Olá, my fellow book lovers and curious wanderers! 📚✨In the heart of Chiado, surrounded by stylish boutiques, timeworn cafés, and tiled facades, lies a place where history, literature, and charm meet under one roof: Livraria Bertrand—the oldest operating bookstore in the world. That’s right, this quiet gem has been turning pages and inspiring minds since 1732, and I had the absolute pleasure of visiting it during my time in Lisbon.
A Legacy That Spans Centuries
Livraria Bertrand’s original location opened in 1732, but after the 1755 earthquake destroyed much of Lisbon, the shop relocated to Rua Garrett—where it’s been ever since. This iconic address has welcomed generations of readers and writers, including some of Portugal’s most treasured literary figures like Eça de Queirós and Fernando Pessoa.
Recognized by Guinness World Records, the bookstore is more than just a shop—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the written word. And walking into it? It felt like stepping into a storybook.
A Cozy, Bookish Wonderland
The interior is warm and wood-lined, with narrow corridors, creaky wooden floors, and shelves that seem to stretch into the past. Each room flows into the next, giving you that delicious sense of getting a little bit lost in a literary labyrinth. There’s something magical about the quiet hush that settles over you as you wander through—surrounded by stories waiting to be discovered.
The collection is expansive, with books in both Portuguese and English (and a few other languages, too), plus sections for poetry, travel, children’s literature, philosophy, and fiction of all genres. There’s a dedicated nook for Portuguese literature, so if you’re looking to bring a piece of local storytelling home with you, this is the place to find it.
A Personal Pause in Lisbon’s Literary Heart
During my visit, I lingered among the shelves longer than I’d planned—drawn in by the scent of old pages and the calm rhythm of quiet browsing. I picked up a beautifully bound Portuguese novel, sipped a bica afterward at the nearby A Brasileira, and felt completely wrapped in Lisbon’s literary soul. This wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a moment to slow down and savor a place that has survived earthquakes, revolutions, changing times, and generations of dreamers.
Final Thoughts: For the Love of Books and Places That Hold Them
If you’re in Lisbon, especially in the Chiado district, don’t miss Livraria Bertrand. Whether you buy a book or simply breathe in its atmosphere, it’s one of those experiences that leaves a soft, thoughtful imprint on your journey.
It reminded me that some of the most meaningful travel moments don’t happen in grand cathedrals or busy streets—but in quiet places where stories live, patiently waiting to be found.
Until the next chapter, keep turning pages and wandering curiously. 📖🌍
xoxo,
Bubbly 💖
