Joy, desire, curiosity, surprise and sometimes frustration when you can’t buy all the books you want, especially in these bookshops in Lisbon.
In any city, bookstores play a very important role, being able to promote cultural and intellectual encounters, as well as contributing to the artistic and educational development of local communities.
These spaces encourage the habit of reading, stimulate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and also strengthen the cultural identity of the sites.
In addition, neighborhood and street bookstores play a key role in enhancing local commerce, creating an environment conducive to the economic and social growth of regions.
Some of these bookshops are beautiful, others are unique and others have an impeccable literary selection.
Table Of Contents
Paper Tiger
At Tigre de Papel, one of the most beautiful bookshops in Lisbon, readers from 8 to 80 can fit in, as the titles are very diverse and the cultural program includes debates, workshops, film screenings and launches where young and old can take part.
New and used books as well as school textbooks are sold at this independent site. If you love discovering small publishers and paper secrets, this is the place for you.
Address: Rua de Arroios 25 (Arroios)
Reading slowly
Although Ler Devagar’s original store was in Bairro Alto, the bookshop has been located in Bairro Alto since 2009 LxFactory.
It’s a huge space, with three floors and thousands of books, new and used, stretching up to the ceiling.
Address: Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103 (LxFactory)
Simão’s Bookshop
Talking about Simão’s Bookshop is to talk about Lisbon’s smallest bookstore, comfortably located in the middle of the Mouraria neighborhood.
The space is only four square meters, but it still manages to house four thousand books of the most varied languages, values and genres.
There are also literary rarities and other treasures, always presented by the friendly owner Simão Carneiro.
Address: Escadinhas de São Cristóvão 18 (Mouraria)
LeYa Buchholz
LeYa Buchholz has already been voted the best bookshop in Lisbon favorite of the Portuguese, and the recognition is more than deserved.
Buchholz, a publishing house founded in 1943, occupied the space between 1965 and 2008. After filing for insolvency, one of Portugal’s largest publishing groups gave it a new lease of life, while maintaining the quality and diversity of its offer.
There are three charming floors where wood and variety prevail.
Address: Rua Duque de Palmela 4 (Marquês de Pombal)
Paint on the Nerves
In addition to being a bookshop, a Tinta nos Nervos is also a gallery and café and represents a breath of fresh air in Santos.
On the shelves we find books related to all artistic languages, from comics to illustration, as well as objects and accessories that mirror the creative ebullience of the space.
Workshops, talks and exhibitions are some of the activities you can find here.
Address: Rua da Esperança 39 (Santos)
Bertrand Chiado
In 2011, Bertrand was distinguished by Guinness World Records as the oldest bookshop in the world and touring its seven rooms takes you on a journey through time, through the country’s history and literature .
Almost all Lusophone authors fit into this space and some of them are honored by the walls and the “corners” that exist here.
Founded in 1732, this bookshop is a real treasure to be browsed and treasured.
Address: Rua Garrett 73-75 (Chiado)
BAOBÁ
It’s not just for kids or adults. BAOBÁ, in the heart of the Campo de Ourique neighborhood, is dedicated to illustrated books, with no qualms about age .
Founded by the Orfeu Negro publishing house, this is one of the bookstores in Lisbon that offers books by publishing houses specializing in the field of illustration: Planeta Tangerina, Tcharam or Pato Lógico are just a few examples.
Address: Rua Tomás da Anunciação 26B (Campo de Ourique)
Carnide Solidarity Bookshop
A Carnide Social Bookshop is a commendable project that combines literature with solidarity and community networks.
Located in the historic center of the district, here you’ll find more than seven thousand books in Portuguese and foreign languages.
Used books are sold for between €1 and €5, but you can also find brand new books. All proceeds go to cultural, social and community causes and projects.
Address: Rua Adelaide Cabete (Carnide)
Map of 8 special bookshops in Lisbon, and the list for your phone!
As 10 bibliotecas mais bonitas do mundo… três delas ficam na Grande Lisboa