The 12 Best Bookstores to Visit in Porto

Porto’s charm isn’t a secret to readers who’ve walked its cobblestoned streets. Where the Duoro winds, the best stories hide, especially in the corners of the city's bookshops.

Just a shelf away, the cover you've been hunting for might just be in one of Porto’s bookstores.

Livraria Lello

Photo Credit: @livraria.lello

Dating back to 1906, Livraria Lello is not only a living archive of the past that has stood the test of time, but it's also a work of visual brilliance. Picture rows of wooden shelves on either side of the lower level, while a bright red spiral staircase winds upward, offering book lovers a stunning view of the historic collection.

A large portion of Livraria Lello’s options are classical books in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. To see them, you'll have to pay a small entry fee, which helps keep crowds down, giving you more space to explore.

Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9AM - 7:30PM

Livraria Poetria

Photo Credit: Livraria Poetria

Hailed as Portugal's only bookstore dedicated to poetry and theater, Livraria Poetria is one of a kind. Caught between the past and present, the staircase brings a sense of old-world elegance, while the lower level is clean and modern, with books suspended on floating shelves.

They stock a classic inventory with texts from Portuguese authors, as well as Brazilian poetry and some English literature added to the mix. You'll also find some independent editions here, which the owner, Francesco, can easily introduce to you.

Address: R. de Sá de Noronha 115, 4050-526 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 6PM
- Sunday: Closed

Livraria Moreira da Costa

Photo Credit: Sintia Astarina

One of the old-school names in Porto's literary scene, Livraria Moreira da Costa specializes in rare titles while also offering cool artwork and souvenirs for visitors, like postcards carrying thoughtful messages. In terms of themes, all bases are covered, from science-based to travel-focused books.

Livraria Moreira da Costa spans two levels, separated by a semi-open ceiling with a circular cutout, allowing those above to look down at their fellow bibliophiles browsing the shelves below.

Address: R. de Avis 36, 4000-407 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 1PM
- Sunday: Closed

MyLittleBookstore

Photo Credit: Ma petite librairie, livraria Luso-Francesa

No matter how old you are, you'll be able to appreciate MyLittleBookstore for what it is. Think of an independent shop with a selection for both children and adults, along with an abundance of games, notebooks, and other tidbits. Small and compact with a distinctly local ambiance, everything here is well organized for readers, thanks to their passionate team of experts.

Most of their books are in Portuguese, but there are also options in French and English. Even if they don't have what you're looking for, they have an efficient ordering system in place to get you what you need.

Address: R. do Carvalho 102 T, 4150-192 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours: 

- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 1:30PM - 6:30PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 1PM

In-Libris

Photo Credit: In-Libris

In-Libris is an antiquarian bookseller on R. do Carvalhido, where you could easily spend hours. There’s something so welcoming about the wooden chairs with red velvet cushions and the rustic wooden desk, all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookcases, while paintings line the walls and invite you to settle in for a quiet read.

Old books are, of course, the focus at In-Libris, but be aware that they typically stock only one edition of each, so when a book is gone, it’s really gone.

Address: R. do Carvalhido 194, 4250-101 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Friday: 11AM - 7PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Essência do Livro

Photo Credit: Dimitri L

Cheap and cheerful, if you happen to be near Rua da Alegria and looking for some bargains, Essência do Livro is the place you want to seek out. From best sellers at reduced prices to translated Portuguese classics, you can't fault their collection.

The store itself has its fair share of standout elements, like an old British telephone box and a cozy café where you can grab a cheeky latte before getting stuck into shopping mode.

Address: Rua da Alegria 390, 4000-035 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
- Sunday: Closed

Gostar de ler

Photo Credit: Pieter Huy

Past visitors have raved about Gostar de Ler being Porto's true home of books, but we'll see what you think. Whether you want to pick up something from their second-hand catalog or socialize and learn from others, Gostar de Ler is your go-to source for everything literary.

There’s an effortless charm to Gostar de Ler that's hard to describe. The way books are arranged may seem a bit chaotic at first glance, but it's intentional, a kind of beautiful chaos that somehow feels aesthetically pleasing. Plus, the lights made from book pages contribute to its allure.

Address: Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 120, 4050-359 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM - 12:30PM / 2PM - 7PM
- Sunday: Closed

Livraria Chamine da Mota

Photo Credit: Livraria Chamine da Mota

Livraria Chamine da Mota is more like a museum of literature rather than just your typical bookstore. When you walk in, you're greeted by an assortment of titles, manuscripts, posters, and maps, some of which are more than 100 years old. Just keep your phones in your pocket, because photography isn't permitted.

The scent of old paper hangs in the air, while the striking interior draws you deeper, as sculptures gaze silently down the long corridors, and timeworn artifacts rest in elaborate cabinets.

Address: R. das Flores n28, 4050-262 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Friday: 9:30AM - 12:30PM / 2:30PM - 7PM
- Saturday: 9:30AM - 1PM
- Sunday: Closed

Mundo Fantasma

Photo Credit:  MUNDO FANTASMA

Back in 1992, Mundo Fantasma began as a modest project with just a few imported covers. Today, it's one of Porto's most visited comic book stores, providing fans with single issues, merchandise, and plenty of Marvel options. Not only that, but they've also got some manga and Portuguese collector's editions as well.

Finding Mundo Fantasma takes some work as it's on the first floor of the building it leads you to on Google Maps. Keep an eye out for units 509 and 510. The shop can appear closed from the outside, but they’re very much open, so walk right in.

Address: Shopping Center Brasília, 1º Andar - Loja 509/510, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Monday to Sunday: 10AM - 8PM

Térmita

Photo Credit: Térmita

Some might say Porto’s English-language selection is limited, but Térmita challenges that assumption. New, used, whatever you need, they've got it in their location hidden at the back of a coffee shop on Rua da Conceição. With gentle music setting the mood, you'll enjoy exploring their cozy space, complete with ceiling paneling, pendant lights, and a semi-shed exterior.

At certain times, the area out the back of their shop is used for local art exhibits. Don't forget to have a peek down, just in case they've got a display on.

Address: Largo de Mompilher 5 R/C, 4050-392 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours:

- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12PM - 8PM

Livraria Bertrand Porto (Rua da Fábrica)

Photo Credit: Livraria Bertrand - Rua da Fábrica

Centrally located with a solid English line-up, Livraria Bertrand Porto on Rua da Fábrica gets everything right. Although a chain, this is one of their better stores in terms of variety, as they stock a fair number of acclaimed Portuguese titles and A1 textbooks. English speakers won't be able to get enough of their curated selection of novels.

Visitors often get confused between Livraria Bertrand Porto and Livraria Lello, as they're in the same area. Make sure to get your locations right for your visit, or even better, hit both of them.

Address: Rua da Fábrica 90, 4050-246 Porto, Portugal
Opening hours: 

- Monday to Saturday: 9AM - 8PM
- Sunday: 10AM - 7PM

Livraria José Alves

Photo Credit: Livraria De José Alves, Lda.

It wouldn't be right not to include Livraria José Alves in any roundup of Porto’s best bookstores. Although much of their inventory is geared toward educational materials and stationery, it's still worth coming by to marvel at the open floor plan, with low display tables and a central column exhibit.

While Livraria José Alves is primarily known for school books, the shop occasionally stocks niche titles, making it a solid store to swing by if you're after a rare find.

Address: R. de Avis 9, 4050-075 Porto, Portugal

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9AM - 7PM

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