{"id":39103,"date":"2019-09-23T06:00:56","date_gmt":"2019-09-23T13:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=39103"},"modified":"2025-08-27T19:43:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T02:43:01","slug":"unique-bookstores-lisbon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/unique-bookstores-lisbon\/","title":{"rendered":"THE 10 MOST UNIQUE BOOKSTORES IN LISBON"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wandering the bright, winding streets of Portugal\u2019s capital, it is easy to feel inspired by its unpretentious beauty. Lisbon is otherworldly and bursting with reality, divinely old and sleekly modern. It\u2019s no wonder that so many of the world\u2019s most famous writers \u2013 such as Pascal Mercier and Robert Wilson \u2013 used the city as their muse, bringing it to life within the pages of their books.<\/p>\n

Lisbon\u2019s literary influence is kept alive today by its vast collection of bookstores and library caf\u00e9s. A good book is always within your reach, from tiny, traditional places to the edgier, more modern approach. We\u2019ve selected our top ten of the best, most unique bookstores in Lisbon for you to choose from; so grab a coffee and a Pastel de Nata, and get reading!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Menina e Mo\u00e7a<\/h2>\n

This cosy bar sits right in the middle of Pink Street, one of Lisbon\u2019s brightest, busiest, and most vibrant streets. But once you step inside the doors of Menina e Mo\u00e7a<\/a>, you are transported into an entirely different world.<\/p>\n

With books lining the shelves and poetry scribbled across the ceiling, this bar is a haven for creatives from all fields, and even includes a small live music area at the back of the venue. All the books here are for sale, and the store also includes an English language section.<\/p>\n

Settle yourself into one of the colourful seats that spill out onto Pink Street and soak in the atmosphere of the city; if you look above you, you\u2019ll even find poetry suspended from the surrounding buildings.<\/p>\n

This area is also known for being one of the city\u2019s nightlife hotspots: after dark, the bar transforms into a buzzing hive of laughter and conversation. Sit back and watch the street come to life as the sun goes down!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Livraria Bertrand<\/h2>\n

If this bookstore\u2019s imposing white architecture and traditional blue tiles aren\u2019t inviting enough, then the fact that Livraria Bertrand<\/a> has been crowned the oldest operating bookstore in the world may just pique your interest!<\/p>\n

Having opened its doors in 1732, this grand, elegant store is located in the heart of the city\u2019s Chiado area. It is spread across the ground floor of a traditional Lisbon townhouse; it\u2019s also known to be the largest operating bookstore in Portugal. Lose yourself in its deep labyrinth of books, its low archways guiding you from one room to another.<\/p>\n

If you need a pick-me-up, there is a caf\u00e9 towards the back of the store, with chairs spilling out into the cobbled street outside. The lunch menu is light yet delicious, offering dishes such as salads, bruschettas, and a range of homemade cakes and pastries.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Lisbon Complete 3 Day Itinerary<\/a><\/div>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Ler Devegar<\/h2>\n

A popular tourist destination for its quirky brightness and unusual setting, Ler Devagar<\/a> (which means \u2018Read Slowly\u2019 in Portuguese) is actually better known to locals as the \u2018LX Factory Library\u2019. Located within the colourful walls of the LX Factory<\/a> itself, this re-purposed printing press makes the perfect home for books from all over the world.<\/p>\n

In true Lisbon fashion, moving art installations hang from the ceiling, giving the place an otherworldly feel. Sip at your coffee from their caf\u00e9 underneath the old printing press machine, or climb up the sleek, iron staircase to discover the bookstore from a different perspective.<\/p>\n

This space also houses regular concerts and art exhibitions, making it popular among Lisbon\u2019s widespread community of creatives.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Bookshop Bivar<\/h2>\n

Bookshop Bivar<\/a> sets itself apart from other bookstores in the city for one particular reason: all its books are in English. It is for this reason, then, that the tiny, bright shop, decorated with smooth, light wood, is a popular favourite amongst Lisbon\u2019s growing expat community. Its proximity to a large number of Lisbon\u2019s co-working offices<\/a> means that its clientele is made up, primarily, of the freelancers who work nearby, acting as a meeting point for this network of digital nomads.<\/p>\n

The store also houses a number of events and clubs, transforming it into a cultural centre. From its Bivar Book Club to its Author Q&As, this bookstore is the perfect spot for any international literary fanatics.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Coffee Library<\/h2>\n

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre is Lisbon\u2019s Coffee Library<\/a>: a crisp, white caf\u00e9 with a long window seat, which makes it perfect for reading.<\/p>\n

Although known for its large book collection, the Coffee Library is also famous city-wide for its inventive, delicious doughnuts, which come in all flavours, shapes and colours. If a peaceful afternoon curled up with a book is what you\u2019re looking for, then this bar is the place for you \u2013 and is definitely worth the short metro ride out of the city centre!<\/p>\n

While the books are not for sale, the caf\u00e9 uses a book exchange system: if you bring a book, you can take one away.<\/p>\n

\"Coffee<\/p>\n

Feira Dos Alfarrabistas <\/h2>\n

If you happen to be strolling through the Chiado area on a Saturday, you may stumble across a small street lined with tables and stalls, each one laden with more books than you could imagine: this is the Feira dos Alfarrabistas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This antique, second-hand book market is aptly located in Rua Anchieta \u2013 just outside the world\u2019s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand \u2013 and is held every Saturday from roughly 10 am to 5 pm. Flick through the vast collection of books, magazines, comics and posters, in a range of different languages \u2013 but, of course, mainly Portuguese.<\/p>\n

For anyone with an interest in Portuguese history and culture, you are certain to find a book to feed your curiosity at this flea market. Chat to the locals who man the stalls, or simply wander through the crowds, taking in the endless sea of books and book lovers. Whether the vintage postcards or a dusty, leather-bound novel catches your eye, you won\u2019t walk away empty-handed.<\/p>\n

\"Feira<\/p>\n

Palavra De Viajante<\/h2>\n

Specialising in travel guides, albums, maps, and all things international, Palavra de Viajante (or Traveller\u2019s Word in English) is an ideal destination for the keen traveller or nomad.<\/p>\n

Tucked away in one of the city\u2019s more residential areas, this store is often more peaceful than those in the centre, allowing you to browse at your own pace. Navigate your way through the store\u2019s maze of enclaves and archways in search of your next adventure; you\u2019re sure to find inspiration here, be it from the plentiful book collection, or from the colour and life of the store itself.<\/p>\n

As is custom in Lisbon, the bookstore is also home to a caf\u00e9, where you can nurse a glass of wine or cup of coffee as you plan your next trip.<\/p>\n

\"Night<\/p>\n

F\u00e1bula Urbis<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re a tourist visiting for just a few days or a local who has planted its roots in the city, Lisbon\u2019s history is undoubtedly fascinating to everyone who experiences it. Bookstore F\u00e1bula Urbis<\/a>, tucked away just behind the cathedral, is the perfect place to delve into the culture of this wonderful city; every book on offer is exclusively about Lisbon. The store also hosts a number of poetry readings and other cultural events, all based around the history of the Portuguese capital \u2013 including art exhibitions from local artists.<\/p>\n

The books are available in a range of languages, making them accessible to people from all over the world, while it’s picturesque setting along the well-worn route from the cathedral to the Miradouro Santa Luzia makes it an ideal stopping point for weary travellers.<\/p>\n

\"F\u00e1bula<\/p>\n

O Az Do Livro <\/h2>\n

Nestled into one of Lisbon\u2019s many shaded staircases, O Az do Livro<\/a> is located between Rossio and the Bairro Alto, yet it is easily passed unnoticed by the many tourists trekking between these two lively areas.<\/p>\n

The tiny, narrow store is brimming with new and old books, and its friendly staff will happily source any copy for you that you cannot find amongst the maze of pages. O Az do Livro houses everything from modern fiction to older, more historical works. This is the perfect excuse to rest your weary legs (and lungs!) as you clamber to the top of one of the city\u2019s seven hills.<\/p>\n

\"O<\/p>\n

MBooks – Cais Do Sodr\u00e9<\/h2>\n

Although not a traditional bookstore, this spot is perfect for the Lisbon commuter or traveller on the go; MBooks<\/a> is a large, open-plan store located within the Cais do Sodr\u00e9 station.<\/p>\n

Almost market-like in its set-up, MBooks boasts a huge range of both fiction and non-fiction books, all for extremely affordable prices. Divided by genre, the surfaces of this store are overflowing with reading material, and include also both a children\u2019s section and an English language section. Its home, in one of Lisbon\u2019s busiest train stations, means that you will always have something to read during a long trip.<\/p>\n

MBooks can also be found in most major metro stations across the city, including Santa Apol\u00f3nia and Marqu\u00eas de Pombal.<\/p>\n

Best Hotels For Bookworms And Literature Lovers<\/h2>\n

Even some of the city\u2019s top hotels use this fascination with literature as their inspiration.<\/p>\n

Be Poet Hotel<\/h3>\n

In the Baixa area, this is embodied by the Be Poet Hotel<\/a>. Upon stepping into the lobby, you are greeted by fluttering pieces of paper, each boasting a quote from some of Lisbon\u2019s top poets.<\/p>\n

Entirely unique in its d\u00e9cor, each floor is designed around the works and writing styles of four of the city\u2019s most renowned poets, including the likes of Manuel Bocage and Lu\u00eds de Cam\u00f5es. Prices for a room at this hotel start from roughly \u20ac100 per night.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Lisboa Pessoa Hotel<\/h3>\n

The Bairro Alto is home to the Lisboa Pessoa Hotel<\/a>, named after acclaimed poet Fernando Pessoa. As expected, the lobby of this guesthouse is adorned with well-stocked bookshelves, while a rooftop bar gives guests a stunning panoramic view across Lisbon\u2019s terracotta roofs.<\/p>\n

The hotel also hosts a Literary Walking Tour of the city, which leads guests around Pessoa\u2019s Lisbon: the houses he once lived in, the cafes he wrote from, and the places which inspired him. Rooms at this hotel also start from roughly \u20ac100 per night.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

\n

What To Know For Visiting Portugal<\/h2>\n

Portugal Visas<\/h3>\n

Portugal is part of the European Schengen zone<\/strong>, which typically provides 90 days of free entry every 180 days<\/strong> to visitors from many countries. This means you can enter Portugal and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country.<\/p>\n

Currency<\/h3>\n

The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (EUR)<\/strong>. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 1.10 USD. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card<\/a> which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.<\/p>\n

Best Tours In Lisbon<\/h2>\n

Some of the best tours and things to do in Lisbon are:<\/p>\n