Help

Experience the best of Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores in Porto, Portugal. Built in 1906, it has a neo-Gothic façade, stained glass ceilings, and a crimson staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Today, it welcomes book lovers and travelers from around the globe and offers classics in multiple languages.
Loved by over 55 million guests worldwide
Slide 1 of 11, Visitors exploring the ornate interior and exhibits at Lello Foundation Museum.
Visitors exploring the ornate interior and exhibits at Lello Foundation Museum.
Livraria Lello interior with ornate wooden staircase and bookshelves, Porto, Portugal.
Top view of Lello Library's red staircase surrounded by bookshelves in Porto, Portugal.
Visitors exploring exhibits at Lello Foundation Museum.
Visitors exploring the modern architecture of Lello Foundation Museum.
Lello Library first floor with ornate wooden staircase and stained glass ceiling.
Lello Library ornate wooden bookshelves with busts and books, Porto, Portugal.
Lello Library stained glass ceiling with colorful patterns in Porto, Portugal.
Lello Library's ornate red staircase design in Porto, Portugal.
Stacks of newspapers with portraits on the floor at Lello Foundation Museum.
Lello Foundation Museum's minimalist white concrete architecture.
Explore at your pace
  • Skip the long queues and enjoy priority entry to Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most iconic and photogenic bookstores.

  • Explore the Livraria Lello Foundation Museum and Álvaro Siza’s striking Open Sculpture.

  • Explore two creative worlds, Lello’s literary magic and the Foundation’s architectural brilliance, all at your own pace.

More details
  • Skip the long queues and enjoy priority entry to Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most iconic and photogenic bookstores.

  • Explore the Livraria Lello Foundation Museum and Álvaro Siza’s striking Open Sculpture.

  • Explore two creative worlds, Lello’s literary magic and the Foundation’s architectural brilliance, all at your own pace.

from
€30
Slide 1 of 15, Tourists with guide admiring azulejo tiles on Porto walking tour.
Tourists with guide admiring azulejo tiles on Porto walking tour.
Lello Library interior with ornate wooden staircase and bookshelves, Porto, Portugal.
Tourists on a boat during a Porto walking tour cruise trip.
Tourists in cable car with guide overlooking Douro River and Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto.
Aerial view of Cais de Gaia with boats docked along the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.
Tourists walking near Ponte D. Luís bridge in Porto.
Tourists exploring the interior of Lello Library in Porto, Portugal.
Tourists enjoying the view from a church viewpoint during a Porto walking tour.
Clérigos Church in Porto, Portugal, featuring its ornate baroque facade and iconic bell tower.
Traditional boats on the Douro River with Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto.
Tourists taking a selfie with a guide overlooking Porto's cityscape during a walking tour.
Tourist walking on Ponte D. Luís bridge in Porto with cityscape view.
Tourists with guide near Clérigos Tower on Porto walking tour.
Ponte D. Luís bridge spanning the Douro River in Porto, with colorful buildings and a boat below.
Tourists boarding a cruise with a guide at Porto walking tour, Dom Luís I Bridge in background.
4 hrs
1 more
  • Discover Porto’s charm on a guided walking tour covering top landmarks like the Cathedral and Clérigos Tower. Your local guide will share cultural insights and hidden gems along the way.

  • Visit Livraria Lello, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Step inside this gem, famed for its grand red staircase, a key focal point.

  • Enjoy a scenic ride on the Gaia Cable Car with panoramic views over Porto and the Douro River. A relaxing way to take in the rooftops, river, and iconic Ribeira district from above.

  • Cruise down the Douro River on a traditional boat, passing under Porto’s six bridges. See the city from a new angle while gliding past Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars.

  • Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Porto’s highlights in one easy, well-paced day. This combination ticket saves time and planning—just meet your guide and experience the best of Porto.

More details
  • Discover Porto’s charm on a guided walking tour covering top landmarks like the Cathedral and Clérigos Tower. Your local guide will share cultural insights and hidden gems along the way.

  • Visit Livraria Lello, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Step inside this gem, famed for its grand red staircase, a key focal point.

  • Enjoy a scenic ride on the Gaia Cable Car with panoramic views over Porto and the Douro River. A relaxing way to take in the rooftops, river, and iconic Ribeira district from above.

  • Cruise down the Douro River on a traditional boat, passing under Porto’s six bridges. See the city from a new angle while gliding past Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars.

  • Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Porto’s highlights in one easy, well-paced day. This combination ticket saves time and planning—just meet your guide and experience the best of Porto.

from
€59.99
Slide 1 of 13, Person overlooking the Douro River and Porto cityscape in Portugal.
Person overlooking the Douro River and Porto cityscape in Portugal.
Livraria Lello's iconic red staircase with ornate woodwork in Porto, Portugal.
Guests seated at a long table enjoying a wine tasting experience indoors.
Porto Cathedral with twin towers and rose window in Porto, Portugal.
Dom Luís I Bridge over Douro River at sunset in Porto, Portugal with traditional boats.
Interior of Igreja do Carmo in Portugal with blue tile murals and arched ceilings.
Barrels aging Port wine at Caves Ferreira in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Guests seated at tables enjoying a wine tasting experience with glasses of red and white wine.
Person taking photo of Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto, with cityscape in the background.
Bolhão Market interior with people walking along upper balcony in Porto, Portugal.
Two guests enjoying drinks at an outdoor café in Porto.
Statue of Dom Pedro IV on horseback in Porto's Avenida dos Aliados with historic buildings.
Sunlit view of Ribeira neighborhood and Douro River in Porto, Portugal.
3 hrs
2 more
  • Explore Porto's historic center on a guided walking tour that combines iconic landmarks, local stories, fascinating cultural insights, & a small group.

  • Follow an expert local guide through key neighborhoods as you visit landmarks such as the Carmo Church, Clérigos Church, and the Livraria Lello.

  • Visit a traditional Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, discover the process behind Portugal's most famous export, and savor a tasting of select blends.

  • Experience the best of Porto from the water with an upgrade to include a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River on a Rabelo boat.

  • Choose ultimate convenience with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs included, or pick a ticket that combines both upgrades.

More details
  • Explore Porto's historic center on a guided walking tour that combines iconic landmarks, local stories, fascinating cultural insights, & a small group.

  • Follow an expert local guide through key neighborhoods as you visit landmarks such as the Carmo Church, Clérigos Church, and the Livraria Lello.

  • Visit a traditional Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, discover the process behind Portugal's most famous export, and savor a tasting of select blends.

  • Experience the best of Porto from the water with an upgrade to include a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River on a Rabelo boat.

  • Choose ultimate convenience with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs included, or pick a ticket that combines both upgrades.

from
€59

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Apply the entrance fee toward a book purchase—souvenirs with storylines!

The Silver Voucher is budget-friendly and lets you pick from a great selection of standard books.

Want a unique souvenir you can’t find anywhere else? Pick the Gold Voucher! It gives you access to Livraria Lello’s exclusive The Collection—a limited-edition series designed by the bookstore itself.

Keep your ticket safe as you’ll need it to redeem your book, so make sure you keep it with you until you make your choice!

About Lello Library

Livraria Lello isn’t just a bookstore—it's an architectural marvel. Known for inspiring generations of readers and writers, this Porto landmark offers an unforgettable cultural experience amid its shelves of timeless literature.


AddressR. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Also known asLello Bookstore
Year opened1881
Founded byFrancisco Xavier Esteves

Did you know?

Livraria Lello charges an entrance fee, which can be used as a voucher toward book purchases.

The bookstore's grand staircase is often mistaken for a movie set due to its intricate and whimsical design.

The stained-glass skylight bears the Latin motto “Decus in Labore,” meaning “Dignity in Work.”

It has remained operational through wars, political changes, and modern tourism booms since 1906.

Livraria Lello has published original books, including titles that celebrate Portuguese literary heritage.

Why visit Lello Library?

Stunning architecture

 Be amazed by the beautiful neo-Gothic front, colorful stained-glass ceiling, and the famous red staircase that looks like it's straight out of a dream.

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world

Often listed as a top bookstore globally, Livraria Lello blends gothic, art nouveau, and Art Deco styles to create a truly magical space.

A place full of history

Open since 1906, this bookshop has welcomed writers, readers, and thinkers for over a century—it's a special place for book lovers in Portugal.

Harry Potter vibes

Many believe that J.K. Rowling got ideas for Harry Potter right here! With its magical look, it’s easy to see why.

Beautiful books in many languages

Browse stunning editions of classics and new reads in English, Portuguese, and more—great as souvenirs or gifts!

Plan your visit

Main entrance

Main entrance is at Rua das Carmelitas 144. Entry is ticketed and controlled to manage crowd size.

Browse by themes

What our guests say

Ciprian G

Romania
Family
3 weeks ago
They were punctual, and the cruise was both informative and enjoyable! If you’re visiting Porto and want a quick, clear, and concise overview, this cruise should be your first choice!

Combo: Porto 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise + Livraria Lello Tickets

Ghizlene R

France
Family
3 weeks ago
A wonderful experience!! The views of Porto from the Douro were breathtaking and the cruise was truly unforgettable... 😍❤️❤️

Combo: Porto 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise + Livraria Lello Tickets

Divyanka S

Canada
Group
Jul 2026
We got priority tickets but later found out the Lello Foundation Museum was not in the same area and no address was provided. At the Livraria Lello they told us to refer to the booking which did not list the address. It is a very nice bookstore but overrated for the price.

Combo: Lello Library Priority Entrance + Lello Foundation Museum Tickets

Simone S

Solo
Jul 2026
It was a really lovely experience in this beautiful library. Booking ‘Fast Lane’ tickets makes absolutely no sense, though… and yes, it’s absolutely heaving with people!

Combo: Lello Library Priority Entrance + Lello Foundation Museum Tickets

Gudrun V

Couple
Jul 2026
A very nice tour guide. Since it was too hot, she made sure we took enough breaks to drink water. She was very attentive.

Porto Guided Walking Tour: Lello Library, Douro River Cruise & Cable Car

Victor R

Spain
Couple
Apr 2026
In just a few hours, you’ll see the highlights of Porto: the Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station (stunning), the Cathedral, the Luís I Bridge… and even the Lello Bookstore, which, although it was closed, the guide made just as interesting from the outside. The grand finale is amazing: the cable car in Gaia + the 6 Bridges cruise on the Douro River. Seeing the city from the water is on another level. Very well organized, enjoyable, and with a guide who really knows how to engage you. If you want to truly understand Porto, this tour is absolutely worth it.

Porto Guided Walking Tour: Lello Library, Douro River Cruise & Cable Car

Bernice L

United States
Group
May 2026

+1 more

Headout was very smooth it was easy to use. The staff was excellent with the guidance they provided on line. Using the website was very easy, and clear

Livraria Lello Tickets: Gold Voucher

Karin B

Solo
Apr 2026

+2 more

To be able to share this with so many fans. A wonderful bookstore with a great atmosphere and impressive wood carvings.

Livraria Lello Tickets: Gold Voucher

Nearby cities to explore