From 22 August to 7 September, the city of Porto welcomes thousands of book lovers to celebrate the written word in one of Portugal’s most beautiful settings.
With a long-standing tradition in the Invicta city, the Porto Book Fair has become one of the most anticipated events in the local cultural calendar, drawing visitors of all ages. This is everything you need to know about the 2025 edition.
Porto Book Fair 2025 dates and location
The Porto Book Fair 2025 will take place from 22 August to 7 September in the stunning Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal). This annual literary event is one of the city’s largest, bringing together publishers, authors, and readers to celebrate literature in all its forms.
Over more than two weeks, visitors can enjoy book launches, signing sessions, debates, family-friendly activities, and much more.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 21:00
- Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 – 22:00
Admission is free, allowing everyone to enjoy the wide range of events and activities.
How to get to the Porto Book Fair
The Crystal Palace Gardens, where the fair takes place, are centrally located and easy to reach by public transport or car.
- By Bus: Several STCP bus routes stop near the venue. These include lines 200, 301, 501, 507, 601, 602, 900, and 907.
- By Metro: While there isn’t a metro station directly at the gardens, you can take Line D (Yellow Line) to Aliados station and enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk to the fairgrounds.
- By Car: Paid parking is available nearby, particularly on Rua D. Manuel II and Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira.
Official programme highlights – Porto Book Fair 2025
Each year, the Porto Book Fair plays a key role in promoting reading and showcasing literary works, contributing to the cultural richness of both the city and the region.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Avenida das Tílias: More than 130 stands featuring publishers, booksellers, and second-hand book dealers with a vast range of titles for every reader.
- Book Signings & Launches: Meet your favourite authors, get your books signed, and discover the latest releases.
- Debates & Talks: Join engaging discussions with writers, critics, and thought leaders on contemporary issues and literature.
- Children’s Activities: Storytime sessions, workshops, and theatre designed to spark a love of reading from an early age.
- Concerts & Performances: Enjoy live music and performances, including the popular “É a Música, Este Romper do Escuro” series, with concerts at the Acoustic Shell from 19:00.
What is “Hora H” at the Porto Book Fair?
One of the fair’s most anticipated features, Hora H offers unbeatable book deals. From Monday to Thursday, during the final hour of the fair (usually 21:00 to 22:00), participating stalls offer a minimum 50% discount on selected titles.
These discounts typically apply to books published over 24 months ago, which are no longer bound by Portugal’s fixed book price law.
Visiting Porto: what to see and do
Whether you're coming for the Book Fair or planning a longer stay, Porto is a must-visit destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional food and wine.
Top attractions in Porto include:
- Ribeira District: Wander through narrow, colourful streets along the Douro River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Clérigos Tower: Climb its 225 steps for panoramic views of the city.
- Lello Bookshop: One of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, featuring a stunning red staircase and neo-Gothic design.
- Palácio da Bolsa: A 19th-century neoclassical gem, home to the iconic Arab Room.
- Port Wine Cellars: Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river, these cellars offer guided tours and tastings of the world-famous Port wine.
Living in Porto
Known as the Invicta city, living in Porto offers a perfect balance between vibrant city life and a relaxed lifestyle. From cultural venues like the Casa da Música and Serralves Museum to green spaces like the City Park (Parque da Cidade), Porto has something for everyone.
The city is also celebrated for its cuisine and world-renowned wines. Its efficient public transport system—including metro, buses and trains—makes it easy to get around.
With a size many find ideal, Porto is big enough to have everything you need yet compact enough to feel welcoming. Ongoing urban regeneration makes it an increasingly attractive place for families, professionals, and students alike.
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