The ‘cosy’ European city that’s home to the ‘world’s most beautiful bookshop’

Reading and travelling go hand in hand. Whether it’s a romance novel on a beach or a classic in a cafe, it’s the perfect holiday pastime.

And Google has just the bookstore to kickstart your 2026 reading year. Plus, an excuse to start book-ing (sorry) those dreamy city breaks.

According to the search engine’s 2025 report, which reveals what’s been trending over the past 12 months, Porto’s Livraria Lello has been named the world’s ‘most beautiful’ book shop.

Located in Rua das Carmelitas, a historic street in the Portuguese city, the shop is a Neo-Gothic architectural wonder. With stained-glass skylights, intricate woodwork, and a grand central staircase, other decorative features include dramatic hanging lamps with cosy mood lighting.

But let’s not forget the star of the show, and the real reason for visiting: Livraria Lello’s floor-to-ceiling shelves, lined with every genre imaginable.

@joslaloh

Would you visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world? 📍 Livraria Lello, Porto 🇵🇹 #travel #traveltiktok #placestovisit #thingstodo #porto #portugal

♬ original sound – Jos Laloh

It’s not hard to understand why people compare it to Hogwarts; the atmosphere here is otherworldly.

Livraria Lello‘s best bits

Livraria Lello was built in 1906 and has been a Portuguese literary hub for over a century.

Visitors are welcome to browse the store’s extensive book collection, where you’ll find everything from modern classics, first editions and collectables.

However, as it’s a tourist attraction, you must purchase a ticket to gain entry.

Multiple types allow different entry levels. Silver (€10.00/£8.71) and gold (€15.95/£13.90) are the most affordable options.

For €25.95 (£22.61), you can combine your trip with another landmark: the Livraria Lello Foundation. This is located in the Mosteiro de Leça do Balio, a renovated 14th-century monastery, in Leça do Balio, Portugal, near Porto.

The newly transformed cultural centre is a 15-minute drive from the main bookstore.

The exclusive Gemma Room, which boasts first editions, manuscripts, rarities, and unique books, can be explored for €50 (£43.57).

With this ticket, a tour guide will show you some of the store’s most precious jewels: Signed Oscar Wilde books, a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and a 200+ collection of Amy Winehouse’s personal books.

Note that even with this ticket, the Gemma Room can still get busy, so it’s best to visit off-peak.

We don’t have to tell you that Livraria Lello is a unique treasure trove.

The bookstore has garnered thousands of positive reviews on TripAdvisor all on its own, with one person describing it as the ‘best place [they] visited in Porto.’

Another praised the ‘beautifully preserved bookstore known for its wooden staircase and artistic details,’ while another called it a ‘must-visit’ with ‘outstanding’ architecture.

However, its popularity has also attracted masses of tourists — something many admit spoils their experience.

One person even went so far as to say that it’s become a ‘commercial stunt,’ and that you should never have to pay to enter a bookstore.

Other things to see and do in Porto

Porto, Portugal’s second city, has a bit of everything: world-class wine, cosy restaurants, stunning architecture and beautiful nature.

Viewed as a more laidback alternative to Lisbon, it feels like the capital’s more authentic, more walkable and – mercifully – much less hilly sister.

@gossamertraveller

📍Porto, Portugal Porto might just be my favourite city in Europe – it really surprised me with its beautifully-shabby, brightly-coloured lanes, its riverside views, its rich bar and restaurant culture, and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere Some of the best things to do and see in Porto: ⭐️ The Ribeira – the stunning riverside area, with spectacular views of Porto’s impressive Luis I bridge ⭐️ BOSCO bar – tucked away above the Virtudes park, this leafy bar, dotted with colourful parasols, overlooking the city, is a must-visit ⭐️ The Palácio de Cristal gardens – a free, beautiful garden with sculptured lawn, scenic views, and filled with peacocks and chickens ⭐️ Go port tasting across the bridge, in Villa Nova de Gaia (try the World of Wine experience for affordable tasting and a sizeable museum dedicated to wine) ⭐️ Admire the famously beautiful tiled buildings dotted around the city of Porto (called azulejos), at sites like the Chapel of Souls & so much more! #visitportugal #porto #explore #traveltiktok #eurosummer

♬ son original – Créatrice UGC

I recently visited and was captivated by the buildings on the Douro River and Vila Nove de Gaia, where you’ll also find the fortified port wine cellars.

A must-visit is the historic Ribeira District, with narrow, winding streets and riverside paths.

The São Bento train station in the centre is also impressive; it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument of Portugal.

The building houses over 20,000 Portuguese azulejo tiles, while the ornamented exterior showcases Beaux-Arts architecture.

Make sure you take a one-hour sunset river cruise €17.50 (£15), where a traditional rabelo boat will glide past vineyard slopes, pastel-hued riverbanks, and the six famous bridges of Porto.

Elsewhere, sip wine at DeCastro Gaia, a swanky rooftop bar with unspoiled views of the city.

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