Livraria do Simão Lisbon
The tiniest bookshop
Alexandre from Lisbon
I'm not a books person; I do like to read but I don't actually do it as often and sometimes I leave my readings in the middle to be picked up later. Nevertheless, I can't help talking about this spot.
Livraria do Simão is probably the smallest bookshop in Portugal, surely the tiniest of Lisbon and maybe one of the tightest of the world; believe me, tight is the right word! So tight that it's impossible for the owner and the client to be inside together! This doesn't mean the book offer is small; or the choice limited. I was told that Simão, the owner, has about 4,000 books available here and some of them are rarities. And these books are not exclusively in Portuguese; there are a lot of books in a variety of other languages.
I do have to point out that this is a store of used books. Lisbon has several book stores with the same purpose of selling old books; we call these shops "Alfarrabista". Although there are other zones more populated with this kind of shops, I find this one unique and worth a visit even if you're not a "reader".
Easy to reach when entering the arch to "Escadinhas de São Cristóvão" from "Rua da Madalena", I believe you can now look at it with a different idea. A gathering of some preciosities concentrated in 4m2, with prices starting from a few coins to a pile of bills.
Lisbon Spotter Alexandre
About this spot
Escadinhas de São Cristóvão, 18
- Mon - Fri 09:30 - 19:00, Sat 09:30 - 15:00
€
no-price
211106666
Our Lisbon City Guide
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon
Lisbon’s Retro Typography
Front-shop signage
"Lisbon’s Retro Typography" is in danger, so I invite you to take pictures of the colorful kitsch lettering & nonsense names before they're gone forever...
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Carvoaria Jacto
Perfectly cooked meat
"Carvoaria Jacto" Lisbon is where I loved to go to back then when I was a meat-lover. This nice restaurant perfectly cooks meat to satisfy your meat crave.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Muro Azul
The Outcasts
"Muro Azul" in Lisbon, or the 'Blue Wall', is a hidden mural commissioned by a partnership between the Psychiatric hospital and the Urban Art Gallery...
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Lavra Funicular
A lift with a destination
"Lavra Funicular" in Lisbon may not be as fun to ride as others, but it's the most charming and quiet public transport in the city. It's my favorite...
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Pastelaria Aloma
World's best "natas"
"Pastelaria Aloma" is a place where you get find the best pastéis de nata I'd argue! This spot has an interesting story to tell in regards to their recipe.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
A LOBA'MA
The Bad Female Wolf
The staff is super nice. Service is fast. Ambient music is pleasant. And most important of all - it delivers a variety of delicious brunch packs.
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Magokoro Ramen
Tokyo's "Uprightness" in Lisbon
Magokoro translates to "sincerity, pure heart, uprightness", and deliver a variety of very delicious ramen. For dessert, Mochi. And to drink - Asahi beer.
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Mãe D'Água Amoreiras Reservoir
Water Temple
"Mãe D'Água Amoreiras Reservoir"" a jewel unknown to tourists. It's Lisbon's old reservoir - noawadays, it's a Water Temple. I always almost jump inside...
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Casa dos Passarinhos
Nest of Good Food
"Casa dos Passarinhos": an honest neighborhood restaurant in Lisbon specialised in traditional & good Portuguese cuisine. Just give me their Açorda shrimp.
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Hindu Temple's Cantina
Hot & vegetarian
The cantina at Lisbon's Radha Krishna Hindu Temple has some of the best hot, healthy, delicious Indian food around. I recommend you get some laddu to-go!
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Cape Verdean Association
Dance when eating!
The "Cape Verdean Association" in Lisbon is rather simple, but the food is gorgeous and very tasty. If you dare, go on a Tuesday or Thursday for music...
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Blooming Jacarandas
Purple Rain, Purple Rain
Lisbon in June is a truly beautiful sight because of the blooming jacaranda trees everywhere. I believe it's the best time to visit the city.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Heading to Lisbon?
208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 208 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Lisbon
Get to know our other Spotters from Lisbon
As featured on:
