Inside the Livraria Lello
When you cross the threshold of the Livraria Lello, you will find yourself in a world of architectural fantasy. The bookshop is famous for its impressive red staircase that branches off to the first floor. The painted glass ceiling, carved wooden shelves and Art Nouveau details add to the charm of the place.
But it's not just the architecture that's fascinating, it's also the book collection. Here you can find a wide variety of genres in several languages, from literary classics to contemporary works, as well as a specialised selection of Portuguese authors. And for Harry Potter fans, the Harry Potter bookshop in Porto includes a section dedicated exclusively to the boy wizard's saga.
How did Livraria Lello inspire J.K. Rowling?
The charm of the Harry Potter bookshop in Porto is not only its architectural beauty, but also its influence on one of the world's most famous literary sagas.
J.K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, lived in Porto for two years working as an English teacher. During this time, she is said to have frequented the Livraria Lello and was fascinated by its uniqueness. The magnificent red staircase in the centre of the bookshop and the shelves filled to the ceiling with books seem to have inspired Rowling to create some of the most iconic scenes in Hogwarts, the magical school where Harry Potter studies. Although there is no official confirmation from Rowling about this, fans and Harry Potter experts strongly support this theory. Without a doubt, visiting this bookshop is like stepping into a chapter of the magical world created by J.K Rowling.
Visiting the Harry Potter bookshop in Porto
To visit this famous Harry Potter bookshop in Porto, you will need to buy your tickets in advance. You can buy them online through the official Livraria Lello website. The entrance fee is 8 euros, but the best thing is that this value is discounted if you buy a book.
The bookshop is open every day, but we recommend you go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy this magical place in peace and quiet. Don't forget your camera to capture the most fascinating corners of the bookshop.
Remember to be respectful of the place and its books. After all, you're standing on the very ground that inspired J.K Rowling to create one of the most beloved literary worlds on the planet.
The best accommodation in Porto
For your visit to Porto, we recommend you stay in our unique hotel, located in the heart of Porto. At chic&basic Gravity, we defy convention to offer you a stay full of personality and surprises. The central location of our hotel in the centre of Porto ensures that you are close to the best attractions of the city, and only 5 minutes away from the Harry Potter bookshop in Porto.
At chic&basic Gravity, you will not only find a place to rest, but a space to question reality and live new experiences. If you're ready to walk sideways and see everything from a different perspective, book your stay in Porto with chic&basic!