A Guide To Porto’s Famous Bookstore Livraria Lello: Best Time To Go & Tips

Planning a visit to Livraria Lello in Porto?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your experience, including the best time to visit Livraria Lello to avoid the crowds.

Porto is a magical city that absolutely stole my heart.

Beautifully-titled buildings, cobblestone streets, and old-world charm, visiting Porto feels like stepping into a fairytale – and Livraria Lello is no different.

Livraria Lello is often named one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world—and after seeing it for myself, I can confirm it’s pure magic.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t plan your visit right, the crowds can seriously dull the sparkle.

I’m here to share exactly what I wish I’d known before stepping inside Livraria Lello.

From insider tips to ticket breakdowns and the exact times to go for a calmer experience, this guide has everything you need to make your visit unforgettable—for all the right reasons.

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Best Time To Visit Livraria Lello: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, below is a quick summary –

How To Visit Livraria Lello Without The Crowds

I made it my personal mission to find out how to visit the most famous bookstore in Porto without the crowds, so I could share that with you guys.

Locals were honest with me: no matter when you go, it’s always busy. The general advice (and what you’ll read online) is to book the earliest time slot.

But I went against the grain and chose the very last entry of the day—and honestly, it was the best decision I could’ve made.

By taking the last slot and hanging around after closing (I was queuing to buy a book for ages), most other people in the bookshop had already left.

This means I got to experience its magic without the crowds – and snap some incredible photos.

Livraria Lello Tickets: Book Online in Advance

First things first: you need to buy a ticket for Livraria Lello.

You cannot turn up without booking and will need to book your tickets online in advance, ideally 1 or 2 days before.

The good news is, the ticket price is deducted from a book if you decide to buy one – so with my travel math, Livraria Lello is basically free.

✅ Book your tickets in advance here

Below, I break down all your ticket options to help you decide which is best for you –

Silver ticket (€10)

This is the option I went for, and it includes –

• General admission
• Your €10 voucher can be used toward the purchase of a book
• Expect to queue for up to an hour (or even longer during peak times)

Gold ticket (€15.95)

This is a great option if you want slightly faster entry, without splurging –

• Priority queueing — a shorter line, but still expect to wait
• Includes a special edition book (typically something by Portuguese literary legends)
• Great if you want faster entry and know you would want to buy a book

👉 In hindsight, I would have gone for this option. All books are €15 minimum, so by paying a little extra for your ticket, you can go in the shorter queue, and won’t have to pay any extra for a book

Combo ticket (€25.90)

• Priority entry – skip the queue
• Includes a special edition book
• Entry to the Livraria Lello Foundation with access to the exhibition 
• Guided tour

This is a great option for those who are short on time in Porto and prefer minimal wait times.

Platinum ticket (€50)

• Priority entry – skip the queue
• Your €50 voucher can be used towards book purchases
• Guided visit to the Gemma Room (where the library’s most treasured books, manuscripts & editions are held)

If you are a literary fanatic and know that you will be purchasing a few books, then this could be a great option for you.

Explore with a tour

If you prefer to avoid logistics entirely and have everything organized for you, check out one of these highly rated tours.

This is the best way to explore Porto’s highlights, and these tours include priority entry to Livraria Lello too –

Livraria Lello Opening Times

As one of the most popular things to do in Porto, Livraria is open every day.

Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Closed: January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 24th, and December 25th.

How To Get To Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is centrally located in Porto’s historic center at Rua das Carmelitas 144 – you can find the exact location here.

The best way to reach Livraria is on foot.

However, if you’re arriving by public transport, check out these options –

🚈 By metro

Take the D (Yellow) line of the Porto Metro and alight at “São Bento” station. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk to the bookstore.

🚌 By Bus

The nearest bus stop is Praça Filipa de Lencastre, just a 2-minute walk from the bookstore.

Another nearby stop is Cordoaria / Clérigos, approximately a 5-minute walk away – many of the tourist buses stop here.

What to expect

Simply put, if you’re planning to visit this famous bookstore in Porto, you can expect it to be busy.

I booked the 7:00 PM slot (the final slot), and after queuing for about half an hour, we were let in at about 7:20 PM.

👉 You will see a couple of different queues outside Livraria Lello, with different signs for different time slots. There is no point in arriving earlier than your time slot, as it is super backlogged anyway

During peak season or midday, wait times can easily stretch to over an hour.

When I first stepped inside, I was completely overwhelmed. It felt more like being herded through a tourist attraction than visiting a bookstore.

If you’re genuinely interested in browsing the books (like me), it is very difficult with all the people pushing past you or snapping photos.

However, there is no denying that the bookstore is absolutely stunning.

Its Neo-Gothic façade gives way to a breathtaking interior bursting with Art Nouveau details—from the intricate carvings to the colorful stained glass skylight with the Latin phrase “Decus in Labore” (Dignity in Work).

The rich red staircase is the star of the show and curves more like a sculpture in the center of the room – even with the crowds of people, its beauty is breathtaking.

Many believe this dreamy interior helped inspire the look and feel of Hogwarts – especially considering that J.K. Rowling lived in Porto during the early 1990s.

While she’s since denied the direct link, it’s easy to see why the connection persists. From the rich woodwork to the spellbinding ambiance, Livraria Lello truly feels magical.

The shelves are lined with beautifully designed special editions, from classics to modern favourites, available in multiple languages—including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.

Head up the staircase for a (slightly) calmer atmosphere and a stunning bird’s-eye view of the main hall.

You’ll also find a room dedicated to Portuguese literary icons, including José Saramago, the country’s only Nobel Prize-winning author.

👉 But here’s the insider tip: once the bookstore officially closes at 7:30 PM, the crowds start to thin out

I stayed to browse and queue for a book, and by 8:00 PM, the bookstore was almost completely empty. It was hands-down the best way to experience the magic without the chaos.

Where to stay in Porto

Porto is a really walkable city, so generally, wherever you choose to stay, you will be able to reach the main tourist attractions.

👉 Porto has a €3 tourist tax per night – this is paid in cash when you arrive

There are 3 main areas worth considering –

• Baixa – the city center, the place to be for landmarks, restaurants & nightlife
• Ribeira – best for charm & river views
• Vila Nova de Gaia – across the river, much quieter & amazing views of Porto

Wine Hostel (my top pick)

This charming, wine-themed hostel is the perfect blend of social and chill – I stayed here for one week.

Centrally located, you’re steps from all the best bars, restaurants, and landmarks. It’s ideal for solo travellers, digital nomads, or anyone looking to soak up Porto without breaking the bank.

The drinks from the bar are super affordable, and there is a very well-equipped kitchen (with free tea & coffee each morning).

The hostel is impeccably clean, and the friendly hostel staff create a real home-away-from-home vibe.

Prices start from €25 per night.

The Social Hub

This is the best place to stay in Porto if you’re looking for a taste of luxury, without the hefty price tag.

A stylish hybrid between a hotel and a co-working space, The Social Hub is centrally located and is perfect for couples or digital nomads.

With a rooftop pool, fitness center, and sun terrace, as well as a top-notch restaurant and coffee shop, this hotel has everything you need to relax after a busy day exploring.

Room prices start from €175 per night.

FAQs

Can you skip the line at Livraria Lello?

Yes — if you book a Platinum, or Combo ticket or join a tour. Otherwise, you can expect a long wait.

Do you need to book Livraria Lello?

Absolutely. Walk-ins are no longer an option — you must buy your ticket online ahead of time.

✅ Book your tickets in advance here

What is the most beautiful bookstore in Porto?

Libraria Lello is undoubtedly the most beautiful bookstore in Porto, and has even been coined the most beautiful in the world by multiple publications.

Does Livraria sell books in English?

Yes! They stock a wide range of books in English, Spanish, French, and other languages — from classics to contemporary reads.

Why is Lello Bookstore so famous?

Inaugurated by the Lello brothers in 1906, Livraria Lello has gained fame for its stunning architecture and has been wowing tourists and locals for decades.

However, in more recent years, rumours that it served as inspiration for JK Rowling have given way to Harry Potter mania, meaning the library now attracts fantasy-fantatics from all over the world.

Is it free to enter the Livraria Lello?

No. You need to pay for a ticket, but the cost can be deducted from the price of a book purchase.

The ticket system was introduced to encourage people to buy books and use it as a bookstore, not just to come and marvel at the architecture and design.

How long can you stay at Livraria Lello?

I was told that the maximum time you can stay in Livraria Lello is 1 hour.

However, I have no idea how they would enforce this – I stayed for about 40 minutes as a reference.

Was JK Rowling inspired by Livraria Lello?

It’s widely believed that Rowling, who lived in Porto in the early ’90s, was inspired by Livraria Lello for the Hogwarts library or Flourish & Bott’s bookstore.

However, while Rowling has discussed writing her first ideas for Harry Potter in Majestic Cafe, she has denied direct links to Livraria Lello.

Best Time To Visit Livraria Lello Porto: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed the best time to visit Livraria Lello to avoid the crowds.

Livraria Lello is absolutely worth visiting—but only if you do it right. With the right timing and ticket choice, you can enjoy its magic without feeling like you’re in a theme park.

If you have visited Livraria Lello Porto, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!