At Lisboa Secreta we love to read and write, or that wouldn’t be the essence of our work. However, we are aware that the ‘digital revolution’ has changed many people’s habits. Even so, there are those who can’t do without reading on paper. So how about a tour of Lisbon’s bookshops?
In these stores, be prepared to forget your Kindle, because it ‘s the books that rule here. Whether you’re buying, swapping or selling, bookstores are the ideal place for avid readers. New, rare, old, technical and collectible, there are books of all kinds.
Despite being a business from another era, where you can feel the weight of tradition, the truth is that there are still a few of these places in Lisbon. Best of all, you can find very special literary works, some of which are not available in any bookstore.
Table Of Contents
Livraria Sá da Costa
Livraria Sá da Costa is an (almost) obligatory mention on this and every other literary list in Lisbon. With its doors open in the same place since 1943, the truth is that to tell its story you have to go back to 1913, when Augusto Sá da Costa e Cª was founded.
The space in Rua Garrett stands out for its modernist décor, but even more so for its valuable collection of books. Manuscripts, rare books from the 15th to the 20th century, out-of-print books from the 20th and 21st centuries, this is the right place for those who want to deepen their knowledge in various areas of knowledge.
Today, more than just a bookshop, the space has been able to reinvent itself for the new times, betting on a more versatile facet. In this sense, it also hosts exhibitions, workshops, book launches and more. A place to consider for those looking to ‘breathe’ culture.
Address: Rua Garrett 100 (Chiado)
Simão’s Bookshop
This place doesn’t have as long a history as the previous one, but believe me it’s a very charming literary nook. ‘Hidden’ in the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão, this bookshop is considered to be one of the smallest in the world, as it has just less than four m2.
Due to the limited space, Livraria Simão can only accommodate one person at a time, but that’s part of its charm. According to Visit Lisboa, you’ll find around four thousand books there, covering a wide range of genres and languages.
Address: Escadinhas de São Cristóvão 18 (Mouraria)
Livraria Antiga do Carmo
Created in the 1940s, a time when paper still dominated not only as the preferred medium for literary works, but also as a communication platform, Livraria Antiga do Carmo is another of the bookshops to look out for.
According to its own website, it specializes in Jewish history, the period of the Inquisition, the Order of the Templars, Freemasonry and Fernando Pessoa. There, you can also buy and sell used books, just like any self-respecting bookshop.
Address: Calçada do Carmo, 50
Trindade Bookshop
Located in the heart of Lisbon, Livraria Trindade opened its doors in the 1960s in the Chiado area, operating as a bookshop and antique store.
From Portuguese literature to poetry , not forgetting magazines and novelties, its literary collection also includes some rarities.
Address: Rua do Alecrim, 36
Castro e Silva Bookshop
Founded in 1957, Livraria Castro e Silva is a well-known name in the world of antique books and bookshops.
The space offers book evaluation and purchase services , as well as archive organization and bibliographic research.
Address: Rua de Pedro Nunes, 2B
If you love reading, or if you’re just curious, be sure to visit these places while they still exist. Happy reading!