For all book-lovers out there, what could be more exciting than exploring the real-world settings of your favorite literary stories? From the hallowed grounds of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts to the bustling streets of the Famous Five’s Kirrin Island, there is an entire world out there, just waiting to be discovered. In this article, we will be looking at the best literary landmarks and tourist attractions every book-lover needs to visit at least once. So put on your traveling hat and get ready to explore an amazing literary journey!
1. Exploring the Classics: Touring the Greatest Literary Sites
The classics are an important part of our literary culture, and exploring the sites that inspired such classic creations is an incredible way to immerse yourself in literature. Here are some of the greatest sites to explore on your literary tour:
- Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace and home of William Shakespeare – visit the house where he was born, the former school he went to, and the beautiful gardens and river of his home.
- Homer’s Troy – explore the archaeological site rumoured to have inspired Homer’s The Iliad, and take a tour of the ancient city.
- Keith Thomas House – this is the former home of Jane Austen, and although it is not open to the public, it is possible to stand outside and imagine what life was like for the author.
Of course, there are great literary sites all around the world. In Europe, Paris is an essential destination, where the works of Hemingway, Proust and Voltaire were written. Also in France, the medieval village of St Jean-de-Luz invites visitors to explore family-run cafes and picturesque views that inspired Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables. Moving across the Atlantic there are plenty of sites in the US, such as Hawthorne’s home in Boston, and Poe’s home in Baltimore.
Finally, don’t forget about the connection between literature and wildlife! While visiting the natural world, you might encounter some of the creatures that inspired the classics. For example, Diomedes’ horses in Homer’s The Iliad, were inspired by the forests of Greece, and the moors of Scotland were the home of Stirling in Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley.
2. Across the Globe: Taking Literary Journeys of Discovery
Reading books can provide us with some of our most memorable experiences. It takes us on a journey through a world of ideas, characters, settings and concepts, giving us an opportunity to discover new and exciting things about ourselves and the world around us.
Exploring New Cultures and Perspectives
A great way to see the world through a different lens is by reading literature from different countries, cultures and histories. Books provide insight into different points of view, each with their own set of ideologies, beliefs and values.
Learning about different ways of thinking helps us understand and appreciate different cultures and can deepen our connection to the wider world. Literature can be used to bridge divides and broaden our perceptions of the world and its inhabitants.
Diving Into Unknown Waters
Exploring new books and genres can help broaden our horizons and open our eyes to new possibilities. Whether it’s an adventure story set in a faraway land, a drama about an unfamiliar culture or a love story set in different time period, each book can transport you to a new world.
- Discovering new stories
- Experience other cultures
- Broadening our outlook
Stepping into the unknown can be daunting but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By choosing to read books from around the world, we can travel to all kinds of places and times, which can ultimately lead to greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and places.
3. A Literary Roadmap: Where to Find Book Lover’s Paradise
Often the thrill of discovering great literature just adds to the charm of reading. So, why not set off on a literary journey to the cities that offer book-lovers a library that’s like a piece of paradise.
Vienna – the capital of Austria – is considered to be the literary capital of Europe. Start your literary journey in this wonderful city located at the banks of Danube. Explore the 21 literary destinations of Vienna such as:
- The House of Literature (a cultural venue offering literary readings, concerts and talks)
- KUNSTHALLE Wien (the art museum)
- 21er Haus (a modern and contemporary art gallery)
- Austrian National Library (the largest library in Austria)
Don’t forget to include the biggest independent bookshop in Vienna – Falter Verlag. Here you can find books from a variety of genres and subjects.
London – it is one of the literary capitals of the world. Visit the historical sites like Edgar Allan Poe’s Museum and The Wordsworth Memorial. Drop by the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum and explore a world of wisdom! Here you can find books of classical literature, philosophy, and history.
4. Discovering the World of Books: A Guide to Literary Landmarks
Reading opens the door to an entire world of literary landmarks, where one can visit cities, picturesque small towns, and faraway villages right from the pages of their book. For serious readers, a literary journey can be deeply rewarding – and there are plenty of destinations to explore. Here’s a guide to four must-visit spots, with something for everyone.
Fictional Towns: Whether they’re iconic locations like Magda, the small Argentinean town explored in José Sarmago’s novel Blindness, or places like Maycomb, Alabama, immortalized in Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, reading can transport you to new places. Imagine yourself exploring a fictional world directly from the pages of a beloved classic.
Writers’ Hometowns: Get to know writers by exploring the places that shaped their lives and works. Traverse the cobblestone streets of Salzburg – the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – reflected in the music of the Sound of Music and other works that center around the renowned composer. Or, stroll around the lush lime-tree gardens of Krakow, one of Nobel-Prize winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer’s beloved cities.
Literary Treks: If you’re in search of a longer journey, consider devoting your vacation to a literary trail. Paris, for instance, is a perfect destination for francophiles, with plenty of cultural and literary landmarks to discover. Explore the haunts of prominent writers, from iconic cafés to iconic bookshops. Alternatively, take a ‘Grapes of Wrath’ tour to discover the Depression-era landscapes that inspired John Steinbeck’s novel.
Bookstores: You don’t necessarily need to pull out a passport to seek out literary gems. For bibliophiles, a trip to a classic bookstore – like the Strand in New York or Shakespeare and Company in Paris – can be just as exciting. Browse its shelves and you’ll discover a trove of timeless stories just waiting to be read. From grand booksellers to local mom-and-pop shops, there’s always plenty to explore.
5. Seeing the Sites: Traveling to the Ultimate Literary Destinations
Traveling through the pages of your favourite literature? You can truly get the full experience by visiting the physical destinations throughout the world that inspired the greatest works of literature. From the Trevi Fountain of “Three Coins in the Fountain,” to the cities of “The Great Gatsby” and “Wuthering Heights,” here are the five ultimate literary destinations:
London, England. Home to the works of Charles Dickens, London is also home to Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and many other beloved literary characters. Visit the famous Westminster Abbey, where author Charles Dickens was laid to rest, or take a stroll through the foggy Victorian streets. Walk the bridge in Hyde Park where Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy confessed his love for Elizabeth Bennet. No matter what your favorite English literature work is, you’ll find something to remember in London.
Paris, France. Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Oscar Wilde famously made their homes in “The City of Light.” Explore the Latin Quarter neighborhood, where Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is set. From the luxurious nightlife of the Moulin Rouge to the cosmopolitan cafes frequented by Wilde and Hemingway, there is surely something that will spark your imagination. Explore its different cultures and sights, and you may even find your own romantic adventure.
Vermont, USA. Perhaps no author captures the unique beauty of the New England countryside like Robert Frost. Find inspiration on the grounds of his former home, located in South Shaftsbury, and take time to reflect on the rural landscape of glacial hills and valleys. Admire the rural farms and the Appalachian Trail, winding through small towns and unspoiled scenery, and it’s easy to see why Frost found peace in these rolling hills.
Venice, Italy. Step into the shoes of Frederic, the protagonist in “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and wander among the narrow alleyways and squares of Venice. Relish the vibrancy and energy of the Grand Canal, visit the gondolas, and do not forget to toss a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain. Throughout your journey, it will feel like you have stepped out of reality and right into the pages of a great novel.
Haworth, England. The town of Haworth is a timeless destination, harking back to the time of the Bronte sisters. Take time out to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which celebrates the lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. Later, grab your cloak and explore the rugged Yorkshire moors. This untamed landscape echoes the wild emotions and spirit of the Bronte novels, guaranteed to fill your heart with a sense of wanderlust.
Living in a world so rich with literature, it’s easy to forget that some of our favorite stories can be found in the very buildings that inspire them. From contemporary bookstores to ancient-world libraries, each destination offers the opportunity to explore an author’s legacy, and maybe even to discover their own. As the old saying goes, “the journey is half the adventure.” Where will your literary tour take you next?