Take a break from the hills and step into Lisbon’s most inviting bookstores—perfect for discovering new ideas, hidden gems, and quiet moments.
Whenever you get tired of trekking up and down Lisbon’s hilly streets, there’s always a bookstore just around the corner. Whether it’s the world’s oldest, Livraria Bertrand, or a more artsy spot like Tinta nos Nervos, Lisbon is a haven for every true bibliophile.
The next time you visit the Portuguese capital, don’t forget to swing by one of these 12 bookstores.
Livraria Bertrand – Chiado
Step into the oldest bookstore on the planet, right in the heart of Lisbon’s Chiado district, Livraria Bertrand. Founded in 1732, it draws in many tourists, but it’s worth the hype. Visitors have raved about the towering wooden shelves and a cute café where you can grab a coffee.
A lot of the books are in Portuguese, but you’ll still find a decent selection of English titles, international bestsellers, comics, and works by big names like José Saramago. One thing nerdy book lovers will enjoy is that when you buy a book here, they’ll stamp it for you as proof that it came from the oldest bookstore in the world.
Ler Devagar
No literary trip to Lisbon is complete without a stop at Ler Devagar, a multi-story bookstore inside the trendy LX Factory. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a massive staircase winding its way past shelf after shelf of books in various languages. They sell everything from contemporary reads to non-fiction classics.
Beyond the shelves, Ler Devagar has all kinds of cool touches, like old-school printing machines and even a bar on the ground floor. If you’re hoping for a quiet browse, it’s worth checking ahead since Ler Devagar often hosts events and exhibitions.
Bookshop Bivar
If you love a good used bookstore, you’ve got to check out Bookshop Bivar on Rua de Ponta Delgada. It has more of a welcoming atmosphere than some of the city’s other bookstores, thanks to the lovely owner who’s always happy to assist.
Bookshop Bivar is all about used books written in English, with a good number of rare finds, plus plenty of crime and mystery reads. The downstairs area is where the discounted options are, so it’s worth a look for the bargain hunters.
Salted Books
Salted Books breaks away from what you’d find in a typical bookstore. The focus here is on forward-thinking, with books centered around new ideas and vibrant blue bookshelves that set the scene.
On the outside, Salted Books might look like any other building in Lisbon, but inside, it’s a paradise for book collectors. The two owners selected the lineup, who are both writers themselves. They’ve developed a wonderful range of kids’ books, lifestyle choices, and plenty of fiction.
Palavra de Viajante
Around the corner from Jardim das Francesinhas lies Portugal’s only bookshop committed to travel literature, Palavra de Viajante. A relatively recent addition to the city’s literary scene, it opened its doors in 2011. Each section is dedicated to a different continent, so you can pick whatever part of the world sparks your interest.
Palavra de Viajante offers an excellent selection of travel guides, fiction, and maps. The collection is available in several languages, including Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, to name a few.
PAULUS Bookstore Lisbon
Pick up your next religious book at the PAULUS Bookstore Lisbon. With its light-filled interior and shelves stocked with Bibles and spiritual stories, anyone with an interest in religion will feel right at home here.
Unfortunately for tourists, there’s very little English text available, but there’s a lot in Portuguese. While the shop brands itself as a religious bookstore, it’s worth noting that most of the literature focuses on Catholicism.
Livraria da Travessa – Lisboa
Elegant and packed with books in multiple languages, like English, Portuguese, and French, Livraria da Travessa in Príncipe Real is a must-visit. The average person who passes by may assume it’s small, but behind the walls lies an extensive library spread across beautifully arranged shelves and tables.
Whatever your interests are, there’s something at Livraria da Travessa for you: fantasy, biographies, comics, art – they’ve got it. After you make your final choice, you can pull up one of the many seats to flick through the pages.
Buchholz Bookstore, Lda
Established in 1943 by a German book distributor, Buchholz Bookstore, Lda has been a key player in the Lisbon literary scene for decades. It’s one of the larger stores in the city, spanning three floors with vintage-style seating areas and counters with the latest releases, as well as records and creative exhibits.
A regular venue for book launches, Buchholz Bookstore, Lda offers a wide-ranging collection covering nearly every topic—from history and poetry to philosophy and much more.
Tinta nos Nervos
Tinta nos Nervos stands out from the crowd with its minimalist vibe, prioritizing art and illustration while still showing love for literature. The interiors are simple yet stylish, giving it a fresh, modern look.
The shop specializes in illustration books, which are available in both English and Portuguese. You’ll also spot some comics and a handful of Japanese manga.
Good Company Books
An independent English bookstore where quality literature and design come together, Good Company Books is the perfect hangout for a rainy day. Here, the spotlight is on Lusophone literature, which is translated into English for everyone to appreciate.
Good Company Books has quite the appearance with its mix of wood and pops of green, but it works. There’s also an on-site café (a recurring trend in Lisbon) serving specialty coffee and sweet treats to keep you fueled as you flip through the chapters.
Under The Cover
Under The Cover is an artsy bookstore near Gulbenkian Park; you won’t miss it with its bright blue door. It’s a favorite among magazine enthusiasts, thanks to its diverse range of titles covering music, architecture, and culture. If you’re more into books, you’ll also find a selection of international titles.
While it’s not the largest bookstore in town, Under The Cover makes up for it with a well-curated selection. Each book or magazine is given its own dedicated space, so customers don’t have to sift through piles, ensuring every title gets the attention it deserves.
Livraria Sá da Costa
Looking for a book you can’t find anywhere else? Livraria Sá da Costa in Baixa/Chiado might be the only place you can find it. Set up in 1913, Livraria Sá da Costa distributes rare books, maps, prints, and manuscripts, some of which can be traced back to the 15th century.
The layout might seem a little chaotic, with books popping out everywhere. But that contributes to its charm, as do the vintage objects scattered around the place. Another bonus is that it’s open daily until midnight, making it perfect for a spontaneous late-night book hunt.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You’ll love our weekly newsletter.
Migz
Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
