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Harry Potter & Livraria Lello: The Magical Bookstore of Porto

Harry Potter

Few places in the world stir the imagination quite like Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal. Often dubbed the “Harry Potter bookstore in Porto,” This bookstore cast a spell on the world. It’s a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans across the globe. Though J.K. Rowling has denied ever stepping inside its doors during her time in Portugal, the magical ambiance of Livraria Lello continues to fuel fan theories and ignite imaginations.

The mythical Harry Potter connection

There’s a fun rumor that some scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed at Livraria Lello, and while it would be amazing if that were true, it’s actually not the case! While the magical feel of the bookstore definitely reminds many fans of places like Hogwarts, none of the scenes from the movies were filmed here.

The movies were actually filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in London, where they built special sets to bring the wizarding world to life. But here’s the cool part: Livraria Lello did inspire some of the magic you see on screen! The grand staircase and stunning design of the bookstore have a similar vibe to the magical places we see in the films, so it’s no wonder fans make the connection.

Even though you won’t find Harry or Hermione here, visiting Livraria Lello still feels like stepping into a real-life version of a magical world. So while it’s not the filming location, it’s definitely worth the visit for any Potterhead!

About Livraria Lello

Visual parallels with the wizarding world

Bookshelves straight from Diagon Alley

At Livraria Lello Harry Potter fans will feel right at home among the towering bookshelves that echo the magical charm of Diagon Alley’s Flourish and Blotts. Each shelf is stacked from floor to ceiling with books of every genre, creating the illusion that spells, secrets, and enchanted tales are just waiting to be discovered.

Stained glass that feels like a wizard’s window

On the second floor of Livraria Lello Harry Potter, you'll find a stained glass ceiling so enchanting it could easily belong in the wizarding world. The vibrant panel, inscribed with the Lello brothers’ motto “Decus in Labore,” bathes the space in a magical glow. Much like a hidden portal, it gives the Harry Potter Library Porto an atmosphere of mystery, wonder, and imagination.

The carved wood balcony

The beautifully carved wooden balcony that spans across the bookstore is a perfect spot for people-watching, and it’s easy to see how this could inspire the balconies of Hogwarts, where students might peer over the edge, glancing down at hallways below. The details of the woodwork here make it feel like it could belong in the Great Hall of Hogwarts or any other grand space in the wizarding world.

A space for magical discoveries

Every nook and cranny of Livraria Lello Harry Potter is filled with wizard-worthy detail, from carved busts of famous Portuguese writers to Gothic embellishments that bring to mind the enchanted library at Hogwarts. With a high ceiling and dramatic lighting, the Harry Potter Library Porto isn’t just a place to buy books, it's an entrance to the wizarding world!

The José Saramago room

Hidden within Livraria Lello Harry Potter is a room that feels straight out of Dumbledore’s Pensieve chamber. Dedicated to Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago, this space brims with personal objects and literary magic. A hidden highlight of the Harry Potter Library Porto, it offers a thoughtful pause, like peering into the soul of a real-world wizard.

The Little Prince theme room

Wander into the Le Petit Prince room and you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled into Hogwarts’ Astronomy Tower. A celebration of whimsy and imagination, this space in Livraria Lello Harry Potter is perfect for dreamers, stargazers, and lovers of magical stories. It’s one of the most enchanting corners of the Harry Potter Library Porto.

Visitor tips for Harry Potter fans

The bookshop opens at 9:30am, but die-hard Potterheads start queuing even earlier.
Want those magical staircase photos without 50 strangers in the background? Arrive right at opening (or just before) for the best chance to enjoy the shop with fewer crowds.
Livraria Lello sells their own gorgeous editions of classics like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Little Prince, the kind of books you’d find stacked in the Gryffindor common room so make sure you pick up a copy!
Once you’ve explored every magical corner of Livraria Lello, venture out! Visit Café Majestic. This a place Rowling wrote Harry Potter in!
While not directly Potter-related, the José Saramago Room and The Little Prince Room feel like visiting the Restricted Section of the library. It's filled with atmosphere and lesser-known stories.
The weather in Porto can change fast, bring a small umbrella or wear layers, especially if you're queuing outside.

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Other magical attractions near Lello Library you should check out

Clérigos Tower

Feel like a Hogwarts student heading to Astronomy class as you climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower! Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with spellbinding 360° views of the city’s red rooftops and winding streets. It’s a bit of a workout but totally worth the climb.

Distance from Livraria Lello: 4-minute walk

Visit Clérigos Tower

Museu da Misericórdia do Porto

Located in a former 16th-century hospital, this museum weaves together art, memory, and Porto’s social history, all under one roof. Discover sacred art, portraits, and relics that feel like they belong in Dumbledore’s office. It’s the perfect stop for fans who love to uncover the deeper, more human stories behind magical places.

Distance from Livraria Lello: 7-minute walk

Visit Museu da Misericórdia do Porto

Frequently asked questions about the Harry Potter library, Porto

Is Livraria Lello actually connected to Harry Potter?

Not officially, but the visual similarities are undeniable. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto in the early 1990s while teaching English and writing The Philosopher’s Stone. While she’s said Livraria Lello didn’t directly inspire Hogwarts, fans believe the crimson staircase, towering bookshelves, and Neo-Gothic design must’ve sparked some magic.

Were any Harry Potter movie scenes filmed at Livraria Lello?

Nope! That’s just a magical myth. The movies were filmed in the UK, mostly at Warner Bros. Studios in London, but Livraria Lello's atmosphere feels straight out of Diagon Alley or Hogwarts, which is why so many fans draw the connection.

Do I need a ticket to visit Livraria Lello?

Yes, you do! A ticket is required for entry, and it doubles as a voucher you can use to buy a book inside.

What part of Livraria Lello looks like Hogwarts?

The most famous feature is the curved red staircase, often compared to the Grand Staircase at Hogwarts. The wooden balconies, stained-glass ceiling, and bookshelves stretching sky-high also channel serious wizarding vibes.

Can I buy Harry Potter books at Livraria Lello?

Absolutely! You’ll find beautiful editions of the Harry Potter series, alongside other magical titles, timeless classics, and even Livraria Lello’s own exclusive collection of illustrated books, perfect for souvenirs.

How early should I arrive to avoid crowds?

It gets crowded fast, especially with all the Potterheads lining up for photos. Try to arrive first thing in the morning (right at opening time at 9:30am) or late in the day for a quieter, more magical experience.

Is Livraria Lello worth visiting even if I’m not a Harry Potter fan?

Totally! Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, a literary and architectural treasure with over a century of history.

How long should I plan to spend at Livraria Lello?

Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes inside, longer if you’re taking photos, browsing for books, or soaking in the architectural magic. Pro tip: Grab a coffee before or after at one of the nearby cafés and make it a full literary-themed outing.