For book lovers seeking literary-inspired travel destinations, there are numerous enchanting places around the world that offer opportunities to explore famous libraries, literary landmarks, and settings from beloved books. Here are ten travel destinations that are perfect for book lovers:
London, England
Visit the British Library, home to over 170 million items including the Magna Carta and original manuscripts by Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Explore iconic literary sites such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Charles Dickens Museum, and Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station.
Dublin, Ireland
Immerse yourself in the literary history of Dublin, birthplace of authors like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. Tour the Dublin Writers Museum, walk in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom from Joyce’s “Ulysses,” and visit Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Discover the UNESCO-listed Edinburgh Old Town, where you can explore the Writers' Museum dedicated to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Visit the Elephant House Cafe, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter series, and stroll along the Royal Mile.
Paris, France
Experience the romance of Parisian literature with visits to iconic bookstores like Shakespeare and Company and Librairie Galignani. Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and Fitzgerald in the Latin Quarter, and explore the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
New York City, USA
Explore the literary landmarks of New York City, including the New York Public Library, Strand Bookstore, and the former homes of famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain. Attend literary events at the iconic Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church or the Brooklyn Book Festival.
Tokyo, Japan
Dive into Japanese literature with visits to bookstores like Tsutaya Books in Daikanyama or the Jimbocho district, known for its extensive collection of new and used books. Explore literary sites such as the Ryōunkaku tower and Meguro Gajoen, which inspired the works of Natsume Sōseki and Haruki Murakami.
Prague, Czech Republic
Experience the magic of Prague’s literary scene with visits to the Kafka Museum, the Franz Kafka Monument, and the historic Strahov Library. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Town and imagine yourself in the world of Kundera and Hrabal.
Barcelona, Spain
Explore the vibrant literary scene of Barcelona with visits to landmarks like the Els Quatre Gats cafe, where Picasso and Gaudí used to meet, and the Biblioteca de Catalunya. Walk in the footsteps of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s characters in the Gothic Quarter and visit the Montserrat Abbey, a setting in Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose.”
Reykjavik, Iceland
Discover the rich literary heritage of Iceland with visits to landmarks like the Reykjavik City Library and the Icelandic Saga Centre. Explore the landscapes that inspired the Icelandic sagas, visit the homes of authors like Halldór Laxness, and soak in the cozy atmosphere of local book cafes.
Melbourne, Australia
Experience the literary culture of Melbourne, designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. Explore bookstores like Readings and The Paperback Bookshop, attend literary festivals such as the Melbourne Writers Festival, and discover hidden gems in the city’s vibrant laneways.
These travel destinations offer unique opportunities for book lovers to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite authors, discover new literary treasures, and connect with fellow bibliophiles from around the world. Whether you’re exploring historic libraries, wandering through literary neighborhoods, or attending book-related events and festivals, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for lovers of literature.
Which destination do you love to go?