• Contact



    Bertrand Bookstore – The Oldest Bookshop in the World, Right in Lisbon

    July 11, 2025 • 0 Comment

    Tucked into the charming streets of Lisbon’s Chiado district lies a true literary treasure: Livraria Bertrand. Officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest operating bookstore in the world, Bertrand has been welcoming book lovers since 1732—almost three centuries of continuous history, knowledge, and culture.

    Whether you’re a book enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about Lisbon’s most timeless gems, a visit to Bertrand Bookstore is a must—and easily included in any half-day Lisbon tour with Portugal Magik Private Tours.

    📖 A Bookshop With Centuries of Stories

    Founded by French bookseller Pedro Faure in 1732, Livraria Bertrand quickly became a gathering place for writers, poets, philosophers, and politicians. Through earthquakes, wars, and revolutions, the shop endured—becoming not just a place to buy books, but a cornerstone of Lisbon’s cultural identity.

    • Location: Rua Garrett 73–75, Chiado (central Lisbon)

    • Claim to Fame: Certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest bookstore still in operation, since 1732

    • Legacy: Frequented by Portuguese literary icons such as Eça de Queirós, Fernando Pessoa, and José Saramago

    🛋️ What to Expect Inside

    Stepping inside Bertrand is like stepping into a living museum of literature:

    • Original stone arches and wood-paneled shelves filled with books in multiple languages

    • Cozy reading nooks and quiet corners to browse or reflect

    • An elegant, modern café at the back—perfect for enjoying a cappuccino while flipping through your newest find

    • Historic blue tile plaques marking famous authors who once walked its halls

    📚 Tip: Ask your guide to point out the oldest surviving section of the bookstore—it has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

    ✒️ Literary Lisbon and Beyond

    Your visit to Bertrand Bookstore can be beautifully combined with other literary and artistic highlights of Lisbon:

    • A Brasileira Café – Just a few steps away, this historic café is where Fernando Pessoa wrote some of his greatest works

    • Chiado Museum (Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea) – Showcasing art from the 19th century onward

    • Lisbon’s iconic Elevador de Santa Justa – Offering stunning city views and just around the corner

    🖋️ Ask your Portugal Magik guide about custom “Literary Lisbon” tours—ideal for cultured travelers, writers, and creatives.

    🛍️ Take Home a Piece of History

    Bertrand offers a lovely selection of Portuguese and international books, plus:

    • Elegant souvenirs like journals, bookmarks, and special editions

    • Translated works of Portuguese literary legends

    • Children’s books and rare finds for collectors

    🛒 Your driver-guide can assist with personalized recommendations or help with shipping books internationally if needed.

    📚 Visit Bertrand Bookstore with Portugal Magik Private Tours

    We make your visit smooth, stylish, and inspiring. With Portugal Magik, you enjoy:

    • 🚘 Private transportation in a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle

    • 🎓 Knowledgeable, English-speaking driver-guide

    • 📍 Custom Lisbon itineraries that include Bertrand, Chiado, and other cultural stops

    • ☕ Optional coffee or pastry break at Lisbon’s literary cafés

    Love books, history, and timeless charm? Let Portugal Magik take you to the world’s oldest bookstore, in the heart of beautiful Lisbon.

    Suggested Articles:


    • Top Awarded on TripAdvisor






    Share

    Bertrand Bookstore – The Oldest Bookshop in the World, Right in Lisbon