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Livraria Lello | Visitor information at a glance
- What are the Livraria Lello opening hours?
The Livraria Lello is open from 9am to 7pm, every day. It is closed on December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 24th. - Where is Livraria Lello located?
Livraria Lello is located at 144 Rua das Carmelitas, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal. - How many entrances does the Livraria Lello have?
The Livraria Lello has only one entrance, which is located on Rua das Carmelitas. - How many number visitors does the Livraria Lello see per year?
The Livraria Lello sees an average of 1.2 million visitors per year.
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Best time to visit Livraria Lello
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Visiting on weekdays, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, is ideal. Arriving just before opening time at 9am or about an hour before closing at 7pm can help you avoid the busiest periods
Weekends tend to attract larger crowds, with peak times typically around late morning to early afternoon. If a weekend visit is your only option, aim to arrive right at opening or later in the afternoon to minimize wait times .
Peak Season vs Low Season
Peak Season (June to August): Summer months see a surge in tourists, leading to longer lines and crowded interiors. If visiting during this period, prioritize early weekday mornings for a more comfortable experience
Off-Peak Season (September to May): These months offer a quieter atmosphere, with fewer tourists and shorter queues. Weekday visits during this time are particularly pleasant, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the bookstore
Where is Livraria Lello located?
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello 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.
Getting to Livraria LelloHow to get to Livraria Lello?
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 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 Livraria Lello
Gift shop
Accessibility
Visiting with family
Rules & regulations
Tips
Nearby
- Souvenirs: The shop offers beautifully bound classics, many in exclusive Lello editions.
- Special Editions: Look for limited-edition books only available at the store.
- Porto-Themed Gifts: You’ll also find notebooks, bookmarks, art prints, and stationery inspired by Portuguese culture and the bookstore’s design.
- Book Vouchers: Your entry ticket value can be used toward purchasing a book in the gift shop.
- Harry Potter Fans: A section is dedicated to books and gifts that nod to the Harry Potter connection.
- Unfortunately, the bookstore is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
- The main entrance requires climbing a flight of stairs, and there is no elevator to reach the upper level.
- Narrow walkways and staircases make maneuvering difficult, even for those using walking aids.
- There are no ramps or lifts available inside the building.
- A designated accessible parking space is located nearby.
- An accessible restroom is available on the ground floor.
- Child-Friendly: Kids are welcome, but those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Visual Delight: The whimsical staircase and stained glass ceiling make it a hit with children and teens.
- Space Awareness: The interior can get crowded, so keep younger children close, especially on weekends.
- No Strollers: Due to the narrow walkways and stairs, strollers may not be practical.
- Educational Value: It’s a great chance to introduce kids to classic literature and beautiful book design.
- 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.
- Photography is allowed, but it gets crowded fast. Snap your photos right when you enter.
- Avoid bringing strollers due to stairs and narrow pathways.
- Familiarize yourself with the bookstore’s background—knowing its connection to authors like J.K. Rowling or its role in Portuguese literary culture adds meaning to your visit.
- With so many photo-worthy spots inside, make sure your device is charged—you’ll want to capture every detail.
- There’s no place to sit and read—it’s more of a sightseeing experience than a traditional bookstore visit.
- Livraria Lello is near other Porto landmarks like Clérigos Tower and the University of Porto—combine your visit with a walking tour of the area.
- Clérigos Tower: Climb 225 steps to reach one of Porto’s most iconic viewpoints! This baroque landmark offers sweeping 360° views of the city from above.
- Museu da Misericórdia do Porto: Housed in a 16th-century hospital, this museum explores Porto’s charitable legacy through sacred art and historical relics—including Flemish masterpiece Fons Vitae.
- Serralves Foundation: Escape the city at this modern art and nature haven, home to a contemporary museum, tree-top walks, landscaped gardens, and the elegant Serralves Villa.
- Pink Palace: Sip unlimited rosé, explore whimsical pink rooms, and strike a pose in giant ball pits at this immersive wine-themed experience made for fun and photos.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Levraria Lello
Do I need a ticket to enter Livraria Lello?
Yes, all visitors need a paid ticket to enter. The ticket's value can be used toward a book purchase inside.
Is Livraria Lello wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the bookstore is not fully accessible. Entry requires climbing stairs, and there’s no elevator.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography is allowed, but tripods and professional equipment are not permitted.
How crowded does it get?
It can get very crowded, especially during weekends and afternoons. Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds.
Is it true that Livraria Lello inspired Harry Potter?
J.K. Rowling lived in Porto and visited the bookstore, which many believe influenced her vision of Hogwarts, though there’s no official confirmation.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes, there's a charming book and gift shop offering exclusive editions, literary souvenirs, and Harry Potter-themed items.
How long should I plan to spend at Livraria Lello?
Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes, including browsing and taking photos.
Can children visit the bookstore?
Yes, kids are welcome! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.