How long does it take to walk the Porto literary route?

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to admire the architecture at each stop and navigate the hilly terrain between the university and the Majestic Café.

Is Livraria Lello worth visiting?

Yes, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. While it requires a ticket and can be crowded, the Neogothic interior and historic staircase are unique architectural marvels.

Can I see the Hogwarts uniform inspiration in Porto?

Yes, at the University of Porto. You can often see students wearing the 'traje académico,' which includes a long black cape that served as the inspiration for the wizarding robes in the Harry Potter films.

Where did J.K. Rowling write Harry Potter in Porto?

J.K. Rowling is famously known to have written parts of the first book at the Majestic Café on Rua Santa Catarina. She lived in Porto in the early 1990s while teaching English.

Are there many hills on this Porto walking route?

Yes, Porto is a hilly city. This route is mostly manageable, but the section involving the Escadas do Codeçal is very steep and involves many stairs.

What is the best time of day for a self-guided walk in Porto?

Starting around 9:00 AM is ideal. This allows you to reach Livraria Lello right as it opens and visit the Majestic Café before the mid-afternoon rush.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Absolutely. Children often enjoy the 'magical' connections to Harry Potter, though parents with strollers should be aware that the Escadas do Codeçal stop is not accessible for wheels.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Uncover the enchanting secrets of Porto on this self-guided neighborhood stroll that winds through the city's most atmospheric literary corners. Porto is a city where history and imagination intertwine, serving as a profound inspiration for writers and dreamers for centuries. On this walking route, you will explore the historic Clérigos district, a neighborhood characterized by its stunning Neogothic architecture and narrow, winding streets that seem to have been plucked straight from a fantasy novel. This experience is perfect for those who want to discover the city independently, allowing you to pause for a coffee where legends were born or linger in the glow of a stained-glass window without the pressure of a group. The journey begins at the majestic Fonte dos Leões, where the winged lions whisper tales of mythical influence. From there, you will see the University of Porto, where the sight of students in traditional black capes provides a living link to the academic traditions that inspired some of the world's most famous wizarding uniforms. No literary walk in Porto would be complete without visiting the iconic Livraria Lello; often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, its crimson staircase and intricate wood carvings are a testament to the city's artistic soul. As you move toward the Jardim da Cordoaria and the dramatic Escadas do Codeçal, you will see how the city's unique topography and greenery have fueled centuries of storytelling. The route concludes at the Belle Époque masterpiece, the Majestic Café. This walking tour Porto offers a deep dive into the 'Harry Potter' connections that fans adore, but it also highlights the broader architectural and cultural history that makes Porto a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are a bibliophile, an architecture enthusiast, or a first-time visitor, this self-guided walk provides a flexible and immersive way to experience the magic of the city at your own pace.

Highlights

The 'Gryffindor' inspiration at Fonte dos Leões
Traditional academic capes at the University of Porto
The world-famous staircase of Livraria Lello
Whomping Willow vibes in Jardim da Cordoaria
Historic views from the Escadas do Codeçal
Belle Époque elegance at the Majestic Café

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Fonte dos Leões

Welcome to the Fountain of the Lions, or Fonte dos Leões. Built in the 1880s by a French company, this fountain features four winged lions surrounding a central obelisk. For fans of the wizarding world, these creatures may look remarkably familiar—they are often cited as a likely inspiration for the Gryffindor house crest. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto in the early 1990s, and it is easy to see how this striking landmark, located right in the heart of the university district, could spark a writer's imagination. Take a moment to admire the craftsmanship and the way the lions seem to guard the square.

2

University of Porto

Just steps away is the University of Porto. If you are lucky, you might see students walking by in their 'traje académico'—a traditional uniform consisting of a black suit and a long black cape. This isn't a costume for a special event; it's a centuries-old tradition. It is widely believed that these capes were the direct inspiration for the Hogwarts school robes. The university itself is a pillar of the city's intellectual life, and the sight of students draped in black against the historic stone buildings adds a timeless, scholarly atmosphere to the neighborhood.

3

Livraria Lello

Welcome to one of the most famous bookstores in the world. Opened in 1906, Livraria Lello is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau design. Look up at the stunning stained-glass ceiling and the iconic, winding crimson staircase. While the shop is often crowded, the detail in the carved wood (which is actually painted plaster!) and the shelves reaching toward the ceiling create an unparalleled atmosphere. While Rowling has clarified she didn't write the books inside the store, the resemblance to the magical shops of Diagon Alley or the moving stairs of Hogwarts is undeniable.

4

Jardim da Cordoaria

This park, officially the Jardim de João Chagas, is known for its unusual, bulbous plane trees. During the winter and early spring, their thick, twisted trunks and bare branches bear a striking resemblance to the Whomping Willow. The park is also home to several whimsical sculptures by Juan Muñoz, featuring figures caught in fits of laughter. It’s a peaceful green lung in the city center that captures the quirky, slightly surreal side of Porto’s urban landscape, providing a perfect transition between the bustling shops and the historic riverside.

5

Escadas do Codeçal

As you descend the Escadas do Codeçal, you are walking through layers of Porto’s history. These stairs wind down along the old Fernandine Wall, which once protected the city. The narrow passageways and sudden glimpses of the Douro River below offer a sense of the 'hidden' Porto. This area feels like a labyrinth, and it’s easy to imagine characters from a gothic novel disappearing around these corners. The contrast between the granite walls and the vibrant laundry hanging from balconies captures the authentic, gritty charm of the city’s oldest quarters.

6

Majestic Café

Our final stop is the Majestic Café on Rua Santa Catarina. Opening its doors in 1921, this is a prime example of Art Nouveau elegance, with its marble facades, ornate mirrors, and leather-upholstered booths. It was here, at these very tables, that J.K. Rowling reportedly spent many afternoons writing the first chapters of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' while working as an English teacher in Porto. Whether you stop for their famous thick hot chocolate or simply admire the facade, you are standing in a place where modern literary history was quite literally written.

Frequently Asked Questions

The literary route through the Clérigos district is the best choice. It covers the Fonte dos Leões, the University of Porto, and the Majestic Café, all of which are linked to J.K. Rowling's time in the city.