Bury Your Nose in a Book in J.K. Rowling’s Favorite Hangout Spot<\/strong><\/h2>\nBuilt in 1906, the elegant bookstore Livraria Lello<\/a> is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal. It\u2019s also where famed Harry Potter<\/em> author J.K. Rowling would often go, enjoy a cup of coffee, and write when she was living and teaching in Porto in the early 1990s.<\/p>\nApparently, Rowling\u2019s favorite spot was on the second floor of the bookstore. A red, majestic-looking staircase connects the first and second floors of Livraria Lello, making the interior of the store look rather Harry Potter<\/em>-esque. In fact, rumour has it that the bookstore’s unique architecture inspired the depiction of the Flourish and Blotts Booksellers bookstore in the Harry Potter <\/em>movies.<\/p>\nEntering Livraria Lello costs \u20ac3, and be warned that you may have to wait in a bit of a queue, as the bookstore is fairly popular. I mean, who wouldn’t<\/em> want to hang out where J.K. Rowling used to write? This is truly where the magic happens!<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/29087647_172711346866005_3107081557853077504_n.jpg\")
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\ud83d\udcf7: paris_shin<\/p>\n
Climb to the top of a bell tower from the 1700s<\/strong><\/h2>\nLocated three minutes away from Livraria Lello by foot, the church Igreja dos Cl\u00e9rigos (\u201cChurch of the Clergymen\u201d) and its adjoining bell tower Torre dos Cl\u00e9rigos (\u201cTower of the Clergymen\u201d) are collectively known as one of Porto\u2019s defining landmarks.<\/p>\n
Entering the church and climbing to the top of the bell tower costs \u20ac6 total. Once you\u2019re at the top, you can see an an awesome view of the whole city so selfie sticks at the ready people!<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-tower.jpg\")
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\ud83d\udcf7: @claudiasofiaf<\/a><\/p>\nTaste One of Porto\u2019s Largest Exports<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019ve never had port, now is the time to try it! Any wine enthusiast will make sure to sample some Port wine in the drink’s birthplace. Porto is home to many wineries from which you can sample the sweet dessert wine. You can book a port tasting tour<\/a>\u00a0of which there are many. Alternatively, you can just do what I did and wander along the river until you find one that looks good – bottoms up!<\/p>\nFor those on a budget try\u00a0Casa Kopke<\/a>, this winery offers a tasting of Port or other wine for as little as \u20ac2.50. Also, for \u20ac17 per person, Kopke offered 4 glasses of different types of wine or Port that each came with their own chocolate pairings. Yum.<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-port.jpg\")
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\ud83d\udcf7: @coletteperl<\/a><\/p>\nEat <\/strong>a Francesinha (or six)<\/strong><\/h2>\nLiterally translating to \u201clittle French girl,\u201d the Francesinha is a meat lover\u2019s paradise. This decadent traditional Portuguese sandwich contains ham, sausage and steak, and is slathered in cheese and beer sauce.<\/p>\n
For our vegetarian friends, there’s also \u201ctosta de queijo,\u201d which is essentially a grilled cheese, but Portugal-ized (let’s pretend that’s a word!)<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/11386574_578901685584579_2024787241_n.jpg\")
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\ud83d\udcf7: @onuratalayyy<\/a><\/p>\nPeruse Mercado do Bolh\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\nOpen from 7 in the morning until 5 in the evening, this market not only boasts gorgeous architecture, but also a wide variety of olives, Port, cheese and produce for you to buy and take on the go, as well as souvenirs you can bring home to your family and friends after your trip. The market also contains a caf\u00e9 where you can sit to enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal, but I decided to instead take some olives, cheese, and mini bottles of port to the beach to have a PORTable wine tasting experience. Okay, okay, I\u2019ll stop, I swear.<\/p>\n
Speaking of the beach, though…<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-mercado.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7: @andreafp17<\/a><\/p>\nSoak Up The Sun at Praia do Matosinhos<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe beaches in and near Porto are either right near the River Douro, or are slightly farther out but easily accessible by train, all aboard!\u00a0 The first thing I did when I stepped off the plane was catch a train towards the beach and spent three hours laying out on Praia do Matosinhos, backpack and all.<\/p>\n
Although most of the beaches in and near Porto are lined with rocks, Praia do Matosinhos is a long, sandy stretch of beach. The largest beach you can easily get to from central Porto, Praia do Matosinhos is a popular spot among surfers.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a seafood lover, be sure to check out the numerous acclaimed seafood restaurants near Praia do Matosinhos while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-Porto-beach-875x875.jpg\")
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\ud83d\udcf7: @please_no_nicknames<\/a><\/p>\nCheck Out Porto\u2019s Six Bridges<\/strong><\/h2>\nPaddle or cruise your way around Porto on the majestic River Douro. Aside from being known for its Port export, Porto is also known for its six iconic bridges – Ponte de Dom Lu\u00eds, Ponte de Maria Pia, Ponte de Arr\u00e1bida, Ponte de S\u00e3o J\u00e3o, Ponte de Freixo, and Ponte Infante D. Henrique.<\/p>\n
Fun fact, Porto and its neighboring city Vila Nova de Gaia are collectively the only two cities in Europe to have six bridges, since the bridges start in Porto but span to Gaia.<\/p>\n
Traveling Porto by boat is the best – and probably the most fun – way to see all six bridges. You can either rent your own boat or reserve a spot on a\u00a0cruise that takes you around to see all six bridges.<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-bridge-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7: @camii.verissimo<\/a><\/p>\nTake a Walking Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\nPorto is full of stunning architecture and interesting street art. If boats aren\u2019t your thing, take it all in on foot. You can either just do this by yourself or with friends, or book a free walking tour<\/a> with a guide.<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/tings-to-do-in-porto.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7: @samichheng<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-art-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7: @starving_curly<\/a><\/p>\nTake a stroll through the Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal, or \u201cCrystal Gardens,\u201d is a lush, green, botanical garden with a stunning view of the Douro. Situated on top of a hill, the gardens are free to enter and are open from 8 in the morning until 9 in the evening.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/best-things-to-do-in-Porto-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Apparently, Rowling\u2019s favorite spot was on the second floor of the bookstore. A red, majestic-looking staircase connects the first and second floors of Livraria Lello, making the interior of the store look rather Harry Potter<\/em>-esque. In fact, rumour has it that the bookstore’s unique architecture inspired the depiction of the Flourish and Blotts Booksellers bookstore in the Harry Potter <\/em>movies.<\/p>\n Entering Livraria Lello costs \u20ac3, and be warned that you may have to wait in a bit of a queue, as the bookstore is fairly popular. I mean, who wouldn’t<\/em> want to hang out where J.K. Rowling used to write? This is truly where the magic happens!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: paris_shin<\/p>\n Located three minutes away from Livraria Lello by foot, the church Igreja dos Cl\u00e9rigos (\u201cChurch of the Clergymen\u201d) and its adjoining bell tower Torre dos Cl\u00e9rigos (\u201cTower of the Clergymen\u201d) are collectively known as one of Porto\u2019s defining landmarks.<\/p>\n Entering the church and climbing to the top of the bell tower costs \u20ac6 total. Once you\u2019re at the top, you can see an an awesome view of the whole city so selfie sticks at the ready people!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @claudiasofiaf<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never had port, now is the time to try it! Any wine enthusiast will make sure to sample some Port wine in the drink’s birthplace. Porto is home to many wineries from which you can sample the sweet dessert wine. You can book a port tasting tour<\/a>\u00a0of which there are many. Alternatively, you can just do what I did and wander along the river until you find one that looks good – bottoms up!<\/p>\n For those on a budget try\u00a0Casa Kopke<\/a>, this winery offers a tasting of Port or other wine for as little as \u20ac2.50. Also, for \u20ac17 per person, Kopke offered 4 glasses of different types of wine or Port that each came with their own chocolate pairings. Yum.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @coletteperl<\/a><\/p>\n Literally translating to \u201clittle French girl,\u201d the Francesinha is a meat lover\u2019s paradise. This decadent traditional Portuguese sandwich contains ham, sausage and steak, and is slathered in cheese and beer sauce.<\/p>\n For our vegetarian friends, there’s also \u201ctosta de queijo,\u201d which is essentially a grilled cheese, but Portugal-ized (let’s pretend that’s a word!)<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @onuratalayyy<\/a><\/p>\n Open from 7 in the morning until 5 in the evening, this market not only boasts gorgeous architecture, but also a wide variety of olives, Port, cheese and produce for you to buy and take on the go, as well as souvenirs you can bring home to your family and friends after your trip. The market also contains a caf\u00e9 where you can sit to enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal, but I decided to instead take some olives, cheese, and mini bottles of port to the beach to have a PORTable wine tasting experience. Okay, okay, I\u2019ll stop, I swear.<\/p>\n Speaking of the beach, though…<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @andreafp17<\/a><\/p>\n The beaches in and near Porto are either right near the River Douro, or are slightly farther out but easily accessible by train, all aboard!\u00a0 The first thing I did when I stepped off the plane was catch a train towards the beach and spent three hours laying out on Praia do Matosinhos, backpack and all.<\/p>\n Although most of the beaches in and near Porto are lined with rocks, Praia do Matosinhos is a long, sandy stretch of beach. The largest beach you can easily get to from central Porto, Praia do Matosinhos is a popular spot among surfers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a seafood lover, be sure to check out the numerous acclaimed seafood restaurants near Praia do Matosinhos while you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @please_no_nicknames<\/a><\/p>\n Paddle or cruise your way around Porto on the majestic River Douro. Aside from being known for its Port export, Porto is also known for its six iconic bridges – Ponte de Dom Lu\u00eds, Ponte de Maria Pia, Ponte de Arr\u00e1bida, Ponte de S\u00e3o J\u00e3o, Ponte de Freixo, and Ponte Infante D. Henrique.<\/p>\n Fun fact, Porto and its neighboring city Vila Nova de Gaia are collectively the only two cities in Europe to have six bridges, since the bridges start in Porto but span to Gaia.<\/p>\n Traveling Porto by boat is the best – and probably the most fun – way to see all six bridges. You can either rent your own boat or reserve a spot on a\u00a0cruise that takes you around to see all six bridges.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @camii.verissimo<\/a><\/p>\n Porto is full of stunning architecture and interesting street art. If boats aren\u2019t your thing, take it all in on foot. You can either just do this by yourself or with friends, or book a free walking tour<\/a> with a guide.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @samichheng<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @starving_curly<\/a><\/p>\n The Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal, or \u201cCrystal Gardens,\u201d is a lush, green, botanical garden with a stunning view of the Douro. Situated on top of a hill, the gardens are free to enter and are open from 8 in the morning until 9 in the evening.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nClimb to the top of a bell tower from the 1700s<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTaste One of Porto\u2019s Largest Exports<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nEat <\/strong>a Francesinha (or six)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nPeruse Mercado do Bolh\u00e3o<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nSoak Up The Sun at Praia do Matosinhos<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nCheck Out Porto\u2019s Six Bridges<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTake a Walking Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nTake a stroll through the Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/things-to-do-in-porto-station-875x875.jpg\")
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