Are you planning to visit Portugal at the beginning of March? If so, you are probably looking for local events to add to your to-do list, right?! We’re here to recommend the Fantasporto International Film Festival in Porto from March 1 to 10.

Keep reading to discover more about the festival’s history and its schedule for the 2024 edition. You’ll also learn about tickets, the festival’s location, and a few tips on what to pack to avoid any unpleasant weather-related surprises in Porto!

Fantasporto International Film Festival – History

The first Fantasporto International Film Festival took place in 1981. It was founded by Mário Dorminsky and Beatriz Pacheco Pereira.

It focuses on promoting experimental, auteur, and commercial films within the fantasy, science-fiction, and horror genres. The submissions are collected from all over the world. Therefore, makes both local and foreign productions known to people residing in Portugal or visiting the country.

The Fantasporto International Film Festival is organized annually, welcoming more than 100,000 attendees every year. This film festival has more than 20 awards, the highest prize being Grande Premio Fantasporto. It was first awarded in 1982 to The Redeemer, a movie created by Krsto Papić, a director from Yugoslavia.

The Redeemer is a 1976 horror film that focuses on a newly discovered intelligent rat species that can take the form of humans. Before winning the Fantasporto award, The Redeemer was awarded as the best film at two other festivals in Trieste and Paris.

Since then, Grande Premio Fantasporto has been offered to movies from various countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Hong Kong, the United States, Belgium, Sweden, Australia, South Korea, Poland, and others.

Porto Film Festival – Dates

This year, the Fantasporto International Film Festival will take place between the 1st and the 9th of March at Batalha Centro de Cinema on Praça da Batalha 47, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal. It is located close to Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso.

On the 1st of March, at 9 pm, there will be an Opening Session displaying Testament (Parece que Estou a Mais) – a film directed by a prominent Canadian director, Denys Arcand, that focuses on the changing nature of the world viewed through the eyes of Monsieur Bouchard. That same night, you can watch Post Mortem.

It is directed by Péter Bergendy and tells the story of a former WWI soldier. He is now a photographer who captures family photos with the dead – which was, in fact, a real “tradition” in Victorian England. His story is intertwined with that of the Spanish Flu.

Later that night, at 23:15, you can watch Baby Assassins 2: Babies, a Japanese movie directed by Yugo Sakamoto. Baby Assassins (the first part) was also shown at the Fantasporto International Film and widely recognized for its plot.

In short, we’re trying to highlight that if you’re a fantasy/horror enthusiast, a cinematic connoisseur, or simply enjoy watching any kind of movie, your schedule will be quite busy from the 1st to the 9th of March! The festival has more than 50 productions scheduled for this year’s journey, and we’re sure your new favorite is among them! You can check the film descriptions, the schedule, and the ticket information here.

Fantasporto International Film Festival – Tickets

An individual ticket for each movie costs 5 EUR. People with reduced mobility have to pay only 3.75 EUR. There are also discounts for those who have a Cartão Porto, as well as for students, unemployed cinema fans, and people aged 65 or more.

If you know you’ll attend multiple movies, you can choose an unlimited ticket, which costs 60 EUR. You’ll have to go to the Batalha on the day a particular movie is scheduled for and take your ticket.

To obtain this free pass, you’ll have to complete a form with your name, postal code, profession, e-mail, phone number, tax identification number, date, and signature. You’ll also have to include a bank transfer confirmation of 60 EUR. Once you have the documents ready, send them to [email protected].

You’ll be able to obtain your physical free pass card from the 29th of February onward, on the second floor of the Batalha Centro de Cinema. For more details, please visit the official Fantasporto website.

Fantasporto International Film Festival – Categories

The movies displayed at the Fantasporto International Film Festival are so diverse that we’re sure you’ll find at least one that suits your cinematic preferences (if you enjoy the genre, of course).

The festival will show both short and long films. They are categorized as follows (some movies are part of several categories, but these can still help you find a movie that interests you the most):

• Fantastic Film Official Section – Shorts. It will include shorts by Tony Morales, Jerôme Pierrat, Lucas Paulino, and others. (Tip: If you’re a Casa de Papel fan and liked Manila’s character, make sure to check out Ahora vuelvo with Belen Cuesta).
• Official Section Fantastic Film Features. It includes movies directed by Yugo Sakamoto, Isti Madarász, Fabián Forte, and others. 
• Secção Oficial Semana do Realizadores. It includes movies directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov, Jin-Ho Hur, David Duchovny, Ate de Jong, and others.
• Orient Express Official Section. It includes movies directed by Kazuaki I Kiriya, King Palisoc, Takeo Kikuchi, and others.
• Official Section Portuguese Film. It includes movies directed by Nuno Manuel Pereira, Vasco Viana, João Bruno, Luís Miranda, and others.
• Portuguese Film School. It includes movies directed by Silvana Torricella, Luís Miguel Rocha, Diogo Bento, and others.
• Retrospective – Focus Kazakhstan. It includes movies directed by Rustem Abdrashev, Aka Satayev, and Adilkhan Yezhanov.
• Retrospective – Karim Ouelhaj. It is dedicated fully to Karim Ouelhaj, a Belgian author, director, and producer whose films won multiple awards.  
• Retrospective – Manga to Live Image. It includes movies directed by Hiroaki Matsuyama, Shunsaku Kawake, Tsutomu Hanabusa, and Hideki Takeuchi.
• Retrospective – Visions of Hungarian Cinema. It includes movies directed by Lajos Koltai, Lili Horvát, Károly Mészáros, and others.
• Fantas Classic. It includes the movie Cockfighter directed by Monte Hellman and released in 1974. 
• Filmes Fora de Competição. It includes movies directed by Rui Neto, Jorge Albuquerque, Pedro Gil Vasconcelos, and Tiago Pimentel.

In short, you’ll have the opportunity to (re)discover the work of dozens of directors, producers, and actors!

Fantasporto International Film Festival – Languages

This is probably the most important detail about this festival – will people who don’t speak Portuguese be able to attend it? Yes and no. The thing is – it depends on the original movie language.

The festival’s official website says that the movies displayed in Hall 1 will be subtitled in Portuguese. This means that you can watch them as long as you understand the original language. Most of the movies displayed in Hall 2 will have Portuguese subtitles as well, although some will have English subtitles.

Considering that the festival has selected movies from all over the world, there will be a remarkable linguistic diversity. As such, you’ll have to skim through the schedule and select the movies that suit your linguistic knowledge/preferences.

Porto Weather in March

If you’re planning to visit Porto in March (and have your best cinematic experience of the year!), you’re probably wondering if the weather is nice. After all, you’ll have a whole day to explore the city or its surroundings before heading to Batalha Centro de Cinema for the Fantasporto International Film Festival.

Well, we’ve got good news! Porto is quite warm in March! The mean daily temperature is 12.6 degrees Celsius (54.7 degrees Fahrenheit), although it can get as high as 18–20 degrees Celsius (64.4–68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Nonetheless, we strongly recommend packing some warm clothes, particularly a scarf and a hat, as well as an umbrella or a raincoat. Although it’s not the rainiest month of the year, March still has a lot of precipitation. It may be sunny now and start raining the next minute. In short, visiting Portugal in March equals taking measures to avoid any weather-related risks!

My Story

I am a US expat who moved to Lisbon in December 2020 and, due to the pandemic, didn’t sign up for private health care until April 2022. I have an unusual story because I moved to Japan right after university and started using their national healthcare system as part of my working visa there. I have never been part of a healthcare plan as a working adult in the United States and have only paid for healthcare out of pocket in the United States when I visit my family.  

The Healthcare System in Portugal

Portugal has both a free public health care system and paid private health care options. When you first move to Portugal, you need to sign up for the public health care system by getting a numero de utente from your local freguesia (district office). This can, in theory, be done by walking into the frequesia office with your passport and receiving the numero de utente on the same day.

I received mine in only about 15 minutes, and they also emailed the number to me. I was told that I would eventually get a family doctor assigned to me within the public system, although I was told even then, in the middle of the pandemic, that this could take a while. I never heard back nor did I try to go back to my local office, as I knew that I would be signing up for private health insurance.

I have heard that it can take months or even years to get a public doctor assigned, but I’m sure that if you follow up frequently with your local office, you may get quicker results. I have also heard that there can be very long waiting times if you go into a public hospital, especially if it’s not an emergency.

If you do have a genuine emergency, however, you will often end up in a public hospital, even if you are in the private health care system. This will depend, of course, on your location when an emergency occurs. Another surprising thing about public vs. private is that the doctors in the public system in Portugal are supposedly better than the private hospitals. People tell me that a public hospital is where you want to be if something truly serious happens, but private is better for more minor issues and faster care.

If you’ve been following the healthcare situation in Portugal over the last few years, and Portugal is certainly not alone in this, the public healthcare system is seriously underfunded and many doctors trained in Portugal are also moving abroad to be paid higher wages. Many rural districts in Portugal no longer have any family doctors and doctors have been going on strike demanding higher pay for the long, arduous hours that they must juggle in a system with more and more patients on their plate. 

Catia Martins, a family doctor in Porto, reported in the Euronews that wages have “not actualized for 10 years and because of that we are one of the worst-paid doctors in Europe.” In the same article, it was reported that 1.6 million people are currently without a family doctor and ten strike days were planned in 2023 to protest the current working conditions.

I experienced the ramifications of this situation directly in a private hospital as I was sitting with my doctor. After taking an urgent phone call with a patient, she looked at me and said, “That’s another public healthcare patient that has just moved over to the private system. Many of them are switching. I have so many patients. People are looking for a place where they can get quicker care or care period.”

Private Healthcare Options in Portugal

I signed up for Medis, one of the top main private healthcare insurance providers in Portugal, through a healthcare broker. My broker provided me with options for both Medis and Advancecare. I will provide you with the prices from 2022 below to give you an idea of how coverage generally works. The price went up for Medis by 10%, therefore keep in mind these are examples to help illustrate the types of insurance and expected prices. 

Medis

Medis’ options 1 and 2 are lifetime coverage when subscribed up to 54 years of age. Option 3 is lifetime coverage when subscribed up to 64 years of age.

Copayments

For any of the options above:

• Hospitalization: 10% of the bill with a maximum copay of €500. For example, a €16,000 surgery will only cost you €500, the rest of the expense comes out of the annual allowance.
• Birth: €250
• Doctors appointment: €17 for any type of doctor, whether a family doctor or a specialist doctor within the company network. For example, if the overall cost of a doctor’s appointment is €60, you pay €17, and the rest of the expense comes out of the annual allowance. However, if the doctor’s appointment is outside the network, you pay fully out of your pocket but get a refund of 35%.
• Emergency room visit: €40 copay
• Medical exams: Blood test €1.50, Pathology Anatomy €7.50, X-Ray €7.50, Sound Scan €12.50, Nuclear Medicine 10%, CAT Scan €27.50, Magnetic Resonance Imaging €65

Grace Periods

• 60 days – Outpatient Assistance, Dental and Prosthetic Devices and Orthosis
• 90 days – Hospitalization
• 180 days – Serious Illness Cover; Surgical or other invasive treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, benign uterus condition
• 365 days – Birth

AdvanceCare

All options offer lifetime coverage when subscribed up to 55 years of age. When Subscribed after 56 and up to 65, coverage ends at 75 years of age.

Copayments

For any of the options above:

• Hospitalization: 10% of the bill with a maximum copay of €500. For Example, a €16,000 surgery will only cost you €500, the rest of the expense comes out of the annual allowance.
• Birth: €250
• Doctors appointment: 15€ for any type of doctor, whether a family doctor or a specialist doctor within the company network. If the overall cost of a doctor’s appointment is €60, you pay 15€, the rest of the expense comes out of the annual allowance). If a doctor’s appointment is outside the network, you pay fully out of your pocket but get a refund of 50% up to a maximum of 35€.
• Emergency room visit: €37.50 
• Medical exams: Blood test €2.50, Pathology Anatomy €7.50, X-Ray €7.50, Sound Scan €15, CAT Scan €25, Magnetic Resonance Imaging €50

Grace Periods

• 60 days – Outpatient Assistance, Dental and Prosthetic Devices and Orthosis
• 90 days – Hospitalization
• 180 days – Serious Illness Cover; Surgical or other invasive treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, benign uterus condition, cystocele and rectocele
• 365 days – Birth

What Did I Choose?

I ended up going for Option 3 with Medis at the cost of €87 per month (in 2022). As you can see from the grace periods, signing up for private health care will not give you immediate coverage. You will need to pay, for example, for two months of payments before you can even be covered for outpatient services. In fact, you will not get coverage for childbirth until a full year later. This is standard no matter what health care plan you sign up for. If you are interested in using private health care, I therefore encourage you to sign up as soon so you can start the clock on being able to get coverage.

It is also important to note that private insurance premiums are also going up every year. My 2023 costs for the same plan increased by 10%. I currently pay 95 euros per month, and I expect this to go up again in April, especially with the increasing stress placed on the private systems due to the ongoing issues in the public system.

I shouldn’t finish this section without mentioning an insurance company called Multicare, the third option in Portugal. When I was registering for my first surgery in Portugal (more on that below), I was told that Multicare has been the most responsive and professional as of late among the different private health insurance companies in Portugal. Multicare is often offered as an option through your bank or also through private brokers. Check it out for a possibly even better option.

My Experience with Medis

Full disclosure, I am now 41-year-old female with no major history of chronic conditions. I go to one of the CUF private hospitals in Lisbon and occasionally go to Hospital da Luz, one of the hospitals that is considered the best in the country. These are the only private hospitals that I am currently familiar with, and I have been very happy with their services.

For the majority of my medical appointments with CUF, I have had to wait for around 15-45 minutes to see the doctor despite having a pre-arranged appointment, but the doctors always apologize for my wait and give me as much time as I need. My general appointments cost a €17 copay and I had one trip to the emergency room that included a CT scan with contrast and blood being drawn which cost me a grand total of €40.

The most I’ve ever been charged at one time for a general procedure was around €70 which included X-rays and an MRI. Every doctor that I’ve seen has been thorough and caring, but like every trip to the hospital, and this is true in any country, it is important to advocate for your own care.

Getting Surgery in Portugal

I experienced this when a tumor was found in one of my ovaries after my doctor ordered a pelvic MRI. My male doctor told me that he wouldn’t be able to remove the tumor without also removing my ovary. I scheduled a surgery and waited for it with some anxiety and trepidation.

However, a visit to the emergency room the week before my surgery (due to persistent pain on my left side) revealed endometriosis near my intestine. I mentioned this to the doctor the day before my surgery and he decided to postpone my surgery and try to add an endometriosis specialist to the team. By sheer luck, this new doctor turned out to be the main doctor on the team and ultimately removed my tumor without needing to remove my ovary. 

I mention all of this to say that it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion when preparing for medical procedures. You never know what options may appear when you ask about the possibilities.

My surgery cost me €500 out of pocket and I have nothing but good things to say about my procedure. I spent one night in the hospital and received the least invasive option for my condition. The entire experience made me so grateful for having private healthcare in Portugal and the fact that I was already signed up when a tumor was discovered.

Final Thoughts

If you are reading this and considering getting private healthcare in Portugal, I would urge you to go for it. The fact that it is a fixed monthly price regardless of your salary is quite remarkable and it is comforting to know that you have quicker access to healthcare on a daily basis if something goes wrong. The private hospitals also use mobile apps such as myCUF or MY LUZ to help you easily book appointments, view exam results, and even pay invoices directly online. These apps even offer regular tips for a healthy lifestyle. You will also get calls and texts from the hospital to confirm your appointments and English has always been available when I really needed it.    

In the central region of Portugal lies a historically rich town called Obidos. It is adorned with traditional houses that beautifully decorate the cobbled streets – all surrounded by the castle wall stretching for 1,565 meters. In short, if you ever reach Obidos, you’ll explore an authentic Portuguese city that will take your breath away with its charm!

If you’ve visited Portugal before, you probably already know about Ginja de Obidos, the famous cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Even if it’s sold in other cities as well, tasting it in the source town is definitely an experience one must not miss out on! Well, what if we told you that you can now combine tasting authentic Ginja de Obidos with the most varied chocolate products at the Obidos Chocolate Festival?

This year, the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is taking place from March 1 to 17. Keep reading to learn more about the festival’s history, this year’s program, and ticket information! We’ve also included a chocolaty bonus at the end!

The Obidos Chocolate Festival

The first edition of the Obidos Chocolate Festival was held in 2002. As such, it is already a 22-year tradition for the city! The 2022 Obidos Chocolate Festival is particularly famous, as it marked 20 years since its first edition!

The Obidos Chocolate Festival is usually held in spring. Each year, the festival has a different theme which the chocolate sculptures and exhibitions are based on. For about a week, locals and tourists have the sweetest time of their lives tasting unique chocolate products and chocolate-based recipes.

In 2024, the Obidos Chocolate Festival will be held from the 1st until the 17th of March, so if you were thinking of visiting Portugal next month (which is an excellent choice, by the way, as it’s not very crowded yet and the weather is pleasant), keep in mind the dates of the festival! You won’t regret it!

This year, the theme of the festival is Celebrar Portugal (“Celebrating Portugal”). The events and workshops aim to highlight the country’s most acclaimed traditions and businesses related to chocolate consumption.

7 Reasons to Visit Obidos, Portugal for the Chocolate Festival

If we haven’t convinced you yet, we’re not giving up! Here are 7 reasons why you should not hesitate to sweeten your Portuguese journey at the Obidos Chocolate Festival!

1. Chocolate sculptures

Portugal is a country that cherishes tradition, art, and culture. How can one not see sculptures or any other pieces of art at a festival held in a historic city that breathes art in and out?!

But wait! That’s not even the best part! You’ll be able to actually observe the artists molding the chocolate sculptures on the spot! You’ll witness their creative process and the techniques they’re using to combine tradition, value, and… well, chocolate!

2. Cooking demonstration

The organizers of the festival have selected the best cooks who will be sharing their secrets in using chocolate for various recipes. Additionally, they’ll cook something on the spot using chocolate, surprising you with the creative results!

3. Competitions

This year, the festival will have six competitions:

• The Chocolate Wedding Cake Star is dedicated to professional cooks who want to create a wedding cake using cocoa or chocolate; it will take place on the 9th of March. 
• The Chocolate Rising Star is dedicated to enthusiasts who want to showcase their cooking talents; it will take place on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th of March.
• The Best Chocolate Product will take place on the 8th of March; the jury will select the best chocolate product exhibited at the Obidos, Portugal Chocolate Festival.
• The Best Chocolate Cocktail is dedicated to baristas who will demonstrate their talent by creating a unique beverage using chocolate; it will take place on the 15th of March.
• The Best Homemade Chocolate Cake, dedicated to anyone who wants to participate; will take place on the 16th of March.
• The Best Chocolate Menu is dedicated to restaurants who want to try their hand at outlining a creative menu focusing on chocolate. The menu/dishes will be revealed on the 17th of March.

For further details regarding regulations and registration forms, please visit the Obidos Chocolate Festival official website.

4. Little Chefs Workshops

If you’re visiting Portugal with your children, brace yourself! They’ll probably end up asking if your family can move to Obidos forever! Living in the Chocolate City – what a dream!

However, being constantly surrounded by chocolate isn’t the only reason your kids will enjoy Obidos. There will also be a workshop for the little ones! They’ll be able to decorate eggs with colored cocoa butter, add chocolate, and paint the eggs with fat-soluble colors.

This way, they won’t only sweeten their day but also put their creativity and artistic selves to work! Afterward, the children will, of course, eat their creations!

5. Melgão Station Journey

Melgão Cacau e Chocolates is a famous brand in Portugal that focuses on transforming cocoa beans into high-quality chocolate. The company’s expertise revolves around wild and rare varieties.

This chocolate factory is located in the Montemor-o-Novo railway station building and has preserved its original decorative elements and, therefore, its historical value.

During the Obidos Chocolate Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to visit this factory. You’ll discover how cocoa beans end up being tasty chocolate tablets! During your chocolaty journey, you’ll also learn how the Melgão Cacau e Chocolates brand works toward developing sustainable practices, thus promoting environmental responsibility.

6. Exhibitions

A universe of chocolate – Obidos, Portugal! What a pleasure!

Not only will you witness professional cooks creating exclusive recipes live and artists using chocolate to make sculptures, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore finished products in all their splendor!

7. Relax with a Cup of Chocolate

Are you a beer or cocktail connoisseur? Perfect! The International Chocolate Festival in Portugal has an excellent spot for you – a Chocolate Pub that serves a myriad of unique craft beer types and chocolate-based cocktails. This is definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on!

If you prefer coffee over beer – that’s not a problem at all! There will be a Portuguese-style terrace where you can delight in the tastiest espresso in the world with a piece of high-quality chocolate! Additionally, since Obidos is filled with tiny stops that offer Ginja in chocolate cups, don’t forget to stop and try some!

Obidos Chocolate Festival Tickets

As mentioned, the Obidos Chocolate Festival 2024 dates are 1st-17th of March. The festival’s schedule is Friday to Sunday, from 11 am to 8 pm.

Tickets cost only 10 EUR for adults and 8 EUR for children aged 3-11. Kids under two years old do not need a ticket. There are also various discounts for students, families, and people with disabilities. However, these tickets can be purchased at the local box office only.

If you’re visiting Portugal with a larger group (more than 25 people), you can contact the organizers at [email protected] to book a group ticket.

Tips on Visiting the International Chocolate Festival in Óbidos

First things first – the weather. Although Portugal can be quite warm in March, it can also be quite rainy (or both!). March is sometimes very sunny and hot; other times, it’s dull and windy. In short, prepare for both. Also, don’t forget that Obidos is located on a hilltop, so if the weather forecast predicts strong winds, you should definitely pack something to protect yourself from the cold.

Additionally, we strongly recommend bringing cash. There are indeed a few ATMs in the city, but we assume you’d rather eat some chocolate than stay in line at an ATM!

Since it will be pretty crowded, make sure to pack all your belongings safely.

How to Get to Óbidos Chocolate Festival

If you’re coming to Obidos by car, you can take the A8, A15, or IP6 motorways. To reach the festival faster, use the A8 North – Exit 17 – Gaeiras/Obidos or the A8 South – Exit 15 – Obidos exits.

If you don’t have a car, you can always take the train or the bus. Locals often use these to reach their destinations, so the train/bus routes are quite well organized and scheduled.

Here’s how to get to Obidos from Lisbon:

• By train. You can take the train from one of the railway stations in Lisbon. For example, the first train to Obidos leaves the Sete Rios station at 5:49 am, arrives at 8:01 am, and costs only 9,05 EUR. There are multiple other trains throughout the day, the last one leaving at 6:50 pm. For further schedule and price information, be sure to check out the official Comboios de Portugal website.
• By bus. Take the bus to Óbidos from Lisboa Campo Grande. Buses to Obidos are scheduled almost hourly, even after 6 pm. For further schedule and price details, check out the official Rodoviária de Oeste website.

How to get to Obidos from Porto:

• By train. Reaching Obidos from Porto is slightly more difficult. There’s no direct train, which is why it will take more time (roughly 5 hours) and cost more (roughly 25 EUR).

If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can always take an Uber or a Bolt and split the costs. Considering that it’s also possible to schedule an Uber drive beforehand, you’ll have the liberty to choose the day/hour yourself.

Porto Chocolate Festival

The Obidos Chocolate Festival isn’t the only event in Portugal that honors the art of producing chocolate and cacao. In October, Porto District hosts another festival called Chocolat Portugal.

Although it is known as the Porto Chocolate Festival, it is actually held at WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia. This city is located south of the city of Porto. It should only take you 15 minutes by car to arrive there.

Similar to the Obidos Chocolate Festival, the Chocolat Portugal has a highly varied program that includes a chocolate market, a chocolate and cacao international forum, showcooking, and workshops. Last year, the festival greeted locals and tourists with Chocoland, an innovative concept designed just for kids that offers access to chocolate-related activities and a kids’ fun zone.

The dates for the 2024 Chocolat Portugal festival haven’t been announced yet, so keep an eye on the festival’s official website.

If you think that Portugal is all about tiles, visual arts, and architectural and historical treasures, we’re here to tell you otherwise – it’s a haven for bibliophiles as well!

So, if you’re worried you won’t be able to satisfy your natural bookish instinct, just add some of the bookstores mentioned in this article to your must-visit list!

Make sure to instruct whoever accompanies you how to convince you in a friendly way to leave without buying too many books and spending hours there! We do know how tempting these atmospheric places can be for bookworms!

Without further ado, let’s set on a bookish journey through Lisbon, unraveling its most beautiful (and quite famous!) bookstores!

11 Bookstores in Lisbon You Need to Visit

Whether you’re looking for a famous bookstore in Lisbon, a tiny hidden bookish gem, or a bookstore with English books – we’ve covered everything! Take your traveling journal out and write down the most intriguing ones!

1. Ler Devagar

Location: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103 – G 0.3, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 10 am – 10 pm; Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 12 am

Ler Devagar is not only a bookshop. It’s a whole cultural project that’s been welcoming visitors for almost 25 years. It’s a space where people are free to express themselves and, without a doubt, one of Portugal’s most widely recognized locations for culture enthusiasts.

Over the years, Ler Devagar changed its location several times. Since 2008, though, the store has been located at LX Factory, a creative hub filled to the brim with art, music, fashion, multimedia, and other forms of expression highlighted via unique events. As such, it seems only natural for Ler Devagar to be located in the heart of LX Factory, in the heart of Lisbon’s most famous cultural hub!

This bookshop should undoubtedly be on any bookworm’s list of bookstores to visit in a lifetime. It occupies roughly 600 square meters of space, has a 14-meter high ceiling, and over 40,000 new books. If you prefer buying used books, you can choose one from the 10,000 second-hand titles in the store.

In addition, you’ll be able to see the permanent exhibition gallery for Objectos Cinemáticos, enjoy a cake at O Bolo da Marta, and look through the products at the Ouvir Devagar music shop.

By far the most enchanting part of this bookstore is the fact that it’s intertwined with the old printing press, which fills the building with an atmosphere that makes one feel as if they’ve stepped into the past.

2. Livraria Bertrand

Location: R. Garrett 73 75, 1200-203 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Every day from 9 am to 10 pm

If you go for a walk to explore the neighborhood of Bairro Alto, particularly the Baixa-Chiado region, you cannot not spot Livraria Bertrand. It’s a fascinating building with a charming facade that catches the eye of any book lover!

And if its unique exterior and interior design, as well as its extensive collection of books, aren’t enough – what if we told you that Livraria Bertrand is the world’s oldest operating bookstore? It was, in fact, recognized by Guinness World Records in 2011, so you can check for yourself that we’re not making this up!

The bookstore survived earthquakes, a civil war, and the establishment of the Republic, which is why it’s renowned as a building standing on a rich historical foundation.

If you’re a true bookworm, you’ll probably spend hours in this bookstore – so, we must admit, it’s a bit dangerous if you haven’t planned to spend a whole day in a bookshop!

You’ll delve into the history of Portuguese literature while exploring the spaces dedicated to Aquilino Ribeiro (where the writer actually spent time reading), José Saramago, Almada Negreiros, Sophia de Mello Breyner, Alexandre Herculano, and Eça de Queiroz. In fact, the store was once the meeting point of various literary gatherings attended by some authors mentioned above.

Furthermore, the entrance from Café Bertrand (where you can savor Portuguese and international dishes) takes you to a mural depicting Fernando Pessoa, signed by Tamara Alvers.

Is there anything to add? Of course! But we won’t – you’ll have to experience the charm of Livraria Bertrand yourself during your next visit to Lisbon!

3. Livraria Trindade – Alfarrabista

Location: R. do Alecrim 36, 1200-018 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Sunday – Friday: 10:30 am – 7 pm; Saturday – Closed

We must warn you – Livraria Trindade – Alfarrabista is not just another bookstore in town. If you want to enjoy the nicely designed covers of contemporary books, go for the other options we’ve mentioned.

On the other hand, if you want to travel back in time by flipping through old and extremely rare books, Livraria Trindade – Alfarrabista is your go-to choice. However, you won’t only delight in awe-inspiring old books but also other antique pieces, like rare paintings or vintage decorative elements.

Ever since you set foot inside the store, you’ll find yourself immersed in a completely different atmosphere, as if you’re not even surrounded by the busyness of Lisbon’s historical center!

4. Mundo do Livro

Location: Largo da Trindade 11 13, 1200-466 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Sunday – Friday: 10 am – 6:30 pm; Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm

Located in Bairro Alto, close to Teatro da Trindade INATEL, Mundo do Livro is yet another century-old bookstore that focuses on old books, documents about Portugal’s history and culture, as well as antique maps, postcards, and prints.

Some of the books, if you’re lucky enough to find them, are even signed by their authors – a few even bear their dedications!

Prepare yourself – you may end up spending hours looking through the store’s collection, trying to find hidden gems you may want to take back home! 

5. Livraria da Travessa

Location: R. da Escola Politécnica 46, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm

Livraria da Travessa is located right next to the National Museum of Science & Natural History on Rua da Escola Politécnica, close to Rato metro station.

The history of this bookstore dates back to 1975 when it was called Muro. Back then, it was located in a mall in Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, the bookstore chain extended nationally and overseas, the Lisbon store being the first to open abroad.

Livraria da Travessa is one of Lisbon’s most notorious bookshops. It brought to Portugal hundreds of Brazilian titles that have never been on the Portuguese market.

So, if your reading challenge includes exploring less-known books written by foreign authors, give Livraria da Travessa a go – we’re sure you’ll find some bookish jewels there!

6. Menina e Moça

Location: R. Nova do Carvalho 40-42, 1200-000 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Monday – Friday: 3 pm – 2 am; Saturday – Sunday: 4 pm – 3 am

If you’re a bookworm but also enjoy spending your evenings out, do not miss out on Menina e Moça – a bar-bookstore. Sounds a bit odd, right? This is its charm!

According to the owners, the bar-bookstore pays tribute to the Portuguese authors and the country’s gastronomy. The staff strives to connect locals and internationals through various reading and cultural events and, after all, represent a provocation for anyone walking past it.

In the end, it’s not quite common to see a bookish place on a so-called night street, right? Let’s not forget about the design of this bar-bookstore, which conquers anyone stepping inside it.

7. Stuffout

Location: R. Quintinha 70c, 1200-368 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; open from 11 am to 7 pm on other days

A tiny yet incredibly cozy bookstore located between Bairro Alto and Principe Real neighborhoods in Lisbon. It primarily sells second-hand books, but rest assured – many of them are in excellent shape!

By focusing on used books, the store aims to promote sustainability and encourage readers to give these books a second chance, as they are perhaps even more valuable than new ones.

Stuffout has books in both Portuguese and other languages, and all are at affordable prices. For example, an edition from 1970 of a book by Herman Hesse costs only 5 EUR, and it’s still in quite good shape.

8. Under the Cover

Location: R. Marquês Sá da Bandeira 88B, 1050-060 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Monday-Friday: 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday: 12 pm – 6 pm

If you’re looking for an unconventional bookshop, Under the Cover should definitely be on your list. It’s located near the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – a tiny shop with an unmistakably blue facade that sells international magazines, books, journals, and artworks.

It provides visitors with any type of printed material – from art and fashion to food, architecture, and music. However, we must warn you that you probably won’t find too many fiction books there. Non-fiction pieces, on the other hand – there are plenty!

9. Salted Books

Location: Calçada Marquês Abrantes 96, 1200-720 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: to be confirmed with the store

Salted Books is a bookish gem well hidden in the heart of Lisbon. It is located close to Museu da Marioneta and is a little haven for any bibliophile, even more so because all the books are in English.

Although it has opened its doors only recently, the store gained instant recognition among both locals and foreigners due to its authenticity and transparency. If you’re lucky enough, you may even attend some of their events, so don’t miss out on this one!

10. Livraria Sá da Costa

Location: R. Garrett 100, 1200-273 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Every day from 9:30 am to 12 am

Livraria Sá da Costa is the highlight of Baixa-Chiado. Located right next to A Brasileira, the famous cafe that breathes Portuguese history and culture, Livraria Sá da Costa complements it with its own charm and piece of history dating from the 1920s.

Since it’s a second-hand bookshop, you’d expect it to have books in Portuguese only, right?! Well, we’re here to tell you otherwise. You’d be surprised how many there are in other languages – rare editions even!

Once you enter the bookshop, you find yourself surrounded by antique pieces – paintings, vinyl records, old, authentic azulejo tiles, postcards, and many other collectible objects.

Then, as you advance through its many rooms, you’ll discover quite impressive collections of books. One small room, for instance, is dedicated to classics – they’re in Portuguese but the editions are absolutely fascinating. A true bibliophile will experience the greatest joy only by admiring them!

11. FNAC

Location: there are multiple FNAC stores in Lisbon, but you can go for the one in the Baixa-Chiado – Armazéns do Chiado, R. do Carmo nº 2 Loja 407, 1200-094 Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: Every day from 10 am to 10 pm

FNAC is another store where you risk spending at least a few hours browsing through the hundreds of books that may soon become new titles on your TBR list.

What we like about FNAC is that it has multiple editions of various titles, particularly classics, which never cease to impress us. We’re sure you’ll find some that will fit perfectly on your shelves back home!

And, luckily for bookworms, FNAC is also an electronics store, so you can even check out the latest Kindles – there’s no harm in having a tiny Kindle, right?! It’s always a good idea to have an ebook waiting for you to finish a physical book, isn’t it?!