Google Maps has named Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal, as the most searched bookstore in the world for 2025. The annual search data highlights the shops that travelers and book lovers are most eager to visit, and Lello, often called the “most beautiful bookstore in the world,” topped the list.
Nestled between a garden and a natural sciences museum, Livraria Lello has occupied a stunning neo-Gothic building since 1906. For nearly 120 years, it has served as a gathering place for readers, authors, poets, and creative thinkers, making it both a cultural landmark and a must-visit destination for tourists.
The bookstore’s most iconic feature is its central spiral staircase, painted deep crimson, which sits beneath a stained-glass ceiling crafted by Dutch artist Samuel Van Krieken. Visitors are also drawn to the bookstore’s rare books and unique objects, available for viewing by appointment.
Even for those not planning to buy books, Livraria Lello offers a memorable experience. Its architecture, window displays, and rotating temporary exhibits provide a rich cultural visit. Because of its popularity, the bookstore uses a ticketed entry system, with tickets starting at 10 euros. Ticket costs can be applied toward book purchases, while guided tours to access the rare book collection cost 50 euros per person.
Google Maps’ 2025 search trends show that readers worldwide are exploring bookstores as cultural destinations, with other popular shops appearing on the list in major cities like Tokyo, Buenos Aires, London, and New York. Some of the other most searched bookstores include Animate Ikebukuro in Tokyo, El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Shakespeare and Company in France, Libreria Acqua Alta in Italy, Powell’s City of Books in Oregon, and Strand Book Store in New York.
The global list also features Animate Osaka Nipponbashi in Japan, Tsutaya Books Daikanyama in Tokyo, and Forbidden Planet London Megastore in the United Kingdom, reflecting the diversity of bookstore experiences that travelers seek.
For visitors planning a trip to Porto, Livraria Lello remains a top attraction, offering both literary inspiration and architectural wonder. Its combination of history, beauty, and a world-class book collection continues to capture the attention of readers and tourists alike, confirming its status as a landmark destination for 2025.
