The Harry Potter book series is the best-selling of all time. It’s crazy to think about how many people have read the books and have seen the Harry Potter movies. Many people travel specifically to Harry Potter destinations in the United Kingdom like the Harry Potter Studio Tour just north of London, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, or the Harry Potter train in Scotland.
I knew there were a lot of Harry Potter locations in London, but I was surprised to learn there are several places connected to Harry Potter in Porto. Let me explain the connection between Harry Potter and Porto and then share our suggestions for places to include on your Harry Potter Porto tour.
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Harry Potter and Porto
I didn’t even realize until I checked into my hotel that Porto and Harry Potter have a connection. Diogo, who works at the front desk at the Grand Hotel Porto, where I was staying, told me that JK Rowling actually was living here teaching English when she started writing the books. It was a dark and painful period of her life as her mother had passed away and her house was burgarlized just before she moved.
It’s understandable she rarely talks about her time in Porto. For this reason, it’s hard to know for sure exactly which elements of the Harry Potter saga were inspired by her experiences in Porto. Even if it is debatable about how much Porto influenced the Harry Potter books, it is interesting to visit the sights.
Note: Harry Potter was never filmed in Porto.
Doing a Harry Potter Porto Tour
There are a few places that Harry Potter fans must see in Porto. These locations are in the Porto city center and are within walking distance of each other.
You can visit these spots on your own, like we did, or take a Porto Harry Potter tour with a local expert like this one.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #1: Majestic Cafe
The Majestic Café, where it is rumored that JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, was less than a block from our hotel. Many experts don’t believe that she started writing the books at the café mainly because it is an expensive place. It’s possible that she visited the Majestic Café Porto and may have worked on the book there for a while, but it’s not the kind of place you would sit for hours and write.
Majestic Cafe opened it’s doors as the Elite Cafe back in 1921. The beautiful Art Nouveau style building was designed by the architect João Queiroz.
The most influential figures in Porto became regulars at the cafe. The Elite Cafe name did not fit in well with the atmosphere at the time in Porto because of sentiments with the monarchy, so the name was changed to Majestic Cafe.
A glimpse inside the Majestic Cafe. Can you picture JK Rowling writing Harry Potter here?
From 1992-1994, the Majestic Cafe was closed for restoration. Today, after nearly 100 years, it is still popular and stands as one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Porto.
Like a lot of other Harry Potter fans, I took a picture outside. Then, I peeked inside the cafe. It looked like a fancy place with lovely woodwork. When we stopped by around 10 am on a Wednesday, there was no wait, but we had already eaten a lovely (and filling) breakfast at the Grande Hotel Porto.
I have read that there can be long lines, so you may have to wait depending on the time you arrive. They are open from 9:30 am to midnight, Monday through Saturday.
Majestic Cafe Address: Rua Santa Catarina 112
Anisa in front of the Majestic Cafe in Porto.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #2: Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is another Harry Potter Porto location. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstores in Portugal, some might say in the world.
The Lello brothers opened the Porto bookstore in 1906! The outside façade is a neo-gothic style with figures representing art and science. The interior was designed by Xavier Esteves and is even more impressive.
The stunning staircase inside Livraria Lello.
JK Rowling frequented the Porto bookstore and rumor has it that the staircase inspired the staircases at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, that is debatable because in Hogwarts the flights of stairs are straight, while Lello’s are round. You can imagine the Livraria Lello inspiring her though. It is atmospheric and just the kind of location that would fit in the Harry Potter world.
In addition to checking out the staircase, be sure to look up to admire the ceiling. Many people think it is carved wood, but it is actually painted plaster.
We arrived at the Lello bookstore just before it opened at 10 am and found a line at least a block long. I should have expected something tied to Harry Potter would be popular!
Unfortunately, we did not have time to join the line to go inside the Porto library. I could peer through the window and see the staircase. If you would like to go inside the Harry Potter bookstore, I would recommend buying a ticket online in advance. You can buy a time-entry ticket for €5.00.
Alternatively, you could do this walking tour of top Porto monuments that also includes skip the line entry to the Lello bookstore.
Livraria Lello Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144
Harry Potter Porto Spot #3: Porto University
Porto University is one of the oldest and most significant universities in Portugal and is located in a beautiful building. Some people believe that the Hogwarts uniforms that the children wear are modeled after the ones from Porto University.
The uniform for Porto University students is black pants or skirts and knee-length capes draped around their shoulders. The cape is supposed to be similar to the Harry Potter school uniform. We walked by the building but didn’t catch a glimpse of any students in uniform.
Note: Christ Church College in Oxford also played a role in the Harry Potter films.
Porto University Address: Praça de Gomes Teixeira
Whether or not the fountain is a Harry Potter inspiration, it’s still worth a visit.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #4: Fonte dos Leões
Also, in Gomes Teixeira Square, you will find Fonte dos Leões or in English, the Fountain of the Lions. Some think that this fountain inspired the Gryffindor crest. I’m not sure if that’s true because the lions on the Gryffindor crest don’t have wings like the ones on the fountain. Still, I think the sculptures on the fountain make it worthwhile to visit.
Fonte dos Leões Address: Praça de Gomes Teixeira 10
Harry Potter Porto Spot #5: Torre dos Clérigos
The Torre dos Clérigos, or Clergymen’s Tower, is a beautiful church tower best known for it’s views of Porto, but some people think it was the inspiration for the Astronomy Tower at Hogwarts. It was in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower that Severus Snape killed Professor Dumbledore, on Dumbledore’s own orders.
Personally, I don’t see much of a resemblance between the two besides the fact that they are both tall. Maybe when you visit, you will spot something I missed? Worst case you can enjoy the spectacular views.
It’s 240 steps up the narrow staircase to get to the viewing platform. There is an elevator available for those with mobility constraints. The Tower is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and it costs €5 (you can get a 50% discount if you have the Porto Card). Before 7:00 pm your admission includes a visit to the Clérigos Museum.
Torre dos Clérigos Address: Rua de São Filipe de Nery
Did the Clerigos Tower inspire JK Rowling’s Astronomy Tower at Hogwarts?
Harry Potter Porto Spot #6: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is actually a mosaic of small gardens with stunning views of the city and Douro River. Some people think these gardens inspired the Forbidden Forest, a place that was strictly off-limits for Hogwarts students.
I am not sure I believe the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal inspired the Forbidden Forest because these gardens are so well-manicured while the forest was overgrown. Still, there is something a bit enchanting about the gardens. You will see some exotic plants and maybe even a peacock. I like the themes of some of the areas like Jardim dos Sentimentos (Garden of Feelings) and Jardim das Plantas Aromaticas (Garden of Aromatic Plants).
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal Address: Rua de Dom Manuel II
Where to Stay in Porto
When you go to Porto, you will have to fit in seeing these Harry Potter locations along with all the other things to do there. The Grande Hotel Porto is ideal for this.
It is centrally located, a block from the market where we started our Porto food tour and close to one of the main Harry Potter locations (Cafe Majestic). The perfect home base for sightseeing generally. After all, if you’re chasing Harry Potter in Porto, why not stay in a beautiful period hotel at the same time?
Our bed was very comfortable!
The Grande Hotel Porto is the second oldest hotel in Porto and has a proud history. This is apparent as soon as you step through the door. The lobby area feels very elegant with beautiful period furniture and this continues throughout the hotel. The dining area is beautiful and our room was very comfortable and nicely decorated with classic pieces. The service at the hotel stood out, everyone was so nice and helpful.
You can read more reviews of the Grande Hotel Porto on Tripadvisor here.
I loved the decor in the lobby.
Another Link Between Harry Potter and Portugal
JK Rowling did confirm that Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts and the namesake of Slytherin House, was named after António de Oliveira Salazar, the dictator who ruled Portugal from 1932 to 1968. The Slytherin founder wanted to ban all Muggle-born wizards and witches from Hogwart which is not too far off from some of the dictator’s policies.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then you need to visit Porto for yourself.
Have you visited any locations that have influenced the places in Harry Potter? Do you think Porto was a big Harry Potter inspiration?
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for Seeing Harry Potter Sights in Porto Portugal
- You can do your own Porto Harry Potter tour since the locations are all within walking distance of the city center.
- Buy your tickets to visit the bookstore in advance!
- If you plan on eating at Cafe Majestic in Porto, I would recommend going at off hours to avoid a long wait.
- Keep an eye out for Porto University students in uniforms that look like the Harry Potter Hogwarts uniform.
- You should also make sure you do some port tasting while you are visiting Porto.
Disclosure: We were guests of the Grande Hotel Porto. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Last Updated on May 11, 2023
cool tips! thanks:)
Thanks Tanja, glad you enjoyed the post.
We were in Porto at end of September on a Friday and there were students in capes everywhere. Maybe it’s just a freshmen thing. We saw the same kind of thing in Lisbon the next day.
Loved both places already missing them.
Jon – Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realize they have the capes in Lisbon too!
I love all things Harry Potter and I’m excited to be planning a trip to LA and Universal Studios so I can see Harry Potter World there. It must have been really cool to have stumbled across these HP finds! I love that there are connections in lots of different places.
Katherine – Thanks yeah I really wasn’t expecting it. Your LA trip sounds like a lot of fun. Have a great time.
Oh! We visited Porto last summer but we didn’t know about all those Harry Potter hotspots. We should go back to see them! Thanks for the post #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes, I wouldn’t have known about them either if it wasn’t for the tip at the hotel. Porto is such a lovely city, I want to go back too.
Wow, tickets to get into a bookstore? These places look amazing. Portugal continues to climb higher on my must-visit list!
Staci – Yes, I was a bit surprised too but it has become so popular. Portugal is really a great country to visit, lots more coming up on the blog.
I love Harry Potter, but never thought of the link between Harry Potter and Portugal. Porto is on my list, so I will definitely visit these when I go there. #theweeklypostcard
Thanks Upeksha. Yeah I don’t think I would have known either if it weren’t for the tip from the hotel. Glad you have Porto on the list, you will love it. More blog posts about my time there coming up.
All of these links seem a but Tenuous, especially given that Rowling was supposed to be broke in Edinburgh while writing the first book. But they look like great places to visit anyway and it’s fun to imagine it all.
Eileen – Yes it is debatable how much influence Porto did have but it was fun to learn about the possibilities.
The bookstore sounds amazing! Xx
Thanks Lucy. Yes I wish I would have planned ahead so I could have gone inside. What I could see through the window looked really impressive!
PERFECT TIMING! We are headed to Portugal this summer and I would not have guessed that there was a HP/Porto connection! Definitely looking into booking a ticket to the library – just googled the interior and it looks incredible.
Flo – Excellent, you are going to love Portugal. More about my trip coming up on the blog.
I’m finally working on the 5th book now! I love these so much!!
Alice – Glad to hear you are a fan. Hope you get to see these sites in Porto.
Oh awesome! I didn’t know there was a connection to Porto! Just one more reason I NEEEED to go to Porto! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lolo – Yes, I didn’t know before I went either! You will love Porto so I hope you make it there soon.
Great tips, I knew there was a connection with Porto because Rowling studied there and something with a bookshop but had no idea about the actual places, so thanks for sharing! I can’t believe they charge you 5 bucks to go inside the bookstore though… Is it just me or is that really ridiculous? I mean, does it even sell books anymore or is it just a “J.K. Rowling was here” kind of place nowadays? Anyway, I can’t pretend I wouldn’t want to go 😀 Damn, I’m such a big weirdo for Harry Potter 😀
Yes the admission charge is a bit annoying but I think so many people were going and not buying books that they felt they kind of had to? I wish it wasn’t the case!
This is awesome! I’ve planned our trip to London around Harry Potter related activities so I think I might have to add Porto to my bucket list as well 😉
Bri – Yes a lot of people plan trips like that in the UK. I was surprised to learn that you could see sites in Porto too!
I only had time for one major city in Portugal and picked Lisbon, but now I need to go back because Porto looks so awesome! #theweeklypostcard
Hilary – Yes so many great cities in Portugal. We decided to see as many different places as we could but there are several we want to go to and explore more.
This is awesome. I cannot wait to visit these places.
Ketki – Thanks so glad you enjoyed the post, more on Porto to come.
I had no idea that Harry Potter had a connection to Porto at all. I love Harry Potter and would love to check these sites out when I visit Portugal in Novmeber. Thanks for keeping me informed.
Kelly – Yeah I had no idea either until they told me at my hotel. Glad to hear you are going to be visiting Portugal. You will love it. More about my trip coming up on the blog.
So glad you loved Porto. I’m not sure that JKR have started writing HP there but she said that Lello bookshop stairs were the inspirations for Hogwarts moving stairs. Thank you for hosting the link up party. Is a pleasure to participate #theweeklypostcard
Maria – Thank you, yes I loved Porto. So glad you have joined the linkup!
how did I miss this?! I visited Porto but had no idea about the Harry Potter ties – so interesting that JK Rowling would choose Porto to live in. Nice post 🙂
Gabby – so glad you liked the post. I had no idea either until they told me at my hotel! I guess its a good reason for you to go back to Porto!
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and I had no idea either that there was a connection to Porto, Portugal. But even if the link is debatable, it would still be quite cool to check it out. I’ve been to Platform 9 3/4 in London and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. Now I have to add Porto to my list of sites to visit too 🙂
Sara – Yes, I was surprised too, glad to give you something more to add to your list.
I didn’t know there were Harry Potter sites in Porto! I’ll definitely check them out if I ever visit Porto. I spent a couple of days in Lisbon and would love to explore more of Portugal.
Kat – Yes I was surprised to learn it too. Lisbon is lovely, there really are a lot of great places to see in Portugal.
My girls are completely addicted to Harry Potter – my older daughter reads the books unimaginably fast – and ever since we went to Universal Studios this winter they have been more hooked than ever! I would love to see the library. An interesting post, pinning in the event we make it there some day. #theweeklypostcard
Corey – Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed the post and I hope you get to visit Porto.