By Melissa Pallotti ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Sometimes when we've had a long day, we look for an escape. While many people indulge in their favorite comfort movies or TV shows, others enjoy books–an escape from reality in the minds and worlds of different characters and places.
Bookstores are a comforting place to visit as they are a calm, yet exciting experience where you can discover new authors, storylines, and dip your feet in a new genre.
For avid book lovers who love to travel, Lisbon, Portugal is your next destination, but what makes it so special? The oldest bookstore in Lisbon–Livraria Bertrand–is an exciting bookstore that is full of books of all genres, many floors to explore, and even exclusive events to meet famous authors too. It makes it a top place to fit into your itinerary whenever you're visiting this beautiful country, and you should definitely take in the history of the bookstore and how it has modernized over the years.
In this article, we'll talk in length about the oldest bookstore in Lisbon, plus other topics that range from:
- Lisbon's oldest bookstore–Livraria Bertrand–and what makes it special
- The history of Livraria Bertrand and what makes it a top place to visit
- Other places in Lisbon to check out surrounding Livraria Bertrand
From Lisbon's Past to Present: The Story of Livraria Bertrand
Learn more about the history of Lisbon's oldest bookstores, its directory, and other important features!
If you've ever stepped into a bookstore and felt instantly calm, you'll understand the magic of Livraria Bertrand. Tucked away in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon, this isn't just any bookstore—it's the oldest operating bookstore in the world, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. Walking through its doors feels like traveling back in time, where every shelf and stone wall has a story to tell.
History of Livraria Bertrand
Livraria Bertrand bookstore first opened in 1732, when Pedro Faure, a French bookseller, started a small shop that would eventually become one of Portugal's greatest treasures . The store has endured everything from earthquakes to revolutions and still stands proudly as a symbol of Lisbon's resilience and love for books.
Here's a quick look at its journey through time:
- 1732 – Pedro Faure opens the first Bertrand bookstore in Lisbon.
- 1755 – A massive earthquake destroys the original building.
- 1773 – The Bertrand family rebuilds in Chiado, where it remains today.
- 1800s–1900s – The bookstore becomes a gathering place for Portugal's literary greats like Eça de Queirós, Alexandre Herculano, and Fernando Pessoa.
- 2011 – Guinness World Records officially names Livraria Bertrand the world's oldest bookstore still in operation.
- Present day – Bertrand now has over 50 stores across Portugal, but the Chiado location remains the soul of it all—part bookstore, part time capsule.
Livraria Bertrand isn't just important because of its age—it's a living piece of Lisbon's creative identity. For centuries, it has inspired readers, writers, and dreamers, serving as a reminder that stories never go out of style. Locals and travelers alike visit not just to buy books, but to experience history still breathing between the pages.
Inside, you'll find a mix of Portuguese and international books, including titles in English, French, and Spanish. From Portuguese classics and modern novels to children's stories, travel guides, and stationery, there's something for everyone. You can even unwind at the cozy Bertrand Café, where the aroma of coffee pairs perfectly with a good read.
Lisbon's Literary Soul
Lisbon has long been a city of poets, thinkers, and storytellers. The city's streets once echoed with the words of Fernando Pessoa, whose favorite haunts were the cafés of Chiado. Literature is deeply woven into Lisbon's history—its golden age of writing in the 19th and early 20th centuries helped shape Portuguese identity, and its influence continues to this day. From independent bookshops to literary festivals and street art inspired by famous writers, Lisbon celebrates creativity at every turn. Visiting Livraria Bertrand feels like stepping into the heart of that tradition—a place where the past meets the present, and where books still connect people across generations.
How to Get There
Livraria Bertrand is located in the Chiado district, at Rua Garrett 73–75, right in the cultural heart of Lisbon. It's easily accessible:
- By Metro: Take the Baixa-Chiado stop (Green or Blue line) — it's just a two-minute walk from the station.
- By Tram: Hop on the famous Tram 28, which passes nearby and offers a scenic ride through Lisbon's historic neighborhoods.
- By Foot: If you're exploring downtown Lisbon, Chiado is a short walk from Bairro Alto and Praça do Comércio.
Once you arrive, look for the elegant Bertrand sign and stone archway—your portal to nearly three centuries of literary history.
More Than Books: What Makes Bertrand an Iconic Experience
Check out some of the special events and author signings that you can see in the store!
When you first step inside Livraria Bertrand, it feels like more than just walking into a bookstore—it's like stepping into a world built entirely around stories. The wooden shelves, the quiet rustle of pages, the soft scent of old paper mixed with fresh espresso from the café—all of it creates an atmosphere that's both peaceful and inspiring. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, wander between aisles, and rediscover what it means to fall in love with reading again.
What makes Bertrand stand out isn't just its impressive age, but its ability to blend centuries of history with a modern literary experience. Even after nearly 300 years, it remains one of Lisbon's top cultural stops and a bucket-list destination for book lovers from around the world.
A Bookstore That Tells a Story
Livraria Bertrand's layout is part of what makes it so enchanting. Each of the store's seven rooms is named after a Portuguese writer, giving visitors a mini tour of the nation's literary legacy as they browse. The Eça de Queirós Room, for example, honors one of Portugal's most famous novelists, while other rooms feature tributes to José Saramago, Fernando Pessoa, and Alexandre Herculano. Every corner holds a story—sometimes in the books themselves, sometimes in the people who once gathered here to write or debate ideas over coffee.
You can almost imagine Lisbon's 19th-century intellectuals meeting in these very rooms, discussing philosophy, art, and literature long before it became the trendy neighborhood it is today. That spirit of creativity still lingers.
A Hub for Readers, Writers, and Dreamers
Livraria Bertrand isn't only a bookstore—it's a community hub for those who love words. Throughout the year, it hosts book launches, author meet-and-greets, literary talks, workshops, and signing events, featuring both Portuguese and international authors. It's not uncommon to walk in and find a crowd gathered for an evening reading or an intimate Q&A session with a local writer.
During Lisbon's annual literary festivals, Bertrand becomes one of the city's most active cultural venues, drawing readers from all over Europe who come to celebrate storytelling in all its forms. For travelers, attending one of these events is a wonderful way to experience Lisbon's creative energy firsthand.
If you're lucky, you might even catch a special exhibit or seasonal promotion, like themed book displays around Portuguese holidays or anniversaries of famous authors. There's often a sense of discovery every time you visit—something new waiting on the next shelf.
Why Visitors Keep Coming Back
Part of Livraria Bertrand's charm lies in how seamlessly it blends old-world character with modern touches. You can find shelves stacked with Portuguese literature, international bestsellers, and bilingual editions, as well as stationery, journals, and gifts perfect for travelers who want a keepsake beyond the typical souvenir.
The Bertrand Café, nestled inside the store, is another reason people linger. It's the perfect place to rest after exploring Lisbon's hilly streets—grab a pastel de nata and a coffee, find a quiet corner, and let the rhythm of the bookstore carry you away. Locals often spend hours here writing, studying, or simply enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
For tourists, the experience is unlike any other. Visiting Livraria Bertrand feels like joining Lisbon's long love affair with literature. It's not just about browsing books; it's about being part of a story that's still unfolding, one that connects people through time and across cultures.
Events and Experiences Worth Checking Out
- Author Signings & Readings: Frequent events featuring Portuguese and international writers.
- Workshops & Talks: Topics range from writing and translation to literature and art.
- Literary Festivals: Especially lively during the Lisbon Book Fair and other annual events.
- Seasonal Displays & Themed Weeks: Special promotions tied to cultural dates or classic authors.
- Bertrand Café Specials: Occasionally hosts poetry nights or informal gatherings for book clubs and readers.
Livraria Bertrand isn't just the oldest bookstore in the world—it's one of the most alive. Whether you come to buy a book, sip coffee, or simply soak in the centuries-old atmosphere, this historic bookstore leaves you with something that can't be bought: a sense of connection to Lisbon's timeless love of stories.
Extend Your Trip: Famous Sights Near Lisbon's Oldest Bookstore
Besides this famous library, check out other top sights in Lisbon worth seeing!
Visiting this historic bookstore isn't just about picking up a novel; it's about stepping into nearly three centuries of history in the heart of the city. But once you've explored its beautiful rooms, browsed the shelves, and perhaps enjoyed a coffee at the Bertrand Café, don't stop there. The surrounding Chiado district is one of Lisbon's most charming areas, filled with elegant shops, cafés, museums, and scenic viewpoints that perfectly capture the city's old-world magic.
1. Café A Brasileira
Just a short stroll from Livraria Bertrand, Café A Brasileira is one of Lisbon's most iconic cafés — and a must-see for literary lovers. Opened in 1905, it was once the meeting place for some of Portugal's greatest writers, including the legendary Fernando Pessoa, whose bronze statue now sits just outside. Enjoy a traditional bica (Portuguese espresso) and a pastel de nata while soaking in the golden Art Deco interior. It's the perfect place to sit, people-watch, and imagine the conversations that once echoed here.
2. Convento do Carmo
Just up the hill, you'll find the hauntingly beautiful Convento do Carmo, a medieval convent partially destroyed during the 1755 earthquake. Its open-air ruins now house the Carmo Archaeological Museum, offering a quiet, reflective space with stunning Gothic arches and panoramic views over the city. It's a favorite for photographers — and a reminder of Lisbon's ability to turn tragedy into beauty.
3. Elevador de Santa Justa
A few minutes' walk from Chiado, the Elevador de Santa Justa is one of Lisbon's most unique landmarks. Built in 1902, this neo-Gothic iron lift connects the lower Baixa district with the higher Largo do Carmo. Ride to the top for incredible views of the red-tiled rooftops and the shimmering Tagus River — especially breathtaking at sunset.
4. Praça do Comércio and the Waterfront
Head downhill toward Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's grand riverside square framed by bright yellow buildings and archways. It's the perfect spot for a stroll along the waterfront, where you can watch sailboats drift by or stop for lunch with a view. The nearby Rua Augusta Arch offers another panoramic vantage point of the city.
5.Time Out Market Lisbon
For food lovers, end your day at the Time Out Market, located a short 10-minute walk from Livraria Bertrand. This lively food hall gathers some of Lisbon's top chefs and local vendors under one roof. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, Portuguese tapas, or something sweet like pastéis de nata from Manteigaria, it's the ideal place to taste Lisbon's culinary creativity.
6. Shopping, Art, and Strolling Through Chiado
After lunch or coffee, spend some time exploring Chiado itself. It's one of Lisbon's most elegant neighborhoods, known for its boutique stores, art galleries, and vintage shops. Stroll through Rua Garrett (where Bertrand sits) or Rua do Carmo for beautiful window displays and street musicians.
A Thoughtful Farewell to Lisbon
A visit to Livraria Bertrand is more than a stop on your itinerary — it's a connection to the heart of Lisbon's culture and creativity. Around every corner in Chiado, you'll find reminders of the city's deep appreciation for art, history, and storytelling. Whether you're sipping coffee at Café A Brasileira, watching the sunset from the Santa Justa Lift, or wandering through centuries-old ruins, Lisbon wraps you in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and inspiring.
So if you're a traveler searching for meaning in the places you visit, Lisbon, Portugal is a destination that will speak to your soul. It's a city that honors its past but lives fully in the present — and in between those two worlds, you'll find Livraria Bertrand, waiting to welcome you into the story.
