Lisbon’s finest bookshops – Lonely Planet

Should you needed to guess the place the oldest bookshop on the planet was positioned, Lisbon would probably not be your first alternative – and but Libraria Bertrand, which opened in 1732, is just the start of Lisbon’s unsung literary scene.

Portugal’s capital performs host to an annual Lisbon E-book Truthful happening every June in Parque Eduardo VII, nevertheless it has sturdy choices for ebook lovers all 12 months spherical. 

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Do you know that Lisbon has extra bookshops per capita than some other metropolis worldwide? From Portuguese classics in English translation to huge warehouses the place the providing extends to data, too, Lisbon is a literature lover’s paradise. 

1. Livraria Simão

Let’s begin small – actually. Livraria Simão is so minuscule that its proprietor and namesake, Simão Carneiro, has to step out to allow you to in. However don’t let the 4sq meter dimension put you off – there are nearly 4,000 secondhand books on this treasure trove. The shop shares principally preloved Portuguese literature, however there’s additionally some books in English, French and different languages for those who rummage.

Detour: Afterward, stroll 10 minutes to the José Saramago Basis, housed at Casa dos Bicos, the place you can see exhibitions chronicling the life and work of the Nobel Prize–profitable Portuguese creator, together with his tomb.

2. Salted Books

You’d be forgiven for strolling straight previous this English-language bookshop, positioned within the sleepy neighborhood of Santos. Nonetheless, one have a look at the royal blue partitions and shelving – with books organized artfully, covers going through out – and you’ll always remember it. Everybody who works right here is concerned within the publishing business in some capability, so that you’ll be getting your books really useful by a novelist, translator, journalist or literary agent. ‘We don’t observe any bestseller lists when curating,’ says founder Alex Holder. ‘We’re right here for the politically conscious, discerning reader who loves a rom-com chaser to observe the newest discursive memoir.’

Planning tip: Once you’re planning your go to, take a look at Salted Books’ common occasions program, which options free talks from touring worldwide writers. 

3. Fable

Fable is yet one more newish English-language bookshop, opened in 2023 by American entrepreneur Melyssa Griffin. With a wellness-focused cafe on the bottom flooring and a comfy basement bookshop, this verdant house is a favourite among the many local people. After hours, return for a glass of pure wine and a night gathering: assume month-to-month open mics and centered writers’ hours, for many who prefer to get inventive (and share in others’ creativity) on their travels.

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Detour: Head to the close by Estrela Park, the place yow will discover Biblioteca-Quisoque do Jardim da Estrela, one of many world’s first open-air public libraries, now run by the native parish council. A kiosk (or quiosque) became a lending library, with books in a number of languages. Both trade a pre-owned ebook of your individual for a brand new learn, or borrow one in every of their choices to learn on the grass. 

4. Livraria Bertrand

Livraria Bertrand is formally the oldest working bookshop on the planet, and but it stays extra present than ever, attracting guests from all around the world.

As you stroll by means of the house, you’ll go by means of a collection of unique vaulted ceilings and arched doorways. Every of the bookshop’s six rooms is called after a Portuguese author, together with novelist Eça de Queiróz and poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Excess of a vacationer attraction, Livraria Bertrand is thought for its pleasant employees, who provide guided excursions in English and Spanish in addition to Portuguese, along with tailor-made recommendation for bibliophiles on its assortment of recent editions, which embody translated Portuguese classics in 5 languages (together with English). 

Native tip: On the lookout for a novel present? All books bought obtain a stamp within the entrance that reads ‘From the oldest bookshop on the planet’ – obtainable in a number of languages.

5. Good Firm

Based in 2024 by husband-and-wife staff Sam Miller and Giovanna Centeno, Good Firm makes a speciality of Portuguese-language literature in English translation.

Situated in Lisbon’s enterprise district, Saldanha, Good Firm is indubitably probably the most stunning bookshop on this record. It was designed by the Portuguese inside design studio Studio Pim, utilizing solely Portuguese-sourced supplies, with its bar countertop produced from Estremoz marble and the lime-green ceiling insulated with wool from Serra de Estrela. Open 9am to 9pm, Tuesday by means of Saturday, Good Firm hosts storytimes for youngsters and can be an elegant spot for night drinks. Its clientele is 50% Portuguese,  and different prospects are principally expats who’ve settled within the space. 

Native tip: The most effective spot to take a seat is on the bar, with a view of a pair of painted tile murals adorned with astrological indicators, muses and literary motifs. Look out for the Easter egg in one of many murals: a tiny ebook with the phrases ‘Good Firm’ written on its cowl.

6. Bookshop Bivar

If it’s secondhand books you’re after, Bookshop Bivar is your spot. A comfy, no-frills treasure trove, you’ll be happy to calm down on the cosy pink couch with a blanket and really feel at dwelling to peruse your buy choices. Proprietor Eduarda, born within the Azores and raised in Canada, has heaps of suggestions, which she will give you in English and Portuguese. Head to the low cost room, a treasure trove of books for as little as €1. 

Detour: Need to take your ebook to lunch? You are able to do no higher than the close by Galeto restaurant, a snack bar that’s not a lot counter-dining as all-counter. Solo diners needn’t really feel self-conscious in one in every of its 100+ particular person slots, the place you’ll be able to tuck into the most effective bifanas (pork sandwiches) in Lisbon.

7. Ler Devagar

Set over three flooring, Ler Devager, which interprets to ‘learn slowly’, is the biggest bookshop on our record – and for good motive, because it boasts not solely books (a set of recent and used) however a formidable assortment of vinyl data, and a restaurant/bar as well. Look out for the bike sculpture suspended over the steps.

Native tip: Ler Devager is positioned within the hip LX Manufacturing unit, a renovated former industrial textile manufacturing facility that’s now dwelling to idea shops and road meals stalls.