The exterior of the bookstore
The world’s oldest bookstore was founded in Lisbon by two French brothers in 1732. It’s located on the main street of the Chiado district, and although it lacks the monumentality of the famous Lello bookstore in the city of Porto, it has become a popular tourist attraction, thanks to the Guinness World Records certificate at the door, that confirms that this is indeed the oldest operating bookshop on the planet.
The Guinness World Records certificate can be seen by the door
Its several vaulted rooms present the latest bestsellers and the classics on wooden floor-to-ceiling shelves, and there are also national and international newspapers and magazines.
It's in an 18th-century building, but the store's interior is contemporary.
Naturally, most books are in Portuguese, but there’s a small English-language section, and English-language editions of the greatest works of Portuguese literature, including the classics by poet Fernando Pessoa and Nobel Prize author José Saramago.
In the back is a literary-inspired café.
Most of the books are in Portuguese, but there are also English-language editions.
When you buy a book, the staff will ask you if you want a stamp stating that it was bought at the world’s oldest bookstore.
The bookstore's café
How to Get to the Bertrand Bookstore
The Bertrand bookstore is down the street from the Baixa-Chiado metro station (on the blue or green line -- exit to the Chiado side).
You may ride the metro (as well as the city’s trams, buses, funiculars and trains) for free with the Lisboa Card.
Rua Garrett, 73-75, Chiado
Attractions Nearby
After the oldest bookstore, see one of Europe’s first elevators (pictured above), hidden on the 4th floor of a United Colors of Benetton store on the same street. Nearby are also the Gothic ruins of one of Lisbon’s oldest monuments, Convento do Carmo.
