My husband and I came across this library as we were looking for a place to print out boarding…read morepasses. The staff was extremely helpful in explaining how to use their printing/computer system. You get a temporary library card (small ticket) with a number on it and then you can go use any of their computers. There are a number of computers throughout the library. We used one in a row across from the lower level help desk. The computers were older, so they were a bit slow, but they worked and the area was clean. When you want to print something, you figure out how many pages it will be, hit print and then go to the desk to pay. The prints are 7 cents/page. The staff then releases your print outs. Having a temporary card, you may need to enter another number (that the staff provides you with) before your printing is released. Beyond the printing, the library housed an art exhibit that was nice to explore. There are a number of tables for people to use and of course a good number of books.

It is really pretty inside but I'm not sure it's worth going in unless you go in the very early…read moremorning. We got tickets for the afternoon and still had to wait in line for quite some time. Once we finally got in, it was an absolute madhouse. You couldn't turn without bumping into anyone and as a result it was really hard to peruse the books they had.

Some people find this a magical place that they are convinced inspired J.K. Rowling to create her…read morevision of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. Others see it as the overcrowded, moneymaking result of its own publicity. Given Jamie W and I had to pay 12€ per person in advance to enter, I lean a bit more to the second camp, even though we appreciated the ornate combination of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, especially the stylized, curving red staircase in the middle (Photo 6). The staff credits the payment against a potential book purchase, but make sure you know what you want beforehand because casual browsing was nearly impossible given the streaming masses taking selfies. The bookstore dates back to 1906 but didn't become a heavy tourist magnet until the Harry Potter phenomenon exploded. Ironically, Rowling never took inspiration from this shop as she admitted not being aware of the bookstore while living as an English teacher in Porto in the early 1990's. If you can shift your perception of the space from a bookstore to the pure tourist attraction it has become, you may feel more satisfaction with a visit. As Instagrammable as it is, Jamie and I spent a mere fifteen minutes here. We were overcome by the swarms pouring in, even though the staff made a valiant effort in controlling the number of people at any given time. I really don't mean to discourage you from visiting. Just dial down your expectations of wizardry accordingly. RELATED - Exploring Porto? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/N4i04zdRK2

Beautiful University in Porto. This one located right at Carmo church plaza, not far from Lello…read morelibrary. I could go in only ground floor. Christmas tree was decorated and book store was at the end of the floor. Beautiful!

Universidade do Porto in Porto is an impressive and beautiful university and campus. This is one of…read morethose campuses and schools that makes you wish that you went to school there. I had a really good time being here and interacting with the university. This is an awesome school that has much to offer and it is fun.

A place to visit for the art lovers passing by Porto. Great DA in a very impressive building…read more Unfortunately I didn't visited the garden as it asked to pay for an extra ticket. Don't expect much from the library. Classic art books but nothing more On sunday morning the museum is free for everyone