One step into these whimsical places, and it's easy to see how these travel destinations are inspired by books that are some of the most cherished books of all time. If you have ever fantasised about experiencing the world of your favourite fictional characters, look no further than these incredible spots around the globe that have inspired some of the world's most fantastic literature. The whole universe exists between the covers of a good, lucky bit; some memorable tales are often deeply rooted in real locations. Even plots that take readers on an emotional and ultimately logical ride can also capture a cityscape or an entire country so richly that they both transport and inspire. This literary travel destination includes nine of the best destinations for book lovers across the globe, from little-known spots to famous places, all of which you may recognise as the setting for your favourite novels. From the snow-covered Alaskan mountains to Kenya's Ngong Hills, these literary destinations will bring your bookshelf to life. For Book lovers, the stories are not just about paper; they are the doorways to other worlds. Literature magic usually paints such massive landscapes that readers can almost feel the mist. And hear the laughter, while walking the cobbled streets described by their favourite authors.
What if you could stop inside those worlds for real? Across the globe, many destinations have inspired the legendary hills of Scotland that gave life to Harry Potter's Hogwarts, to the sunlit meadows of New Zealand's Hobbiton travel. These literary landmarks let you relive your favourite tales. You can wander through London's loggy alleys with Sherlock Holmes. You can roam the mysterious castles of Dracula's Transylvania, or sip tea in Kyoto's Gion district from Memoirs of a Geisha. Each description tells its own story, one that echoes the spirit of its book. Whether you're chasing fantasy, history, romance, or adventure, these 12 travel destinations inspired by books that will take you straight into the pages of the world's most beloved books, proving that sometimes the best journeys are the ones first written in ink.
1. Top Withens, West Yorkshire, England
Top Withens is a now-ruined farmhouse, a beautiful book-inspired travel location said to have inspired the Earnshaw family home in Emily Brontë's popular novel Wuthering Heights. Despite the farmhouse bearing no resemblance to the family home, the moorland ruin has a plaque affixed to the decaying walls noting that the farmhouse is linked with the novel. Top Withens and its surrounding countryside are famous destinations for both literature buffs and keen walkers alike. It's a reasonably easy walk ot the farmhouse, although be aware of some steep steps.
2. Warner Bros Studio Tour London
You can step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter travel spots with a journey across the U.K. You should take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, walk over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, where the Hogwarts Express ran, and explore the Great Hall of Oxford University, which inspired the interior of Hogwarts. Fans can also visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station to relive the iconic moments. JK is on every corner—the magic whispers. Rowling's magical universe is beautifully brought to life.
3. Hobbiton- Matamata, New Zealand
The rolling hills of Matamata in New Zealand bring Tolkien's Shire to life. Fans can even walk through the lush green meadows of Hobbiton, New Zealand, and travel through the village. You must complete with charming round doors, blooming gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn. The film set remains beautifully preserved, making it feel as if Bilbo and Frodo could appear at any moment. The site perfectly captures the warmth and simplicity of hobbit life. Guided tours offer behind-the-scenes stories, making this one of the world's most enchanting literary destinations.
4. Dracula's Transylvania Travel - Romania
Dracula's Transylvania in Romania brings Bram Stoker's Gothic story to life with its terrifying castles and misty landscapes. The famous Bran Castle, often called Dracula Castle, stands in the heart of the Carpathians and oozes mystery and charm. Explore Sighisoara, the medieval birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, and wander through cobbled streets and shady forests that echo ancient legends. It is a perfect place for those looking for history, horror, and haunting beauty.
5. Sherlock Holmes, London, England
London offers the ultimate detective trail for fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Begin at 221B Baker Street, now a fascinating museum dedicated to the great detective, then stroll past Scotland Yard and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, iconic to the stories. Explore Westminster, Piccadilly Circus, and The Sherlock Holmes Pub, where mystery and nostalgia meet. Every alley and foggy street captures Victorian London’s intrigue and intellect, immersing visitors in the timeless world of deduction and suspense of this literary heritage site.
6. Hunchback of Notre Dame, Paris, France
Victor Hugo’s masterpiece immortalised Notre-Dame Cathedral as the heart of medieval Paris. Standing before its gothic grandeur, visitors can almost hear Quasimodo’s bells ringing. Wander through Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter, where Hugo found inspiration for his novel. Paris’s cobblestone alleys, historical bridges, and timeless romance make every step feel like a poem of this beautiful travel destination inspired by books. The story’s emotion lingers in the city’s very air—a tribute to beauty, tragedy, and love.
7. Prince Edward Island – Canada
The picturesque landscapes of Prince Edward Island are the beating heart of Anne Shirley’s adventures. Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish welcomes visitors into Anne’s world, complete with forest trails, blooming meadows, and quaint farmhouses, making it a book-inspired travel destination. The red cliffs, gentle seas, and friendly locals mirror the warmth and innocence of Montgomery’s tale. Fans can attend Anne-themed festivals or simply bask in the natural beauty that inspired one of literature’s most beloved heroines.
8. Oxford, England, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Step into whimsical Oxford, where Lewis Carroll first spun tales of Alice. Explore Christ Church College, whose grand dining hall inspired the story’s fantastical imagery. Alice’s Shop, once frequented by the real Alice Liddell, sells delightful souvenirs. Stroll along the River Thames, where Carroll first told the story on a boat trip. Oxford’s dreamy spires and scholarly charm blur the line between imagination and reality—just like Wonderland itself, indeed a literary travel destination.
9. Florence – Italy (Inferno by Dan Brown)
Dan Brown’s Inferno turned Florence into a thrilling puzzle of art, history, and mystery. Walk in Robert Langdon’s footsteps through Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. The Dante’s House Museum offers insight into the real poet who inspired the novel’s journey through hell and redemption. Florence is a place from famous novels, a Renaissance beauty with its secret corridors and grand cathedrals, creating an atmosphere steeped in intrigue and enlightenment—perfect for literature and history lovers alike.
10. Dublin – Ireland (Ulysses by James Joyce)
Dublin is more than a city—it’s a living character in Joyce’s Ulysses. Every street, pub, and park echoes Leopold Bloom’s legendary daylong journey. Visit Sweny’s Pharmacy, the James Joyce Centre, and walk the Bloomsday Trail, travel destinations inspired by books to relive the novel’s rich tapestry of life. The city’s literary spirit, lively pubs, and charming Georgian streets make Dublin a must-visit for readers and dreamers alike.
11. Kyoto – Japan (Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden)
Experience the elegance of Kyoto, a literary travel destination, the setting for Memoirs of a Geisha. Stroll through the Gion District, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture still thrive. Wooden machiya houses, cherry blossoms, and tranquil temples create the ethereal ambience captured in Golden’s novel. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Pontocho Alley for glimpses of old-world Japan. Kyoto blends mystery, beauty, and artistry—a city where every step feels like turning a page in Sayuri’s story.
12. Cartagena – Colombia-Love in the Time of Cholera
Cartagena’s colourful colonial streets inspired the magical realism of Márquez’s timeless love story, a travel destination inspired by books. The city’s walled old town, vibrant plazas, and seaside promenades reflect the passion and melancholy of Love in the Time of Cholera. From the Cathedral of Cartagena to Getsemaní’s murals, every corner pulses with romance and nostalgia. Warm Caribbean breezes, music, and history make this city a poetic tribute to enduring love.
Literary travel destinations through the lens of literature offer a unique connection between imagination and reality. Visiting these destinations:
- Enhances your understanding of the books you love.
- Connects you to the history, culture, and ambience behind the stories.
- Provides a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and literary nostalgia.
Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh or exploring the palaces of Jaipur, each place from famous novels is a portal into a story that has shaped generations of readers. Literary travel transforms reading from a solitary experience into a living adventure.
1. Step Into the World of Your Favourite Stories
Book-inspired destinations let you relive the magic of your favourite novels. Whether it’s wandering the halls of Hogwarts or exploring the cobblestone streets of Sherlock Holmes’ London, you can experience scenes that once existed only in your imagination, making it one of the top literary travel destinations.
2. Connect Emotionally with Literature
Visiting real-world settings deepens your connection to the story and its characters. Standing where an author once drew inspiration can make you feel part of the narrative itself—a bridge between fiction and reality.
3. Discover Hidden Cultural and Historical Gems
Most literary travel destinations also hold immense historical and cultural value. Exploring them allows you to learn about local traditions, architecture, and legends that shaped the book’s backdrop.
4. Perfect Blend of Travel and Learning
Literary travel combines education, art, and adventure. You gain insight into classic literature while enjoying scenic landscapes and cultural encounters—ideal for curious minds and passionate readers alike.
5. Capture Unforgettable and Unique Experiences
Places from famous novels offer something extraordinary—tea at Alice’s Oxford, wine in Dracula’s Transylvania, or sunrise over Hobbiton. These moments create lasting memories that go far beyond ordinary tourism.
6. Inspire Your Own Creativity
Stepping into the worlds that inspired great authors often sparks creativity. Many travellers leave these destinations with a renewed sense of wonder, imagination, and even motivation to write their own stories.
7. Support Cultural Preservation and Local Tourism
By visiting book-inspired travel destinations, you help preserve literary heritage and support local communities that maintain these magical sites. Your journey helps keep stories alive for future generations.
Why BookMyBooking for Your Literary Travel Adventures
At BookMyBooking (BMB), we believe that travel should be more than just sightseeing — it should be a story you live. For every book lover who dreams of walking the same travel destinations inspired by books, BMB transforms those dreams into seamless, unforgettable journeys.
- Personalised Literary Itineraries: Whether it’s exploring Hogwarts-inspired Edinburgh, tracing Dracula’s legend in Transylvania, or stepping into Middle-earth in New Zealand, our team curates tailor-made travel experiences based on your favourite books.
- Hassle-Free Travel Planning: From flights and visas to accommodations and guided tours, BMB handles every detail — so you can focus on the magic of your literary travel destinations
- Storytelling Meets Exploration: Our unique packages combine rich storytelling with immersive experiences — guided tours, themed stays, and cultural encounters that bring every page to life.
- Trusted Global Network: With partners across central book-inspired travel locations, BookMyBooking ensures comfort, safety, and authenticity wherever your story takes you.
- For Readers Who Dream Beyond Pages: Whether you’re chasing fantasy in New Zealand, mystery in London, or romance in Paris, we turn your favourite fiction into a real-world adventure.
How BookMyBooking Can Help?
At BookMyBooking, we make literary travel effortless. From curated tours inspired by books to hassle-free booking of flights, accommodations, and guided experiences, we bring your favourite stories to life. Discover destinations that awaken your imagination and create memories that rival the adventures of your beloved characters.
Ready to turn pages into journeys? Book your next literary travel destination adventure with BookMyBooking and step into the worlds you’ve only dreamed of.