Books aren’t just stories for others—they’re portals to other worlds. In recent years, more readers have been making their love of books a reality. This is what they call literary tourism, where readers come to the locations that inspired or were written about in their favorite books. Let’s go to 10 destinations where traveling and books meet. 10 Real Travel Destinations Inspired by Iconic Books.
No matter if you’re seeking Scotland’s magic or Italy’s love, literary travel destinations inject meaning into your trip. To literature lovers, these places are not just vacation spots—they are pages to be lived.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
J.K. Rowling penned much of the Harry Potter series within this enchanted city. Tourists can visit The Elephant House café and browse the city’s gothic streets that recall Diagon Alley.
2. Paris, France
Victor Hugo’s masterpiece comes to life in Paris’ streets. From the Latin Quarter to the magnificent Notre-Dame, the city is a walk through history and literature.
3. Verona, Italy
Shakespeare’s timeless love tragedy and romance draws tourists to Juliet’s home with the iconic balcony that is romantic legend.
4. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Visit the rolling hills and quaint farmhouses that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s own romantic novel about Anne Shirley and her adventures.
5. Kolkata, India
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore brought the spirit of Kolkata to life in his books. Witness the cosmopolitan culture of this city, backdrop of most of his thought-provoking novels.
6. St. Petersburg, Russia
Ramble through the squalid backstreets and canals where Dostoevsky’s troubled protagonists wrestled with good and redemption.
7. Oxford, England
Philip Pullman’s fantasy novels borrow heavily from the architecture and mood of Oxford, a city rich in myth and learning.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Murakami’s novel captures the spirit of Tokyo—modern yet melancholic. The city provides the perfect setting for fans seeking to relive the story’s introspective mood.
9. Savannah, USA
John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil brought this Southern city to fame for its quirky charm and hauntingly beautiful elegance.
10. Agra, India
Experience the romance and loveliness of the Taj Mahal, as featured in John Shors’ historical fiction.
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