Livraria Lello Tickets

This dreamy, curved red staircase is one of the most photographed in the world, once you see it, you’ll know why. Its flowing design and bold color make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical world. While it’s often linked to Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling has said it wasn’t her inspiration, but that doesn’t stop fans from falling in love with it.

Book lovers, you’re in for a treat! Livraria Lello is home to over 100,000 books, including rare first editions and timeless classics like The Little Prince. There’s also a strong focus on Portuguese literature, including works by Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago. Be sure to check out the Gemma Room, it’s packed with special editions and rare finds that feel like hidden gems.

Opened in 1906 by engineer Xavier Esteves, Livraria Lello is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful bookstores. Walk through its neo-Gothic doors and feel history wrap around you like a well-worn novel.

Ever wondered where the magic of Hogwarts began? Many believe Livraria Lello inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto. Its majestic staircase, with its red velvet curves and fairy-tale elegance, is often seen as a muse for Flourish & Blotts or even Hogwarts itself. Whether you're a wizard at heart or a curious Muggle, you'll feel the enchantment in every step.

This bookstore has been called one of the most beautiful in the world—and it’s easy to see why. From the incredible staircase to the soaring bookshelves and colorful stained glass ceiling, every inch is camera-ready. Whether you're a bookworm, an architecture fan, or just love a good photo op, Livraria Lello is full of moments you’ll want to remember.

Before entering, take a moment to admire the gorgeous Neo-Gothic facade of the bookstore. The detailed carvings and the frescoes are designed to look like a grand chapel, celebrating art and science. Built by engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, it mixes Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, giving the building a timeless beauty.

Look up to see the breathtaking stained-glass ceiling! Designed by Dutch artist Samuel Van Krieken, the colorful glass fills the room with golden light. It features the phrase “Decus in Labore” (Dignity in Work) and even has a hidden smiley face—can you spot it?

This grand staircase connects the two floors of the bookstore and is a true work of art. Originally brown, it was accidentally painted red during a renovation in the 1990s—and now it’s the bookstore’s signature color, loved by visitors from around the world.

Fans of The Little Prince will love this special room dedicated to the beloved story. It celebrates the book’s 80th anniversary with unique editions, beautiful merchandise, and a magical atmosphere that will transport you into the world of the little prince.

 Livraria Lello is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered:

Train tracks: Check out the train tracks in the middle of the store—this clever system helped librarians move books around!

Lottery tickets: Look for mirrors under the bookshelves that show lottery tickets, a nod to the bookstore’s founding through a lottery win.

Busts of writers: Above the bookshelves, you’ll spot mini busts of famous Portuguese writers, like Eça de Queirós.

Old cash registers: On the top floor, you can see vintage cash registers that were once used in the store.

Gemma room: This locked room holds the oldest and rarest books, including a law book from 1476!

Livraria Lello has a fantastic selection of books in many languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. They sell beautifully designed editions with gold-edged pages—perfect for collectors. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can find the books in different languages, and plenty of other classics!