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Plan Your Visit to the Iconic Lello Bookstore in Porto

Lello Bookstore | Visitor Information at a Glance

Lello Library
  • What are the Lello Bookstore opening hours?
    The Lello Bookstore is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, every day. They are closed on December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 24th.
  • Where is the Lello Bookstore located?
    The Lello Bookstore is located at 144 Rua das Carmelitas, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal.
  • How many entrances does the Lello Bookstore have?
    The Lello Bookstore has only one entrance, which is located on Rua das Carmelitas.
  • How many number visitors does the Lello Bookstore see per year?
    The Lello Bookstore sees an average of 1.2 million visitors per year.

Lello Bookstore Opening Hours

Open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, every day.

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

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Best Time to Visit Lello Bookstore

The Lello Bookstore in Porto, Portugal, is a must-visit for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. To enjoy this enchanting bookstore to the fullest, consider visiting during the weekdays, particularly in the morning. Weekends tend to be much busier, with long lines forming outside. Arriving early on a weekday allows you to explore the exquisite neo-Gothic interior and browse the extensive collection of books with more tranquility.

Additionally, if you want to avoid the peak tourist crowds, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The high tourist season in Porto typically falls during the summer months when the city experiences a surge in visitors. Conversely, during the off-peak seasons, you can savor the Lello Bookstore's ambiance with fewer people and milder weather. Ultimately, the best time to visit Lello Bookstore is on a quiet weekday morning during the shoulder seasons for a more intimate and peaceful experience.

Where is Lello Bookstore Located?

Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal

​https://goo.gl/maps/yhkdX1mJDeRYCwgC7

The Lello Bookstore is located in the heart of Porto, Portugal, on Rua das Carmelitas. It is a short walk from the Ribeira district and the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Closest landmark: The bookstore is located next to the Torre dos Clérigos, a 76-meter-tall bell tower that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. The distance between the bookstore and the tower is about 150 meters.

How to Get to Lello Bookstore?

By Public Transport

By metro: Take the D line to São Bento station. From there, walk for about 8 minutes up Rua dos Clérigos as far as Rua das Carmelitas.

By taxi:  There are taxis available at all major taxi ranks in Porto. The fare from the city center to the Lello Bookstore is around €10.

By train: The São Bento railway station is located in the city center, a short walk from the Lello Bookstore. Take the suburban train to Campanhã station and then walk for about 10 minutes to the bookstore.

By bus: The STCP city bus lines 22 and 32 stop near the Lello Bookstore.

By tram: The historic 22 tram stops at the São Bento station, a short walk from the Lello Bookstore.

By Car

From the Porto São Bento station, take Praça de Almeida Garrett north. Turn right onto R. de 31 de Janeiro, merge with R. de Sá da Bandeira, and turn left onto Praça de Dom João I. Continue onto R. do Dr. Magalhães Lemos, continue straight onto R. Elísio de Melo, and turn left onto Túnel de Ceuta. Keep right to stay on Túnel de Ceuta and turn left onto R. das Carmelitas. The destination will be on the left.

Parking facilities 

  • Garagem São Bento is located at Rua de São Bento 50, about a 5-minute walk from the bookstore. It has 240 parking spaces and is open 24 hours a day.
  • Garagem Aliados is located at Rua de Santa Catarina 318, about a 7-minute walk from the bookstore. It has 120 parking spaces and is open 24 hours a day.
  • Garagem Cordoaria is located at Rua da Cordoaria 10, about an 8-minute walk from the bookstore. It has 100 parking spaces and is open 24 hours a day.

Know Before You Go To Lello Library

Lello Library
  • Buy a skip-the-line ticket online: This is the most surefire way to avoid the lines. Tickets can be purchased on the Lello Bookstore website or through a third-party vendor.
  • Visit the bookstore during off-peak hours: The lines are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
  • Go on a weekday: The bookstore is busiest on weekends and during the summer months.
Lello Library
  • Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom located at the entrance of the bookstore where you can leave your coats, bags, and other belongings. Restrooms: There are two restrooms located in the bookstore, one on the ground floor and one on the second floor.
  • Gift shop: There is a gift shop located on the ground floor of the bookstore where you can buy souvenirs, books, and other items.
  • Wi-Fi: There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the bookstore.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed inside the bookstore, but tripods and flash photography are not permitted.
Lello Library
  • The Lello Bookstore is not wheelchair accessible. The main entrance is up a flight of stairs, and there is no elevator. There is also a small step up to the second floor.
  • The bookstore does have some accessible facilities, such as a designated accessible parking space and a restroom on the ground floor. 
  • However, the majority of the bookstore is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Lello Library
  • Baby changing facilities: There are baby changing facilities located in the cloakroom at the entrance to the bookstore.
  • Toilets: There are two restrooms located in the bookstore, one on the ground floor and one on the second floor.
  • Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the bookstore, but they can be cumbersome in the narrow aisles. It is advisable to leave strollers in the cloakroom.
Lello Library
  • Be respectful of other visitors. This means keeping noise levels down and not blocking the aisles.
  • Do not run or shout. This can be disruptive to other visitors and staff.
  • Be mindful of your belongings. The bookstore is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unattended.
  • No photography with flash. The flash can damage the books and the stained glass windows.
  • No tripods. Tripods can also damage the books and the stained glass windows.
  • Be respectful of the books. Do not touch or open the books without permission from a staff member.
Lello Library
  • Visit during off-peak hours. The bookstore is busiest during the summer months and on weekends. If you can, try to visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
  • Buy a skip-the-line ticket online. This will save you time waiting in line.
  • Be respectful of other visitors. This means keeping noise levels down and not blocking the aisles.
  • Be mindful of your belongings. The bookstore is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unattended.
  • Take your time and enjoy the experience! The Lello Bookstore is a beautiful and historic place, so take some time to explore it.
Lello Library
  • A Brasileira: This traditional Portuguese cafe is located right across the street from the bookstore and serves coffee, pastries, and light meals.
  • Café Santiago: This cafe is also located in the same street as the bookstore and offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and tapas.
  • Oportobar: This bar is located a few minutes walk from the bookstore and serves Portuguese and international cuisine.
  • Subenshi: This Japanese restaurant is located a short walk from the bookstore and serves sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes.
Lello Library

Clérigos Ville Porto Rooms

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Lello Library
  • Torre dos Clérigos: This 76-meter-tall bell tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. It offers stunning views of the city from the top.
  • São Francisco Church: This Baroque church is known for its lavish interior, which is decorated with gold leaf and ornate carvings.
  • Casa da Música: This modern concert hall is known for its unique architecture and its world-class acoustics.
  • Serralves Museum and Gardens: This museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, and the gardens are a popular spot for a stroll or a picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Lello Bookstore

The Lello Bookstore is located at Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal. It is a short walk from the São Bento railway station and the Ribeira district.