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It is certainly one of the oldest, most visited and most beautiful bookshops in the whole world! "Livraria Lello" was originally created in 1869 (though under different brand names), but the actual awesome building dates from 1906. With Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline and Eclectic styles characteristics, it certainly bewitches all visitors! Check its beautiful facade, the iconic Crimson staircase (a masterpiece of lightness and audacy) and the majestic stained glass ceiling! Since 2015, an entrance fee of E$ 5 is charged to all visitors. Be ready for crowds on "normal" seasons. Unmissable at any visit to Porto! Enjoy!…
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Date of experience: January 2020
1 Helpful vote
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This book store really is unique - the 5 Euro entrance fee may seem like a tourist trap but it really isn't, in fact it seems more than reasonable to me given the amount of people that visit and clutter up the place standing on the stairwell taking selfies - yes, I know, I was one of them! You get your money back anyway if you choose to buy a book, and of course if you don't choose to then that's your choice too. It is of course the store where JK Rowling claims to have received much of her inspiration for the Harry Potter series, and given the books fame, explains why so many flock here. It really is reminiscent I have to say of certain scenes from the films. The stairwells and the vistas are well, amazing and the selection of books available is pretty good too. For me it was worth the 5 Euro entrance fee just to see this place, but if you don't want to pay that then don't visit - simple!…
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Date of experience: November 2019
2 Helpful votes
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Beautiful bookshop! We were lazy and did not queue. We paid around 16€ per person for a skip-the queue ticket and did not regret it as the queue is mad and we got "paid back" in two books, perfect! The bookshop is not only famous but truly gorgeous. Staff is very friendly. Definitely worth stopping by.…
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Date of experience: September 2020
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
This library is a hoax. The five euros voucher may be understandable however the rules applied to it are inadmissible. You aren’t even able to cumulate two vouchers to buy a book if not interested in buying an overpriced book by yourself and want to share with a friend! In addition, both my friends sought to get a postcard and were unable to use their voucher that is reserved to the purchase of a book (which is of course more expensive than five euros). Finally, I’d like to point out that JK Rowling has expressively said that this place did not in any way inspire the notorious Harry Potter library. However, this tourist trap persists in their spectacle with the soundtrack playing in the background and a whole bookshelf dedicated to the author. I do not recommend.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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It’s a nice , Cousy, little library with nice stairs with lot of details.The queue to enter is enormous, it could take more than an hour to reach the entrance so go early. I expected more to be honest but it’s definitely good if u don’t know what else to do. Tickets are €5.
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Date of experience: September 2020
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