How to Skip the Line at Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is an enchanting bookstore located in Porto, Portugal. Since its opening in 1906, Livraria Lello (or Lello Bookstore) is often called the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Seeing Livraria Lello's mesmerizing staircase, enormous bookshelves, and stained-glass ceiling is a treat for book lovers. Also, fans of the Harry Potter series may want to visit Livraria Lello as a rumor suggests it inspired Hogwarts Castle. ​

Entrance into Livraria Lello

​Due to Livraria Lello's popularity, entry into the bookstore costs €5 per person. Still, you may use the ticket voucher to receive €5 off a single book purchase. Children aged 0-3 may enter Livraria Lello for free with an accompanying adult. Furthermore, visitors may have to wait in line outside of the front entrance. Wait times to experience Livraria Lello can vary depending on the date and time. Fortunately, there is a way to reserve a ticket-voucher entry in advance, enabling visitors to skip the line regardless of the wait time.​

Stained Glass Ceiling

Livraria Lello's ticket voucher web page allows visitors to purchase entry in advance. When purchasing a ticket through Livraria Lello's web page, visitors select their date and time to enter the bookstore. Advanced tickets are available every thirty minutes during store hours. Visitors may purchase ticket vouchers months in advance or even the day of a planned visit, so long as tickets do not sell out.

Purchasing an advanced ticket voucher for €5 (or €0 for children three and under) provides preferred entry at the designated time slot ahead of others queued in a general entry line. However, advanced ticket voucher holders may need to form a separate line for access, primarily if their time slot gets sold out. Suppose a visitor wishes to skip all lines and head directly into Livraria Lello at a designated date and time. In that case, there is another ticket option available. ​

Rear of Livraria Lello

Priority ticket vouchers are available in advance, allowing visitors to skip all queues for entry at a specific date and time. Also, purchasing a priority ticket voucher includes a copy of a book from a pre-determined list. At the time of writing, the book options are The Art of War, Romeo and Juliet, The Book of the Jungle, and Los Lusiadas. A priority ticket voucher costs €15.90 or €16.90, depending on the selected book. 

A Livraria Lello employee will ask to scan any ticket vouchers purchased in advance before allowing entry. Visitors should ensure they buy advanced ticket vouchers at least one hour before the scheduled time slot to ensure timely delivery of ticket vouchers via email. Utilizing Livraria Lello's advanced ticket voucher options can save considerable time, creating a more enjoyable experience. ​​

For more Portugal travel information, check out my day trip to Batalha, Portugal travel guide.