Although Lissabon might be your first choice if you want to visit literary places in Portugal, Porto has some great things as well. Just be sure to check opening times so you won’t have to stand in front of a closed door at the museum of Romanticism, like I did.
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro – R. de Dom Hugo 32
This museum used to be the home of writer and painter Guerra Junqueiro. Don’t be discouraged by the first few rooms (which aren’t that literary), it gets better later on. I really liked how the paintings and texts of this artist where juxtaposed, it made for a good impression of his work.
Livraria Lello – R. das Carmelitas 144
Let’s be honest, this bookshop is practically the reason every booklover visits Porto. Its interior is truly amazing and the fact that it inspired J.K. Rowling for parts of Harry Potter helps some too. Before you can enter the bookstore, you have to buy a ticket a few doors down the street (so don’t stand in line immediately but buy the ticket first). When you buy a book you get the prize of the ticket as a discount. Oh, and please don’t be the kind of person who claims the staircase for ten minutes to get the perfect picture. We all hate that kind of person.
Confraria Vermelha Livraria de Mulheres – Rua dos Bragas
Porto has a feminist bookshop! I’m not gonna let that go unnoticed. They sell only books written by women. Also, they participate in cool events so make sure you check their calender!
Café Majestic – Rua Santa Catarina 112
True Potterheads really need to visit this place, because apparently this was the café where J.K. Rowling used to go when she lived in Porto. It’s a bit more expensive than other cafés in Portugal, but it has this classic Parisian vibe.
Restaurante Book – R. de Avis 10
This restaurant has books as its theme! Unfortunately they were completely booked (ha!) when I wanted to eat there, so I can’t tell you if the food is good, but the interior did look amazing. I’m really hoping I can go back to Porto one day so I can visit this restaurant.
BOOKSIEN 