Everyday life in Porto and not a movie scene from Harry Potter – students in traditional academic dress (Image: © portocard.city)
The Most Important Stops on the Harry Potter Trail
Although no Harry Potter film was shot in Porto, you can still discover several places that may be linked to the creation of the books. Today, there are even specially marked “Harry Potter sites” that you can explore either on your own or as part of a city tour.
Following Harry Potter’s footsteps through Porto means seeing the city from a completely new perspective. Below you’ll find the key Harry Potter-related sites in Porto, briefly introduced:
#1 Livraria Lello – The Famous “Harry Potter Bookshop”
Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world and is often referred to as the “Harry Potter Bookshop”.
It is famous for its grand staircase, ornate shelves, and intricately decorated ceiling. The atmosphere of the shop reminds many visitors of a magical school. During her time in Porto, J.K. Rowling is said to have been a regular customer here.
Today, the bookshop is one of Porto’s most visited attractions.
✅ While Livraria Lello is still a “normal” bookshop, it now charges an entrance fee due to the high number of visitors. The ticket price (2025: €10) can be deducted from any book purchase.
✅ To enjoy your visit in peace, it’s best to arrive early – queues can be extremely long.
✅ Entrance tickets are sold only for fixed dates and times. Especially in high season, many dates are sold out several days in advance.
In the Livraria Lello bookshop, many details are reminiscent of Hogwarts (Image: © Andrew Kennedy).
Our Tip:
Book your ticket for Livraria Lello in advance.
If you plan to visit the bookshop during your stay in Porto, we recommend reserving your tickets online as early as possible to secure your preferred time slot.
One of the most beautiful bookshops in the world – Livraria Lello in Porto. Especially popular with Harry Potter fans (Image: © Steve Simone).
#2 Café Majestic – J.K. Rowling’s Writing Spot
- Café Majestic is one of Porto’s most traditional coffee houses, opened in 1921.
- Its interior impresses with Art Nouveau elements, large mirrors, and ornate wooden paneling.
- J.K. Rowling is said to have visited the café regularly and worked on the first chapters of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” here.
- For many visitors, Café Majestic is more than just a coffee shop – it’s a special place where Rowling began her work on the Harry Potter books and thus counts as a small, “magical” sight in Porto.
- In our opinion, a visit to this historic café is worthwhile even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan.
In this beautiful coffee house – Café Majestic – J.K. Rowling is said to have written some parts of the first Harry Potter book (Image: © Joaquín Camacho)
#3 São Bento Station
- São Bento Station is one of Porto’s most famous landmarks. Its historic entrance hall is particularly impressive, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history, giving the station a nearly fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
- Many visitors feel reminded of the wizarding world when entering the station – even though there is no direct connection to the Harry Potter story.
- Perhaps this is due to the special role that a train station plays in Harry Potter: his journey to Hogwarts begins at King’s Cross Station in London.
- With its charming, nostalgic architecture and decorative tiles, São Bento Station fits perfectly among the magical-feeling places in Porto where visitors can sense the city’s unique atmosphere.
“Magic Station” São Bento is one of the places to visit in Porto in the footsteps of Harry Potter (Image: Vitor Oliveira, CC 2.0 license).
#4 University of Porto & Black Robes
While exploring Porto, you’ll often see students wearing black robes. These uniforms are part of the traditional academic dress of the University of Porto and other universities throughout Portugal.
✅ The black robes are strongly reminiscent of the Hogwarts school uniforms. It is often assumed that J.K. Rowling was inspired by these student outfits when envisioning the clothing of the young wizards.
This academic tradition is still alive in Portugal today. Tourists often feel reminded of Hogwarts when they encounter students dressed in these black capes.
Not characters from Hogwarts, but students in Porto in their traditional dress (Image: © Jim Good).
Guided Harry Potter Tour in Porto
If you’d like to discover all the key places easily, you can book a guided Harry Potter tour through Porto.
Details:
- Duration: approximately 2.5 hours
- Starting point: São Bento Station
- During the tour, you’ll learn exciting background stories about J.K. Rowling and discover hidden details and connections that are easily overlooked when exploring on your own.
- Price: from €30 per person
Suitable for:
Not only a highlight for Harry Potter fans – everyone can experience Porto from a unique, “magical” perspective.
Downside:
- Some of the places on the tour are open to the public, such as Livraria Lello and Café Majestic. You can also visit these on your own.
- Depending on the season and provider, the group size may vary.
Our Tip: This tour is very popular, and tickets often sell out early. We recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
Ein Besuch im Café Majestic gehört für die meisten Harry Potter Touren dazu (Bild: © portocard.city).
Our Conclusion: Is Following Harry Potter’s Footsteps in Porto Worth It?
✅ This kind of exploration offers a unique and creative way to notice small details, stories, and moods that might otherwise go unnoticed during a typical city tour.
✅ Whether you prefer joining a guided tour or discovering the magical side of Porto on your own, both options are worthwhile – it simply depends on your personal preferences.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ 2025
What does Harry Potter have to do with Porto?
Author J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for several years and found inspiration for her book series here – from the school uniforms to certain magical locations.
You’ll find more information about Harry Potter tours, the Livraria Lello bookshop, current prices (2025), and our ticket tips in our online travel guide.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Porto?
No, none of the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Porto. However, the city served as a source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling while writing the books.
For more details, current prices (2025), and practical tips about Harry Potter and Porto, check out our online travel guide.
Can you book a Harry Potter tour in Porto?
Yes, there are guided tours where you can discover the most important sites, such as the Livraria Lello and the Café Majestic, including fascinating background stories.
More information about Harry Potter tours in Porto, including current prices and helpful tips, is available in our free online travel guide.
Which places in Porto are especially interesting for Harry Potter fans?
There are several places in Porto that evoke Hogwarts and the world of Harry Potter. Highlights include the Livraria Lello, Café Majestic, the University of Porto with students in black robes, and São Bento Station.
Find more information about Harry Potter tours, tickets for Livraria Lello, current prices (2025), and practical tips in our free online travel guide.
Is a Harry Potter tour in Porto worth it?
For fans of the books, a guided tour is a great way to explore Porto’s connection to the wizarding world – even beyond the usual tourist attractions.
You’ll find more details about “Harry Potter in Porto” in our online travel guide.
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