In Porto, there’s a famous store that attracts both tourists and those who love books. Featuring spiral staircases, vibrant stained-glass windows, and a neo-Gothic exterior, Livraria Lello was the top searched bookshop globally on Google Maps in 2025.
Situated in the core of Porto’s historic district, Livraria Lello has drawn in inquisitive readers and amazed tourists for more than a hundred years. In 2025, it became themost popular bookshop searched on Google Maps, thanks to its striking design and nearly movie-like ambiance.
Established in 1906, it features remarkable wooden carvings, a vibrant red central staircase, and a grand glass roof – an exceptional interior that has contributed to its fame over the years.
J.K. Rowling, who resided in Porto during the early 1990s, frequently turned to it for solace: thelocation is linked to the world of Harry Potter, especially the ambiance of magical bookstores and twisting staircases that have in turn inspired the imagination of enthusiasts.
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A bookstore that has turned into a worldwide sensation
Walking into Livraria Lello feels like entering a space where the building’s design shares as much narrative as the books it contains. The shelves reach toward the ceiling, the staircase appears to hover without support, and the gentle lighting turns each area into a scene from a story.
Frequently recognized as one of the most stunning bookstores globally, it attracts visitors who come not only to purchase a book but also to savor its engaging atmosphere — a unique blend that accounts for its remarkable popularity.
An essential cultural visit in Porto
More than merely a bookstore, Lello has evolved into aa cultural hotspot in its own right in PortoPeople visit there to find unique books, photograph its famous shapes, or experience the enchantment of a location that combines literature, design, and creativity.
A location that, by itself, has transformed the concept of a legendary literary bookstore.
The top 10 most favored bookstores on Google in 2025
- Livraria Lello, Porto
- Animate Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- The Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires
- Shakespeare and Company, Paris
- Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
- Animate Osaka Nipponbashi, Osaka
- Tsutaya Books Daikanyama, Tokyo
- Forbidden Planet Megastore, London
- Powell’s Bookstore, Oregon
- Strand Bookstore, New York City
Livraria LelloRua das Carmelitas 144
4050-161 Porto
+351 22 200 2037
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