Every single detail of the architecture of Livraria Lello Porto captures Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic features. The details of the building are not the only thing striking, there’s also an astonishing staircase that is capped with a glass ceiling. Porto is now one of the cities I wish to visit, especially after seeing the pictures of the astounding Livraria Lello, so I thought we could put together some tips on getting tickets, queueing, and maximizing your stay in this vast and amazing bookstore.
Are you in the buzz about JK Rowling and the Harry Potter saga? Rumors that have constantly been in the air will tell you that this in fact is the place where she drew her inspiration for Hogwarts exactly like she said that she hasn’t been to Portugal her entire life. In this text I want to share with you and tell you more about the unique architecture that Livraria Lello is known for along with its cultural impact and also plan your visit with my tips.
We wanted to point out that there are only two ways to obtain tickets for Livraria Lello. The first option is to buy a ticket for a walking city tour which includes Livraria Lello’s skip-the-line entrance, or you can book the tickets directly from the Library’s website and choose the preferred time you want to go. The Library website can be a little confusing, but we will cover how to navigate that below.
Exploring the Enchantment of Livraria Lello: A Porto Gem
Considered the Lello Bookshop, attracting tourists’ and local people’s attention all over the world, it has spectacular architectural design elements that instantly induce a nostalgic feeling. This feeling comes from an era where books and newspapers served as the key vehicles for communication and public discourse. The world’s most renowned bookstores, Livraria Lello captivates everyone with its floating staircase, dark wood bookshelves, stained glass ceilings as well as ornamental ceilings and carvings. An ambiance one would be hard pressed to forget.
The Architectural Bewilderment of Livraria Lello
Taking a walk into any part of Livraria Lello brings vividly attuned admirers into a world of wonder. Designed by the Lello brothers alongside architect Francisco Xavier Esteves, it was ahead of its time. It is also Porto’s one of earliest buildings to employ reinforced concrete on its skeleton.
A very recognizable testament of the store is its oversized stained-glass skylight containing the motto of Lello – ‘Honour in Work’. It is impossible to miss from the staircase and holds dominion over the area at the top of the stairs.
How to Visit Livraria Lello Bookstore
As a bookstore in the heart of Porto, it’s hard to match the charm of stepping into Livraria Lello, even for a non-Harry Potter reader. We went to Livraria Lello for the first time this spring and I can confidently say we were ready this time, but we wish we had a few guides so we could beat the lines and avoid crowds.
Our #1 Tip: The Golden Ticket Advantage
The Golden Ticket Voucher is excellent for anyone looking for an effortless trip to the renowned bookstore. It comes with priority access, a reserved book of your choice, and no waiting in lines.
Last year, we visited Porto without any prior knowledge of the city’s features. This time around, we made sure to get the golden ticket. We booked the very first entry and got the 9 am slot, allowing us to take a few pictures without anyone else—a true marvel considering the rest of the day is an unending scramble of people. I honestly don’t get why people don’t book this ticket, especially because it’s only 8 euros more than the General Admission.
We also discovered that when purchased as online tickets, the Golden Ticket gives you a choice of Romeo and Juliet or The Art of War, and even if you select one of these two options, you’re free to change your mind and select any book from the store that costs €15.90, the price of our Golden Ticket. You can also pay the difference if you want a larger, more expensive book.
How To Get Around the Website
As previously stated, the website navigation was quite bothersome. Below are the instructions that will assist you in online ticket purchasing.
To start with, select Ticket Voucher Gold for these reasons.
While checking out, there are numerous books offered by the booth that you will need to select a candidate book from. You can pick either one and you can change it at the bookstore itself if you like. For instance, during checkout, we picked The Little Prince and Selected Grimm’s Fairy tales.
In the step that states “add it to your cart”, make sure you choose the right time that works for you, or is less busy during the day. For best results, choose either around meeting times such as early morning or around closing for the facility. Crowds and congestion reduce around these hours and just make sure that if you have multiple tickets, you check “apply to all vouchers”.
Next, create an account or click on register as a guest option. In our case, we did not run into any issues so we just registered as guests. Go on and fill in all the needed details for every ticket holder.
Ensure you keep these documents in your vehicle ahead of time. This way, once the payment process is done, you can promptly check the email and tickets claiming that it was successful. The tickets should be the second email received after registration. These too must be carried on your device so presentation should be simple and effortless at the entrance.
Recall that tickets for the Lello bookstore are offered for purchase by Liveria Lello weeks or even months ahead of time. This means that you should book your tickets as early as possible if you intend to travel during specific dates.
Times of the Year Livraria Lello is Less Crowded
It is apparent from the results of surveys performed online that Livraria Lello has become increasingly famous over the years, which is why the grand Lello often receives very high volumes of visitors. In any case, Livraria Lello does get quite busy. You can find a way to deal with the rush for the Livraria and get everything you need. As stated, during the spring and autumn seasons, the frequency is lesser and the circulation during the Livraria is lesser. During the times when the store is less busy, there are numerous options available to choose from. While tickets can be purchased directly at the Lello’s bookstore adjacent ticket office, to guarantee better chances of booking your desired time, we recommend purchasing online. Purchase your ticket online to avoid overcrowding the store while waiting in line.
If you want to visit as soon as the store opens, the absolute best time would be first entry at 9 am. If grabbing this time is not feasible for you, arriving an hour before closing around 6 pm on a sleepless Saturday evening, or during lunch and quiet weekday afternoons are good alternatives.
One former employee recalls a patron asking at what time is best to walk through without a crowd, the answer he was given was 3 pm weekday in February.
Unveiling the Harry Potter Mystique at Livraria Lello
Harry Potter fans from all over the world visit Livraria Lello because of its rumored association with the book series, which adds to its charm beyond the exquisite beauty and history of the site. It is no surprise that JK Rowling spent most of her free time in Porto in the early 1990s, where she taught English as a foreign language, visiting cultural landmarks such as Livraria Lello.
It is true that there are profound ties between JK Rowling and Porto. However, the author has claimed on numerous occasions that she never visited the bookstore during her stay in the city. That being said, claims continue to circulate of Rowling spending what can only be described as “endless hours” in the Lello bookstore purchasing multiple books.
The Hogwarts Likeness: Fact or Fiction?
JK Rowling may not have written portions of the first Harry Potter book at Livraria Lello, but the store’s Gothic architecture does fit nicely with her descriptions of the library at Hogwarts. The Neo-Gothic staircase at Livraria Lello, a Harry Potter themed bookstore, is believed by many to be the inspiration for Hogwarts’ moving staircases. With the Livraria Lello staircase in front of us, it’s hard to comprehend how this particular bookstore didn’t inspire Rowling’s imagination.
A Complete Experience at Livraria Lello
The visit to Livraria Lello is a journey in and of itself. The book, noticed around the world (and praised by The Guardian and Lonely Planet) is famous not just for its gleaming reputation, but also its beautifully intricate design which houses the scalloped elevators reminiscent of Rome’s chapel Sistine. The wizarding world floating Network brings to mind the bookshop Flourish and Blots, housed in the wizarding world.
Lello’s Brothers Legacy
The story goes that José and António Lello started a cultural icon in Porto by the name of “Livraria Lello”.
Chroniclers claim that the brothers José and António started with the moto “decus in labore”, a family high-end retail business selling books, silk fabrics, and music. The Concordia Theater in Porto marking the seat of the Municipal Library was opened.
Alongside the development of the exhibition system in the region, the brothers Lello decided to procure new excelsior and refreshed the old mapping by adorn with models of tea drawn Amazonian international hub, Italy, Glasgow someone friendly.
Are constructed using blind amounts different from parallel Spelman Pie.
All throughout Porto, as well as outside when people think of the cultural capital of Portugal, they immediately think of The Livraria Lello, which has single handedly brought…
Your Questions Answered
Your Questions Answered
Following our trip to Portugal, we have received myriad questions about visiting the library and its relevance, including its ties to Harry Potter. In an effort to make it easier for you, we have answered the questions provided below.
Is Livraria Lello the most beautiful bookstore in the world?
Undoubtedly, Livraria Lello is regarded as one of the most beautiful bookstores around the world because of its stunning intricate decor and unique architectural design.
Did JK Rowling write Harry Potter at Livraria Lello?
JK Rowling has mentioned that she did not go to Livraria Lello during her time in Porto, but we choose to believe otherwise.
Is Livraria Lello the inspiration for Hogwarts in HP?
Although the interior of Livraria Lello is more likely to mimic Hogwarts, it has not been confirmed or denied as the direct inspiration for the series.
How should I visit Livraria Lello?
To make the most out of your time at Livraria Lello, it is advisable to either purchase tickets in advance online or consider a city walking tour that offers skip-the-line access. Thank you for your understanding!
What’s included in the Golden Ticket at Livraria Lello?
The Golden Ticket offers exclusive benefits such as complimentary access to a reserved book, priority entrance to the store, and exclusive queue bypass privileges. Enjoy your visit!
Why You Should Visit the Lello Bookstore
With the appeal that Livraria Lello has to offer, there is no complete definition of a bookstore. For one, it houses incredible features such as an architectural gem, a Porto cultural hotspot, as well as the sophisticated living symbol of the city’s intellectual side. If you happen to fall into any category of a passionate reader, an architecture lover or even a Harry Potter book aficionado, you can be rest assured that Livraria Lello would provide you with an experience that not only stands the test of time, but also tells a story of artistry, innovation and the intellectual vigor of humankind.
Plan your trip to Livraria Lello in Porto with these additional resources.
Read Next: Where to Stay in Porto: A Complete Guide For Your First Visit
