Royal Portuguese Reading Room
The interior of the historic Royal Portuguese Reading Room is nothing short of awe inspiring
Located in downtown Rio, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, lies the Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura or Royal Portuguese Reading Room in English. The Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura or is a beautiful library built in the Portuguese manueline style back in 1837.
It is said that books fill the walls from top to bottom in precious and beautiful carved wood bookshelves. There are those who make comparisons with Hogsworth college (those of you who have watched the Harry Potter series would know exactly what they are talking about). For those who have not seen any shots of the inside of Hogsworth, let's just say that the place is absolutely magical.
The library houses over 350,000 works, many of those works dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th century. These works contain an incredible amount of Portuguese history and culture. The Real Gabinete Prtugues da Lietura also features a variety of small collections of paintings, sculptures and ancient coins.
It is recommended when visiting the library you make certain that you go with a group of people or at least one other person as the library is situated in an older part of downtown of Rio de Janiero and like many large cities, you will find a number of beggars and vendors who can sometimes be on the aggressive side. See the video at the bottom of our Transit Tips page for some great advice on being safe while exploring Rio.
The other attractions in the area are the National LIbrary of Brazil and the Municipal Theatre. Both are definitely worth a visit.
For an afternoon of wonder in a world of literature and amazing architecture, visit the Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura. Don't forget to bring your identity document along to ensure access!
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoRoyal Portuguese Reading Room Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: R. Luís de Camões, 30 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20051-020, Brazil
Phone: (21) 2221-3138
Official Website: Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Royal Portuguese Reading Room Reviews
Rated out of 5
📚✨ Visited the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura on a Friday around 1 PM and it was semi busy but still easy to walk around and enjoy. The library was definitely smaller than I expected, and you probably only need about 20 minutes here, but wow…it’s absolutely stunning in person 😍
The architecture and massive walls of books seriously gave me Harry Potter vibes ⚡️📖 The details throughout the building are beautiful and make it feel super magical and historic. One thing to note is that you can’t really get close to or browse the books themselves, so it’s more of a quick visual stop than a place to sit and explore for hours.
Overall, such a unique hidden gem in Rio and definitely worth stopping by if you’re nearby for the photos and atmosphere alone ✨📚
Plate Cleaner Club - 3 weeks ago
Amazing library and cultural center built by the Portuguese in the early 19th century. The building is extremely beautiful both outside and inside. It makes you feel as if you travelled in time or in a movie set staged in that period of time! Totally worth visiting
Paulo Vieira - 2 weeks ago
The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura is one of the most breathtaking libraries I’ve visited anywhere in the world. The architecture is extraordinary, with intricate neo Manueline details and towering bookshelves that create a truly majestic atmosphere. Walking inside feels like stepping into a different century.
Beyond the beauty of the space, the historical value of the collection is impressive, especially for anyone interested in Portuguese literature and culture. The famous edition of Os Lusíadas is a highlight.
It’s a peaceful place in the heart of Rio that combines culture, history, and stunning design. Absolutely worth visiting if you appreciate architecture, books, or unique cultural landmarks.
Carpediem_alejo - 3 months ago
This amazing library is stunning, with incredible architecture, massive bookshelves, and a peaceful atmosphere. What makes it even better is that it’s completely free to visit — no ticket needed at all. It’s a perfect spot for taking photos, exploring a unique cultural place, or just enjoying a quiet break from the busy city. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Rio!
Gergana Taneva - 4 weeks ago
The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura is honestly one of the coolest places to visit in the city. We got there close to closing time and there was a long line wrapped around the building, but we still managed to make it inside just in time. Once you walk in, it’s even more impressive than the photos—absolutely stunning architecture and an atmosphere that makes you stop and just take it all in. Everyone who entered around us had the same reaction, just complete awe. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in Rio.
Nina Habib - a month ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or LIne2 - Green | Uruguaiana |
How to get to Royal Portuguese Reading Room by Metro
Exit Uruguaiana Station onto Rua Uruguaiana and go right. Go right again onto Rua do Ouvidor and follow it to the plaza. Continue west along Rua Luis de Camoes, the road that borders the right side of the plaza and watch for the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura on your right.
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Photo Gallery
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Facade and entrance to the Royal Portuguese Reading Room in Rio de Janeiro cc licensed photo by Wikimapa -
cc licensed photo by Os Rúpias -
Library inside the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura cc licensed photo by Os Rúpias
