The Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World! 🌎📚🥰

We were recently up in Porto, a city I absolutely love every time I’m there because I’m always discovering something new! This last trip, we finally visited the Harry-Potter inspired bookstore #LivrariaLello, which is known as the most beautiful bookstore in the world (FWIW, I am in agreement with that statement).

Livraria Lello is where author J.K. Rowling allegedly received inspiration for architectural elements for some of the famous Hogwarts scenery in Harry Potter. JK Rowling lived in Porto for a year and a half as an English teacher, visiting the bookstore on weekends (In 1991, Rowling visited Livraria Lello while working on the first Harry Potter book.).

Honestly, Porto is a city with such magical charm that it’s no wonder that the inspiration of the city's streets and places is visible in the novels. And Livraria Lello is a site to behold – stepping into the bookstore, I felt like I was entering a magical journey into the world of literature and architectural beauty. The bookstore's neo-Gothic façade and ornate interiors, featuring a stunning wooden staircase and stained glass are beyond breathtaking.

Jax was so inspired that he is now reading the Harry Potter series! 🤩🤩🤩 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1408856778/...

We also make a pit stop at my very favorite chocolate store in the whole world – Chocolataria Equador! This Portuguese artisan chocolate shop (also in Coimbra) is committed to sustainability, and offers a wide variety of unique chocolate products. I always make sure to stock up on my favorites when I can (white chocolate and passionfruit, milk chocolate with mango, among others)!

Finally, we go to Time Out Market Porto so I can catch up with my friend and classmate Kay. Time Out Market Porto claims to be where you can find the best of the city in one place: the best chefs and Michelin-starred cuisine! For you foodies out there, you will love the food in Porto! It only recently opened (May 2024!) and it is in the south wing of São Bento railway station, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There’s also a new landmark for the city: a 20-metre-high glass and iron structure, designed by Porto-born architect (and 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner) Eduardo Souto de Moura.

I ordered a dish from Fava Tonka, one of Portugal’s best vegetarian restaurants and it was delicious. The chef is Nuno Castro, the leading chef behind the Grupo do Avesso brand (including Terminal 4450, Esquina do Avesso and Sushiaria) who creates fun and intriguing dishes using mostly plant-based ingredients.

It was too quick a trip but it is always a fun time in Porto!

Enjoy the video! 😍😍

Live a youthful life like mine! 🤩❤️ Tips here in my book, "Whatever - How to Look Younger than Your Actual Age": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982245174/...

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WHO AM I: I’m Trish, a 53-year old Filipina-American now living in the Algarve, Portugal with my family. I make videos that show a glimpse of my life - how I try to stay youthful, remain positive, and fill my days with adventure-filled fun in Europe!

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