria Lello is one of the spots in Portugal that goes into the lore of Harry Potter. If you're a fan of the books or movies, this may be a good stop for you. The intertwining stairs of Livraria Lello are said to have inspired the vision for the moving stairs within Hogwarts. When you see the stairs in the bookshop, you can definitely see why they were the inspiration. The stairs go up, have a landing in the middle, and then go up and out in different directions. So if you're standing in the middle, you have stairwells on every side of you, which can make for a really cool photo. And because of that, it is VERY busy with people taking that exact photo. If you are there to just purchase a book, I would avoid the stairs, if you're able and just take a photo from afar. It's definitely a pretty bookshop in its own right, without the Harry Potter background, so if you're in Porto, I would give it a visit, but be prepared for a crowd doing the same thing! read more
A building simply full of books.Looks like some of harry Potter movie scenes was made in here. Anotherplace that is over tourism,literally inside people were like ants,For me healthwise this is not safe,hot inside plus crowded area not really good combination: For the good side it was really amazing place to visit,you can find any books or articles that crosses your mind,the problem is the lineup. Some books I touched and interest me -the price is reasonable,i didnt explore the whole place for I cant breath imside,so so many people inside. Well the place is clean not sure if they have a washroom inside,attendants were polite but you can hardly find them. If your adventurous and love books well gez this is the place for you,but old folks and those with medical condition i dont thinks so. I visited this place for the sake of seeing it but if I will be back in here this will not be included in my to do and see places. Sad but true.. read more
This over hyped book story was a disappointment and you have to pay 8€ per person to get in. They claimed the author (JK Rowling) of Harry Porter used to write her book series there. I don't see how. The place was much smaller than their photos indicated. There was practically no room to sit and their book collection is limited. The only thing that I give them is the design and architecture are unique but not worth paying 8€ to be cramped in with similar people looking for more. They also give you 8€ off per party if you buy a book. This is a tourist trap. read more
2 years ago
A bit crowded but that's expected. It's gorgeous inside... it's worth the 8€ because they apply the ticket price to any purchase. Employees seemed pleasant considering the running around and crowdedness. The selection of books seemed to be consistent throughout in different languages. They had the book I came for! My only gripe would be that they only had one cheaply made bookmark... for being a bookstore you'd think they'd have a good selection! read more
One of the most beautiful libraries in the world! We visited Livraria Lello in December of 2022 during our trip to Portugal. It is a popular spot with tourists, but I heard Portuguese-speaking visitors while we were in line. Perhaps they were Brazilian tourists; who knows! Livraria Lello is a bookstore and has been one since 1906. I read somewhere that Lonely Planet considers it the third most beautiful library in the world! I do not know where the first two are, but I can assure you that once you visit Livraria Lello, you will be impressed with its architectural beauty and the bookish knowledge that it carries. It is arguably the most famous bookstore in Portugal and a very popular place to visit in Porto. The building was inaugurated on January 13th, 1906. Apparently, that was an important social event for Portuguese and Brazilian societies, and famous people attended the ceremonies. There is a loose tie between Livraria Lello and Harry Potter! JK Rowling, the author, lived in Porto as an English teacher from 1991 to 1993 and visited the bookstore often. Many suggest that the bookstore is the inspiration behind some of the famous Hogwarts scenery in the movie. The staircase in the store looks like one in a fairytale castle. The bookstore began charging a visitors entrance fee starting in July 2015. But if you buy a book, the entrance fee will be discounted. read more
2 years ago
Rumor has it, JK Rowling became inspired by the stairs in this famous bookstore and also frequented it as well. You pay for tickets ahead of time to visit this library and are able to enter at your allocated time. It is packed as it's a very touristy spot. Super cool though! read more
2 years ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
Beautiful bookstore made famous in Harry Potter. Wide selection from classics such as Shakespeare, William Blake etc to current such as Solomon Rushdie. One must reserve in advance for a timed ticket.. yes.. it's that popular. The ticket will cost five euros. Books come in different languages. There are three separate floors: surrounded by the most beautiful things: books! There is a winding staircase that is well worth the climb to peruse books or just view the beautiful stained glass ceiling or watch in wonder as hordes of curious book lovers file in. Located near Belem Tower.. definitely worth checking out. read more
This place is so cool! I just wish it wasn't so crowded and they wouldn't let so many people in at the same time. You have to schedule a time to go in, but even so the line to get in was so long. It's like thousands of people had the same time. So to get a picture on to the staircase, was basically impossible without having people in your background. It's a cool place to see since J. K. Rowling got inspiration from there but it's just way too overcrowded. If you were buying something, the line goes pretty quickly though. And some of the money that you used for the ticket can go towards a book.... read more
2 years ago
This place felt like a total tourist trap. We booked our tickets online, with me purchasing a regular ticket and an upgraded one that included a handheld book. The space was extremely crowded, and while the bookcase was interesting, it definitely wasn't worth the €30 total for the two of us. Upon exiting, I discovered the handheld book I chose cost €2 more than the one included with the ticket, so I had to pay the difference. It wasn't a huge issue, but it felt a bit misleading. On the bright side, the staff were very friendly, and the checkout process was quick. Overall, we spent less than 10 minutes in the store. read more
This is a tourist attraction because of JKR. It is the worlds most beautiful bookshop that is why it cost 5 euros per person to enter via online. It is very busy, too crowded with people. Stairs are tight but the views are good for the IG post but again, too many people!!! There's a little section for The Little Prince in the back with English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. read more
One of the more popular places to see in Porto. Voted as one of the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Visited during the peak of tourist season. Line is incredibly long even for the tickets if you both tickets ahead of time that you get a credit of purchase a book later. I advise to buy a preselected book online for store pick up. It will ask you for a time slot. It's 14 or so euro. I advise if you can get time slot when they open or near closing- less people and you can get your instagramable picture. The inside has amazing architecture. It does remind me of Hogswart in Harry Potter. But JK Rowling will deny stepping foot in the bookstore even though it's on her way home to her pad from Majestic Cafe. It's worth stopping by. Our books we got had the bookstore prints in it. Definitely a collectible. read more
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More info about Livraria Lello
R. das Carmelitas, 144
4050-161 Porto
Portugal
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222 002 037
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http://www.livrarialello.pt/en
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