Lisbon for Bookworms: 10 Quiet Spots in the Portuguese Capital

Lisbon for Bookworms: 10 Quiet Spots in the Portuguese Capital

Lisbon, as a city, is the perfect balance between chaotic and calm. If you know where to go, Lisbon’s streets can lead you straight to a place of solace, where you can escape with a book for a good few hours.

During my first few months living in the city heat I found it unbearable to read inside of my own tiny apartment. I found the following few places wonderful alternatives.

1. Anywhere Along the Tagus in Lisbon

It might look like an ocean, but the water that surrounds Lisbon is actually the very large Tagus River.

Whether you’re on the left or right bank of the city, the banks of the Tagus are always great spots for a few minutes or hours of escape.

Avoid the parts where you can see many travelers have gathered to watch the boats or the sunset, and find a spot for yourself and your novel.

Tagus River – by Moisés Pereira – Wikimedia Commons

2. Jardim do Torel in Lisbon

You won’t struggle to find a park near you in Lisbon, regardless of where you are. Nevertheless, I found the Jardim do Torel quickly became my go-to for reading, thanks to the many different elements that make up these grounds.

For one, this is an elevated park with panoramic views over the whole city. Moving inland, you’ll find lush grass spaces and manicured gardens. As a third option, you can also make use of the public swimming pool and sandy synthetic beach that goes along with it.

Jardim do Torel – by Joseolgon – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 6am to 10pm

ADDRESS: R. Júlio de Andrade, 1150-122 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Avenida

3. The Miradouros in Lisbon

Just about all of the viewpoints in Lisbon make for great reading spots!

If you’re one who needs absolute silence while reading, the avoid the viewpoints in the city center or the Alfama. But if you don’t mind the world continuing around you then even these will be really enjoyable.

Lisbon’s viewpoints are always free to visit and are open 24 hours a day. Most of them are lit by night.

Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge – by Berthold Werner – Wikimedia Commons

4. Pois, Café in Lisbon

Pois is in the Alfama, and is a unique cafe to the reading scene in Lisbon.

Reading, and work in general, is encourages in Pois. The intention is for the space to be a welcome hideaway for any freelancers or travelers who need to get work done while in the city.

There are books lining the walls, or you can bring one of your own and settle into one of the corner nooks in the cafe. You’ll need to buy a tea or coffee at least, but it’s a great spot especially on chilly days.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: R. de São João da Praça 93 95, 1100-521 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Terreiro do Paço

5. Palace Fronteira in Lisbon

I love Portuguese tiles, so a friend brought me to the Palace Fronteira on the edge of the city to see the ancient works. Turns out this is one of the most peaceful escapes in all of Lisbon (in my opinion), with gardens fit for a king and ample spots for reading.

The palace isn’t free to enter, you’ll have to pay the €6 garden fee but this allows you to take full advantage of the grounds.

Palace Fronteira – by Bosc d’Anjou – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 9:30am to 5pm

ADDRESS: Largo São Domingos de Benfica 01, 1500-554 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Jardim Zoológico

6. Biblioteca Camões in Lisbon

Lisbon’s public libraries are generally quite nice for reading purposes. The process of entry is always very simple for non-residents, and you’ll never have to pay to get in.

I recommend the Biblioteca Camões for anyone who likes a quiet space while they read. This library is so quiet I had to make a swift exit when the hiccups surprised me while inside.

Make use of the smaller rooms!

Biblioteca Camões – by BLX- Bibliotecas de Lisboa – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday — 10:30am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Largo Calhariz 17, 1200-086 Lisboa, Portugal

Metro STATION: Cais do Sodre

7. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação in Lisbon

If you’re in the city center, it’s very hard to find a church with little to no foot traffic during the day. This city is known for its beautiful religious architecture, so most of the churches have become tourist traps.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is one that might surprise you if you visit during the day, during the week. I’ve been the only soul inside of the space multiple times, and the church doesn’t mind if you keep to yourself in one of the pews, reading, praying, whatever you need to do.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação – by João Carvalho – Wikimedia Commons

8. At a Hotel Pool in Lisbon

I’m very much one for reading next to a pool. Unfortunately most apartments and Airbnb’s won’t have their own one on the property.

Lisbon’s 4 and 5 star hotels almost always have swimming facilities on site. You can use them freely as a resident, or as a day visitor (though keep in mind some of the higher end establishments might charge a day fee).

Either way, a few euros is a small price to pay in exchange for reading by the pool for a day.

9. Mafra National Palace Library near Lisbon

The Mafra National Palace Library is widely considered to be the most majestic, exquisite library in the world. The space is enchanting, and has attracted the attention of travelers so much so that a visit to Mafra is now an official day trip from Lisbon.

Take your book along and spend a good few hours in this book haven. There’s nothing quite like it.

Mafra National Palace Library – by Joseolgon – Wikimedia Commons

10. The Beach in Cascais near Lisbon

Like reading by a pool, reading by a beach is up there with my favorite pastimes.

You can absolutely read on a beach while in Lisbon, but you’ll need to catch the train out to Cascais. Once you get there, you’ll be in walking distance to many a great beach, including some very intimate, quiet ones.

Walk further from the main village and you’ll find the more secluded coastline.

by Rachel Lees – Unsplash