10 Best Bookshops in Lisbon (2026 Guide)

Lisbon is a rewarding city for readers. Its bookshops range from a record-breaking historic store in Chiado to independent English-language shops, specialists in travel and design, second-hand treasure troves and bookshop cafés where it is very easy to lose an afternoon.

This guide brings together the 10 best bookshops in Lisbon, with practical advice on what each one does best and how to fit them into your itinerary. Bookshops are also an excellent option when the weather turns: see our guide to what to do in Lisbon when it rains for more indoor ideas.

10 best bookshops in Lisbon at a glance

1. Livraria Bertrand Chiado — best for history and a central location.

2. Ler Devagar — best for dramatic interiors and an LX Factory visit.

3. Good Company Books — best for new books in English, coffee and wine.

4. Salted Books — best for a carefully curated English-language selection and events.

5. Bookshop Bivar — best for affordable second-hand books in English.

6. Livraria Sá da Costa — best for old, rare and collectible books.

7. Palavra de Viajante — best for travel writing, maps and guidebooks.

8. Under the Cover — best for independent magazines, art and contemporary publishing.

9. Tigre de Papel — best for small publishers and a neighbourhood atmosphere.

10. Well Read — best for bilingual books on art, architecture and design.

1. Livraria Bertrand Chiado

If you only have time for one historic bookshop, begin with Livraria Bertrand Chiado. Founded in 1732, the original Chiado branch is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest bookshop still in operation. The rooms extend surprisingly far behind the traditional façade, and plaques throughout the store recall writers connected with Lisbon’s literary life.

Bertrand is easy to include while exploring Chiado or Baixa-Chiado. The selection is primarily Portuguese, but there is a useful range of books in English, including fiction, Portuguese authors in translation and titles about Lisbon. Visit for the history and location rather than the quiet atmosphere of a small independent shop.

Want to stay near Lisbon’s historic bookshops? Compare the best hotels in Chiado, with live Booking links and a quick hotel table.

2. Ler Devagar

Set inside a former printing complex at LX Factory, Ler Devagar is the most visually memorable bookshop on this list. High shelves, old machinery and the suspended bicycle sculpture give it a sense of theatre that appeals even to visitors who are not usually interested in bookshops.

The stock mixes Portuguese and international titles with art, photography and illustrated books. It can become busy at weekends, so a weekday morning is better if you want time to browse. Combine the visit with cafés, studios and shops around the complex.

3. Good Company Books

For one of Lisbon’s strongest selections of new books in English, head to Good Company Books in Avenidas Novas. This independent bookshop focuses on global literature, small presses, classics and Lusophone authors in translation. The staff recommendations make it a particularly good stop if you want to discover something beyond the usual airport bestsellers.

Good Company is also a café serving specialty coffee, small bites and wine, so it works well as a reading break or a place to meet. At the time of our latest check, it opens Tuesday to Sunday and stays open later from Tuesday to Saturday, but check the current schedule before making a special journey. The nearest metro options include Saldanha and São Sebastião.

4. Salted Books

Located near Santos, Salted Books is an independent English-language bookshop with a compact, thoughtful selection. Expect contemporary fiction, essays, poetry and titles from independent publishers, alongside book clubs, readings and writing events. It feels curated rather than comprehensive, which is part of the appeal.

The shop is at Calçada do Marquês de Abrantes 96. At the time of our latest check, it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:30 and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, closing on Monday. It is a natural stop while exploring Santos, Madragoa or the riverside, and a good choice when you want an English book that is slightly less obvious.

5. Bookshop Bivar

Bookshop Bivar is the place to look for second-hand books in English. Its two floors on Rua de Ponta Delgada are filled with used fiction and non-fiction, from light holiday reading to biographies, classics and travel books. Prices tend to be friendlier than at stores selling only new imported editions, and the owner is known for personal recommendations.

This is a browsing bookshop rather than a polished concept store, and that is precisely why regular readers enjoy it. Stock changes constantly, so arrive with an open mind rather than one very specific title. The shop is convenient from Saldanha or Arroios; opening hours can vary, so verify them before travelling across the city.

6. Livraria Sá da Costa

Livraria Sá da Costa brings an older, more scholarly atmosphere to Chiado. Founded in 1913, it is associated with old, rare and out-of-print books, including Portuguese history, literature, art and illustrated editions. It is the strongest choice on this list for collectors and anyone who enjoys the gentle unpredictability of an antiquarian bookshop.

You do not need to be searching for a first edition to enjoy the visit. The shelves, bindings and quiet surroundings offer a contrast to the busy streets outside. Because specialist stock and opening arrangements can change, confirm the shop’s current details before planning your day around a particular book.

7. Palavra de Viajante

Travellers who still love paper maps and travel writing should visit Palavra de Viajante on Rua de São Bento. The shop specialises in travel books, guidebooks, cartography, photography and narratives from around the world. Its clear identity makes it one of Lisbon’s most useful specialist bookshops.

This is a good place to find inspiration for a future trip or a more thoughtful souvenir than another magnet. The location pairs naturally with São Bento, Estrela and Príncipe Real. Check the shop’s website for current hours and events, especially if you are visiting on a Saturday.

8. Under the Cover

Near the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and garden, Under the Cover specialises in international magazines, independent publications, art books and contemporary visual culture. The selection is small but highly considered, with titles that are often difficult to find in larger Portuguese chains.

Choose this shop if you are interested in illustration, fashion, photography, architecture or editorial design. It works particularly well as part of a museum day: browse the shelves, visit the Gulbenkian and take a break in the garden. Check current opening hours before you go, as smaller independent shops may close earlier than major retailers.

9. Tigre de Papel

For a more local, community-minded experience, visit Tigre de Papel on Rua de Arroios. It sells new and used books and gives space to small and independent publishers. The mood is more neighbourhood bookshop than tourist attraction, making it a rewarding detour for visitors who want to see a different side of Lisbon.

Tigre de Papel is especially interesting for Portuguese-language readers, although the changing stock can include other languages. Look at the shop’s current programme before visiting: talks, launches and cultural events are part of its identity. Pair it with a walk through Arroios rather than treating it as an isolated stop.

10. Well Read

Well Read is a bilingual specialist bookshop devoted to art, architecture, design and visual culture. Its selection brings together Portuguese and international publishers, making it a useful address for professionals, students and travellers who prefer a beautifully produced monograph to conventional fiction.

Because it occupies a more focused niche, Well Read complements rather than duplicates Under the Cover. Visit Under the Cover for magazines and contemporary independent publishing; choose Well Read for a deeper selection of books on the visual arts. Confirm its current location and hours on the shop’s website before visiting.

Best English-language bookshops in Lisbon

The best dedicated English-language options are Good Company Books, Salted Books and Bookshop Bivar. Good Company is strongest for new fiction, international literature and a café atmosphere; Salted is ideal for a smaller independent selection and literary events; Bookshop Bivar is the best choice for second-hand English books and lower prices.

Bertrand and Ler Devagar also carry books in English, but their English sections are part of much larger multilingual or Portuguese-focused collections. If finding a particular English title matters more than the setting, contact the dedicated shops before visiting.

A practical bookshop route through Lisbon

For a central route, begin at Sá da Costa and Bertrand in Chiado, then walk through Baixa before continuing towards São Bento for Palavra de Viajante. From there, Salted Books is a manageable continuation towards Santos. This route combines historic, specialist and English-language bookshops without excessive backtracking.

On a second day, group Bookshop Bivar and Tigre de Papel around Saldanha and Arroios, then visit Good Company in Avenidas Novas. Under the Cover and Well Read suit an art-and-design day, while Ler Devagar deserves its own stop at LX Factory. For more ideas nearby, explore our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon.

Practical tips before you go

Check opening hours on the day of your visit. Independent bookshops may close on Monday, shut for lunch or change their schedules around public holidays and events. If you need a specific title or language, contact the shop first; imported English editions can sell out quickly.

Choose bookshops by neighbourhood rather than trying to visit all ten in one day. Carry a reusable bag, leave some room in your luggage and remember that many smaller stores can order books even when a title is not currently on the shelf. If you are travelling as a family, our guide to Lisbon with kids has more nearby activities.

Final thoughts

The best bookshops in Lisbon reflect several versions of the city at once: historic and modern, Portuguese and international, grand and quietly independent. Bertrand and Ler Devagar are the obvious first visits, but Good Company, Salted Books, Bookshop Bivar and the specialist shops are where many readers will find the most personal experience.

FAQ - Best bookshops in Lisbon

What is the most famous bookshop in Lisbon?

Livraria Bertrand Chiado is Lisbon’s most famous bookshop. Founded in 1732, it is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest bookshop in continuous operation.

Where can I buy books in English in Lisbon?

Good Company Books and Salted Books specialise in new English-language books, while Bookshop Bivar focuses on second-hand books in English. Bertrand and Ler Devagar also have English sections.

Which Lisbon bookshop is the most beautiful?

Ler Devagar is usually considered the most visually striking because of its vast industrial interior at LX Factory. Bertrand Chiado is the better choice for traditional literary history.

Where can I find second-hand or rare books in Lisbon?

Bookshop Bivar is best for second-hand English books. Livraria Sá da Costa is a stronger option for old, rare and collectible Portuguese books.

Are Lisbon’s bookshops good for a rainy day?

Yes. Bookshops are among Lisbon’s easiest indoor activities, particularly when combined with the Gulbenkian Museum, LX Factory’s covered spaces or the cafés at Good Company and Ler Devagar.