Harry Potter fans will feel right at home in Porto, especially since J. K. Rowling spent some time writing her hit book series right here. Some of the top attractions in this city look straight out of her magical novels, but none of them compares to Livraria Lello.
Often described as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello is located in the very heart of Porto, just a short walk from Igreja do Carmo. It opened its doors in 1881, and it’s one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal operating today.
Livraria Lello’s neo-Gothic interior features a curvaceous staircase, carved wood paneling, and breathtaking stained glass windows and ceiling. It’s been rumored that this bookstore served as inspiration for Hogwarts and the Flourish and Blotts bookshop in the Harry Potter novels, but J. K. Rowling never confirmed this.
That didn’t stop Livraria Lello from fully embracing the Harry Potter connection and becoming a popular destination with fans of this book series. If you ever find yourself in Porto, you can visit this bookstore every day from 10 am to 8 pm. Just get ready for long lines, and make sure to buy a 5€ voucher online, which is fully deductible when you purchase a book during your visit.
