15 Best Places in the World for Book Lovers
Every book lover gets excited at the sight of books as they hold worlds unknown, knowledge, and even secrets hidden in the past. Remarkably, there are many renowned sites with impressive collections of books and literature, including sites that pay homage to well-known authors, showing their creative processes and some of their items.
These fun spots beckon book lovers to explore their entirety, so buckle up as we take a world tour of some of the best places for Book lovers to visit!
Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Hay-on-Wye is located on the border of Wales and England. It’s famous as the “Town of Books” as there are more than twenty-five independent bookstores in this city. It organizes the world-renowned Hay Festival every June, when writers, intellectuals, and book lovers flock to Hay. Venturing through the cobblestone roads topped by amazing bookstores gives a familiar feeling of being in a fairy tale.
Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France
No trip to Paris can be complete without going to Shakespeare and Company. This genuine English-language bookstore on the shore of the River Guide is undoubtedly a paradise for all readers. Founded in 1951, it’s a venue of literature that has hosted many writers, such as Allen Ginsberg and Anaïs Nin. The quirky store, comfy chairs for reading, typewriters, and whimsy atmosphere help spark up creativity.
The Library of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Take a trip back in time at the Library of Trinity College in Dublin. The Long Room’s high wooden ceilings and numerous shelves of antiquated books evoke a sense of wonder as if you’re stepping into the pages of a fancy tale. The Book of Kells can be found here, a work that was written in about 800 AD.
Portland’s Powell’s City of Books, Oregon, USA
The biggest independent bookstore in the world is Powell’s City of Books in Portland. Boasting over a million books spanning the whole block, it’s a haven for every kind of reader. Have some coffee in the café and then get ready to be lost in its numerous aisles of books.
Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand
If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book series titled The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings, you’ll feel at home in Hobbiton. With its charming hobbit holes and lovely green hills, this movie set brings Middle-earth to life in New Zealand’s North Island. This unforgettable site is a fan favorite.
The British Library, London, England
As one of the biggest libraries in the world, the British Library in London currently collects, preserves, and makes accessible over 170 million items including manuscripts and first editions. These comprise the Magna Carta, Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks, and even the Beatles’ handwritten lyrics.
Bath, England
Fans of Literature love visiting Bath—the city in which Jane Austen lived and wrote. This Georgian city is famous for the Jane Austen Centre. Every year in September, the Jane Austen Festival encourages people to dress in Regency costumes and immerse themselves in Austen’s creations.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Perhaps one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Argentina used to be a theater. The painted ceiling, balconies, and original stage which is now a café, leave visitors breathless. Browse the books, enjoy a cup of coffee, and appreciate the magnificence of this remarkable cultural landmark.
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., USA
Not only is the Library of Congress the largest library in America but this building is also considered to be an artwork of American architecture. The building alone calls for admiration; with its magnificent reading rooms, columns of marble, and murals. Worthy of mention is the Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson book collection. A visit to this library is a journey to the historical core of literature.
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, USA
The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles appeared to be the final sanctuary of a somewhat disappearing wonder. Well-known for its book tunnels and other imaginative installations constructed from books, The Last Bookstore is a colorful, inviting environment for readers and bibliophiles. Upstairs, you can find a labyrinth of books that cost only a dollar, so it’s worth exploring for avid readers.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Book lovers will find their haven in Edinburgh where historic cobblestone streets meet a vibrant literary heritage. Best known as the “World’s first UNESCO City of Literature,” it is home to writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Visit the Writers’ Museum, appreciate the beauty of the Central Library, or attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Tokyo’s Jimbocho Book Town, Japan
Located in Tokyo, Jimbocho is an excellent place for lovers of second-hand books. With over 170 bookshops that range from rare books and antiques to modern Manga, it’s a haven for book lovers and opens doors to many different worlds.
Hemingway’s Key West, Florida, USA
The residence that once belonged to one of the greatest writers of all times, the noble Ernest Hemingway, is a must-visit for bibliophiles. The Spanish colonial-style house in which Hemingway lived is transformed into a museum, displaying his life, work, and creative process. No visit to the Hemingway House is complete without meeting the famous six-toed cats living freely on the premises: descendants of the author’s first pets.
Books & Books, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Books & Books is a pretty independent bookshop situated in the Caribbean island. Apart from its section of recommended books, it frequently hosts book author talks, book clubs, and poetry recitations. You can enjoy a good book while being soothed by the sound of the ocean.
The Winding Stair, Dublin, Ireland
The Winding Stair bookstore in Dublin is a delightful location in Ireland that sells food and books along the Liffey River. This charming store boasts a fantastic restaurant on the second floor, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and a good book.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
