Sadly, we can’t travel now. But, if you love books and want to start planning future vacations, consider Lisbon, Portugal. Here we show you some amazing places to visit if you’re a book lover like us. Have you traveled to awesome literary destinations? Let us know in the comments.
All pictures used belong to us.
1. Livraria Bertrand
You can’t go to Lisbon without visiting the oldest continually operated bookstore in the world! This store has been operating since 1732. Here you’ll find a mix of books in both Portuguese and English. This store even has a YA section. We found some of our faves from McManus, Clare and more! It’s always fun to find book you’ve read all over the world.
2. Cafe Brasiliera
The cafe where the literary elite of Lisbon drank coffee and ate pastries while coming up with new story ideas. The best part: it’s inexpensive and delicious. Enjoy uma bica and a pasteis de nata in this gorgeous cafe close to Bertrand. You might even be inspired to write a novel in this gorgeous setting.
3. Ler Devagar
Located now at the LX Factory, this bookstore’s name translates to Read Slowly. It’s creative, colorful and there is even a suspended bike in the air. There is also a small cafe to enjoy after you’ve browsed the entire store. It is a must visit since it was named one of the top 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world! Fun fact, it also has an antique printing press.
4. Jerónimos Monastery
Outside the city center in Lisbon’s neighborhood of Belem, you’ll find this famous landmark. It is the resting place of many famous Lisbon writers. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even though he wasn’t a writer, you’ll also find the tomb of Vasco de Gama here. Explore this beautiful monastery on the water and feel connected to the historical literary elite.
5. Pena Palace
If you take the train just outside the city, you’ll discover the fairy tale town of Sintra, Portugal. This place will make you feel like you were absorbed by a favorite childhood princess book. The gorgeous architecture even inspired the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, the author of the Little Mermaid, the Princess and the Pea and the Snow Queen.
6. Pois Cafe
While exploring the historic Alfama district, hop into Pois Cafe for a snack. This cafe is filled with books and magazines to enjoy while enjoying a treat. The cute stone walls add to the creative atmosphere.
7. Livraria Sá da Costa
Walk into an antique bookstore filled with rare finds. Located near Cafe Brasiliera, look through books and then enjoy a cup of coffee. The window displays are always top notch!
8. The Harry Potter Exhibition
While wandering in Lisbon, you might come across the Harry Potter sorting hate. Surprised? So were we! While currently it is closed, we’d recommend visiting once it’s open. Get to see all the artifacts from the movies.
Also, J. K. Rowling lived in Portugal for a while! She taught English in Porto back in the 1990s and locations across the country inspired her books. The former dictator of Portugal inspired the name of Salazar Slytherin.
Now to convince my boyfriend we should go here on our next holiday! Great post😊
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Thank you and you should visit!!
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Nice work guys, this is a great list to help us get through a time where we can’t travel.
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Thank you!
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We are always looking for a new place to visit. It looks like we definitely need to add Lisbon to the list.
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You should, it’s so beautiful!
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This sounds so awesome! Definitely worth a trip!
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It’s a must.
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Wish I’d seen this before my last trip to Lisbon! Will have to keep it in mind for next time we go!
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Did you still enjoy visiting?
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It was a gorgeous place! I would absolutely go back it was a lot of fun! We only went for 3 days and spent one of those in Sintra so there is definitely still a lot to see
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Wow Lisbon looks so beautiful! I would love to visit there one day!
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It’s incredible and affordable compared to most European capital cities.
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Wow – Portugal has always been at the top of my places I want to visit, but this roundup really makes me more excited to visit one day. The cafes looks so beautiful and how incredible that there is a bookstore that has been open for centuries!
Also, I had no clue that JK Rowling lived in Portugal! It’s cool that she clearly still thinks fondly of the country and some of the HP magic was left there!
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We didn’t beforehand and just happened to see the Sorting Hat in the Belem neighborhood. After that we learned how she was influenced by the beautiful country.
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Love all of the different places in Lisbon! I love the architecture of these buildings :). Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
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Thank you! The entire city was incredible.
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Oh wow, all of these locations look breathtaking – and the fact that so many are book-inspired as well as even better. Looks like Lisbon might have to go on my list of places to go for these things alone!
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Lisbon is a must visit city. We hope you get to go and explore.
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I was meant to be traveling to Portugal next week and cannot wait to visit once this is all over
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So sorry our trip got postponed. You’ll love it when you get to go!
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I’ve always been fascinated about Lisbon. Planning to retire there someday or hopefully have more frequent visits in the near future once this whole thing is over. As a book lover/writer, this article is just one gem I’m sure the universe (not to be superstitious, but whatever) set up for me to see on here now that I’m feeling down because of not being able to travel and wander to new places. Thanks for sharing this!
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Thank you!! We miss traveling too and we use books set in different countries to pretend we can still travel. Lisbon is an amazing city, we are glad we got to visit before the pandemic hit.
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I do the same! Been traveling a lot through books. Thanks again for posting this. Makes me fall in love with Lisbon more even when I haven’t even been!
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