Livraria Lello (Bookshop)
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LIVRARIA LELLO (BOOKSHOP)

This art nouveau/neo-Gothic masterpiece was inaugurated in 1906 by José Lello with his brother Antonio Lello after acquiring the Livraria Internacional de Ernesto Chardron bookstore. The Livraria Lello bookshop is universally considered one of the world's most beautiful. The recent connection with Harry Potter and the author J. K. Rowling has made this bookshop a popular tourist attraction.

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Livraria Lello

The façade has an almost church look in a late 19th-century Neo-Gothic style and suggests a cathedral of learning. Two painted figures look inward, representing Science and Art. The building was constructed in 1894 to house the bookstore of Ernesto Chardron. The bookshop changed hands many times before being finally acquired by the Lello brothers (Antonio and Jose) in 1906. Upon opening it soon became a popular hang-out for Porto's in-crowd, artists, poets and writers alike. The interior is somewhat otherworldly. One feels you're stepping into a fantasy. A curving staircase in a typically fluid Art Nouveau style flows between the two floors and is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. A red velvet carpet adds to the overall effect. Every available space seems to be occupied by books of all possible sizes and shape. A magnificent stained-glass skylight illuminates the building sporting the design of the shop's logo and the slogan 'Decus in Labore' (Lat. In honour of labour).

Forget any notion of quietly reading as Livraria Lello bookshop has become a popular tourist attraction, and rightfully so. The shop's fortunes were not always so great. During the mid-twentieth century, the shop suffered decades of neglect and was in a state of disrepair. A restoration programme took place in the '90s returning it to its former glory. Arrive early or buy a tour online beforehand to avoid long queues.
Monday - Friday: 10h00 - 19h30, Saturday: 10h00 - 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED
€5.00 (refunded with a purchase).

Travelling to the Lello Bookshop

São Bento Train Station CP Website

Bus: 12M, 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 300, 302, 305, 501, 507, 601, 602 and 703
Timetable | STCP Website

Metro: Aliados (Line D) | Timetable Metro do Porto Website

Tram 22

Porto's trams, or street cars, (electrico) once had routes all over the city, sadly now only three remain. They run as a living museum offering visitors an enjoyable way to see the city. The tram 22 departs from Batalha and traverses a one way loop of central Porto to Carmo where it connects with the number 18 tram route. A one-way trip takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Timetable | One Way: €3.50/Return: €6.00

Contact Details
Rua das Carmelitas, 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal. | 41º 08' 49" N | 08º 36' 53" W
+351 222 018 170 |  Website

Booking.com

TOP TOURS TO THE LIVRARIA LELLO (BOOKSHOP)

Porto Downtown Tour - Lello Bookshop skip the line ticket INC

Highlights & Hidden Gems of a Harry Potter Tour

See where JK Rowling became inspired to write the hit Harry Potter series during this tour of Porto. Join a private guide and discover the city’s highlights and hidden gems to learn about their history and relation to the books.

Highlights include searching for Platform 9 ¾ at São Bento train station, seeing the cafe where Rowling wrote the series, and visiting the LELLO BOOKSTORE that feels like you stepped right into the films. Enjoy a delicious Portuguese eclair at a cafe. See the real-life uniforms that inspired the book. A private tour means a personalised experience.

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Xperience Porto and Lello Bookshop

Xperience Porto and Lello Bookshop

The coastal city of Porto boasts pretty parks, sweeping coastal scenery and medieval streets where the sense of history hangs in the air. On this informative sightseeing tour, follow a guide through the Porto on foot and take in top attractions including Aliados Avenue, Bolhão Market and the Carmo and Carmelitas churches with entry fees included. Travel through the ages from the 12th to the 19th century, and see the best of Porto with ease.
• Top attractions including Aliados Avenue and Bolhão Market
• Fully guided tour
• Gain insight into Porto’s rich history, from the 12th to the 19th century
• Includes all entrance fees Xperience Porto and Lello Bookshop


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Private Walking Tour Porto with fast track to Lello bookstore

Private Walking Tour Porto with fast track to Lello bookstore

Explore Porto’s beautiful historic centre on a private walking tour with an informative guide. After meeting your guide at your hotel, visit sites like the baroque church Igreja do Carmo and the Estação de São Bento railway station. Learn about the fascinating history and rich culture of Portugal’s second-largest city. Enjoy tastings of traditional sweets and drinks included in the tour price.
• Immerse yourself in Porto’s history and get a great introduction to the city
• Learn gorgeous architecture on a private excursion
• Delicious treats and drinks included in the tour price
• Start from your hotel with your friendly guide
• Private Walking Tour Porto with fast track to Lello bookstore.

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