10 Awe-Inspiring Literary Destinations For Bookworms, According To Travelers

For book lovers, travel is often inspired by stories just as much as scenery and history. The places we read about, or the places where those stories were written, can form indelible marks on us — shaping how we see the world long before we ever visit them in real life. 

From grand palaces and cities that cater to book lovers to preserved houses and museums that celebrate classic novels, literary destinations offer travelers a chance to experience stories in a tangible way. That said, what makes a literary destination truly awe-inspiring isn't just its connection to a famous author or story, but the feeling it creates upon arrival.

Awe, of course, is often inspired by the sheer scale or beauty of a location, but it can also be the result of standing where a legendary character once stood, or realizing that one is quite literally walking through the middle of a favorite story. The destinations featured here appeal to bookish travelers who plan trips around feelings as much as sightseeing. They're places that spark reflection, ignite the imagination, and often leave visitors feeling small in the best possible way. These 10 awe-inspiring literary destinations help bookworms step into the stories that have shaped their lives.

In a European city steeped in literary history — everyone from Oscar Wilde to Bram Stoker to Samuel Beckett attended Trinity College Dublin — Davy Byrnes Pub still manages to stand out. Immortalized in James Joyce's "Ulysses," the pub is arguably one of the most important literary landmarks in all of Europe. It's a pilgrimage site for readers, like myself, who want to trace Leopold Bloom's famous journey through the city. 

This iconic 1922 novel transformed an ordinary Dublin bar into a destination that book lovers from around the world seek out with reverence. Joyce famously placed Bloom's gorgonzola sandwich and burgundy wine lunch here, and the restaurant still celebrates Bloomsday each June 16. Sure, Davy Byrnes is decidedly beautiful — with gorgeous tilework and a stunning painted ceiling — but the awe-inspiring factor here lies in its cultural legacy.

Walking inside feels like quite literally stepping into "Ulysses." For Joyce fans, simply sitting at the bar can feel momentous — I know, I've done it, and it was a magical moment for this former English major. Beyond its literary gravitas, Davy Byrnes is very much alive. The pub regularly hosts live music and is also known for its exceptional service and delicious menu. Art lovers will also enjoy a stop here, as nearly every corner features artwork or Joyce memorabilia. Davy Byrnes earns its place on this list by proving that literary awe can come from standing exactly where a story unfolded, and realizing how powerfully books can anchor us to real places that exist in the middle of everyday life.

Known around the world as the "Town of Books," Hay-on-Wye is somewhat mythical to book lovers. With about 30 independent bookstores packed into a tiny Welsh town of roughly 1,675 residents, Hay-on-Wye offers a mind-boggling experience for reading enthusiasts. It's something of a fantasy to walk down streets where former castles and fire stations are now filled entirely with books, and it's even possible to spend an entire weekend there without visiting the same shop twice. 

What makes Hay-on-Wye truly awe-inspiring is the astounding concentration of literature in such a compact setting. For example, Richard Booth's Bookshop — eponymously named for the man who turned the village into a book lover's dream — stocks more than a million books at any given time. For travelers who love browsing dusty shelves, discovering out-of-print titles, or even stumbling across antique maps, the town is a must-see destination.

Hay-on-Wye's premier annual event is the Hay Festival, one of the world's largest literary events, attracting about 150,000 people. For 11 days each year, celebrated authors, poets, Hollywood A-listers, and readers gather here for talks, readings, and discussions that transform this quiet village into a global bastion of culture. Over the years, attendees have enjoyed forums with stars like Carrie Fisher, Jude Law, Goldie Hawn, and Dame Judi Dench, among many others. For bookworms, Hay-on-Wye is more a pilgrimage than an event — one that readers in online book communities regularly describe as a bucket list destination.

Appearing in centuries of travel writing, novels, and British colonial-era literature — including David Livingstone's "Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa," and later adventure fiction by authors like H. Rider Haggard and Wilbur Smith — Victoria Falls has long inspired writers with its massive scale and raw, unbridled power. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "The Smoke That Thunders," the waterfall's incredible roar, misty atmosphere, and huge curtain of water combine to create a real-life scene that feels ripped directly from the pages of a classic adventure novel. Stretching more than a mile wide and plunging into the dramatic Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls is awe-inspiring by any standard.

Considered among the largest waterfalls on Earth, visiting Victoria Falls is a treat for the senses. The sight, sound, smell, and feel of the spray capture the wonder (and risk) that writers have tried to portray on the page for generations. Authors, explorers, and poets have long been drawn to it for both its beauty and its danger. Travelers, meanwhile, frequently write about being overwhelmed by the sheer power of the falls, describing the experience as both humbling and unforgettable.

This African destination is a prime example of the untamed grandeur of nature at its most untouched. For literary-minded travelers, visiting the falls feels like stepping into the first chapter of a grand adventure along the lines of "The Jungle Book" or "Robinson Crusoe," and it offers the realization that some places are every bit as powerful in real life as they are in books.

Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, Shakespeare's Globe offers book lovers the incredible opportunity to have literary encounters as they were originally intended to be experienced. Although the original theater used by William Shakespeare's troupe, Lord Chamberlain's Men, famously burned down in 1613, today's facility is a remarkable reconstruction. While it is not an exact replica of the original Globe, the performances that take place here are true to Elizabethan culture: actors are not mic'd, and the audience stands in open-air galleries, just like spectators did centuries ago. For bookworms, what makes Shakespeare's Globe truly awe-inspiring is that it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the place that arguably shaped modern literature and theater as we know it.

Iconic Shakespeare plays like "The Tempest," "As You Like It," "Julius Caesar," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet" were all performed here when the playwright was alive, and Shakespeare's Globe continues to offer performances of these and other plays to this day. Shakespeare's influence on literature is immeasurable, serving as the foundation for various modern novels and poetry to film and theater productions worldwide. 

Beyond his work, Shakespeare's personal life is also a topic of much fascination, with 2025's critically acclaimed "Hamnet" — based on the 2020 novel by Maggie O'Farrell — exploring what would have happened if his young son hadn't died. For bookworms like myself, the Globe is more than a cultural landmark, offering travelers the unique chance to walk where one of the most influential figures in modern storytelling, language, and performance spent his days. I personally found this space to feel charged with history, and one almost expects Shakespeare and his men to walk onto the stage at any moment.

Widely believed to be one of the most beautiful bookstores on Earth, Livraria Lello is awe-inspiring from the moment visitors set foot inside. This architectural gem opened in 1906 and has been delighting visitors ever since. A combination of Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles means that book lovers are met with intricate inlaid wood floors, stained glass ceilings, and a stunning, curved central staircase that looks straight out of an Elven fantasyland. The space itself is a dream come true, even before bookworms begin browsing the shelves. Though there is a wide selection of texts by Portuguese authors, the store also stocks books in multiple languages, and the ornate design of the space invites travelers to soak it all in and take their time perusing. Many "Harry Potter" fans speculate that this bookshop served as the inspiration for Hogwarts.

Livraria Lello has become a must-see destination for readers from around the world because it puts books on a pedestal in a space that feels like a museum. There are few locations where literature is celebrated as thoughtfully, and many travelers often find the space "beautiful and enchanting," as one Tripadvisor reviewer recently noted.

This beauty, however, means the location is quite popular. As a result, a ticketed entry system has been instituted, with levels that range from a "Gold" ticket — which includes a souvenir book — to a "Platinum" level that allows patrons to enter the bookstore's Gemma Room, which houses rare books and first editions. For any bookworm in Porto, Livraria Lello offers the unique and fantastic experience of turning the seemingly simple act of buying a book into something that feels quite reverent.

Few literary destinations are as emotionally powerful as the Anne Frank House. This preserved canal-front home in Amsterdam allows visitors to walk through the real-life setting of "The Diary of a Young Girl," which is believed to be second only to the Bible in readership worldwide. Inside, visitors can see the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid alongside Fritz Pfeffer and the Van Pels family for over two years during World War II. 

What makes this site so profound is not its physical appearance, but its emotional impact. The narrow stairways, small rooms, and hidden door behind the bookcase make Anne's life tangible in a way that reading alone simply can't. Anne famously decorated her tiny bedroom with personal photos and images of movie stars, and seeing it in person is a stark reminder that, despite her impact on global society at large, she was just a child when she wrote her now-famous journal. 

For readers who first encountered Anne's literary voice in grade school, standing in the space where she wrote is rather overpowering. The house forces visitors to live with the uncomfortable contrast between Anne's largely optimistic writing and the horrific circumstances under which her diary was written. The Anne Frank House is awe-inspiring not because of grandeur, but because it exists at the intersection of humanity and the Holocaust, one of the most tragic events in human history. Bookworms and history buffs who come here will undoubtedly leave changed. Although Anne herself passed away at Bergen-Belsen, her story continues to inspire and inform generations of readers. Incredibly, the Anne Frank House has been voted the No. 1 experience in Amsterdam by nearly 70,000 travelers on Tripadvisor.

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library celebrates the life, work, and lasting relevance of an author who undeniably helped redefine 20th-century fiction. Located in Indianapolis, Vonnegut's hometown — and one of the Midwest's most popular tourist destinations — this museum immortalizes his famously satirical and socially conscious writing in the city that shaped his worldview. For readers who grew up with "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Cat's Cradle," and "Breakfast of Champions," it's a must-visit spot where themes like morality, free will, war, and social responsibility remind visitors that Vonnegut's voice remains important decades after his death.

Unique artifacts, letters, first editions, and exhibits exploring Vonnegut's experiences — including his time as a prisoner of war in Dresden during WWII — help visitors understand the context behind his most well-known novels. The space also serves as a local cultural center with regular readings, lectures, and educational programs that reinforce Vonnegut's belief in civic engagement. Visitors to the museum are doing more than learning about a famous author, but becoming part of the ongoing societal conversation that starts in the pages of his books. 

When people I know visit my home in the Indianapolis area, this is a spot I frequently take them to. No matter where they're from, their reaction to seeing the Vonnegut Museum and speaking to the staff is the same: "Wow." For bookworms of all ilks, it proves that a place doesn't have to be ancient or decadent to be awe-inspiring. Sometimes, the most moving sites are those that challenge readers and provoke change long after a novel is finished.

Dedicated to one of the world's first novels, "The Tale of Genji," this literary museum offers book lovers the rare opportunity to step into one of the earliest examples of long-form narrative fiction. Written more than a thousand years ago by Murasaki Shikibu, "The Tale of Genji" shaped Japanese literature and storytelling for centuries, and its influence still extends to Asian, European, and North American fiction today. Located in the historic city of Uji, near Kyoto, the museum sits near a number of ancient locations — including the Uji Bridge that appears in the novel. Uji as a whole, and the museum in particular, bring the world of "The Tale of Genji" to life in vivid fashion, and the experience inside is at once meditative and interactive.

Carefully curated displays, recreated scenes from the text, and examples of vehicles, clothing, and buildings from the era help visitors immerse themselves in Japan's courtly splendor during the Heian period. Widely considered a golden era of Japanese culture, the exhibits at The Tale of Genji Museum reflect that glamour. For literary travelers, there is nowhere else in the world that so literally connects with the birth of the novel as an art form. Standing in Uji, it feels possible, if only for a moment, to step back a full millennium and experience long-form written storytelling as it initially emerged. 

Travelers on Tripadvisor praise the interactive nature of this museum, noting that it is extremely immersive for all ages. Rather than overwhelming guests with information and facts, this well-designed space encourages visitors to literally place themselves inside the world of the novel.

The City Palace Museum in Udaipur is easily among the most visually awe-inspiring literary destinations in India. Built over four centuries by the rulers of the Mewar dynasty, the palace complex features courtyards, ornate balconies, incredible tile work, and intricately decorated rooms that seem destined to serve as the background for fascinating stories. Thus, it's no surprise that the City Palace frequently appears in Indian literature and historical novels set in Rajasthan. Karen Knorr's "India Song" prominently features the palace, while Rudyard Kipling's classic "The Man Who Would Be King" celebrates Rajasthan's royal line. Overall, the place feels unmistakably literary, as if each room could serve as a turning point in a novel. 

The palace's location overlooking Lake Pichola adds to the storybook feeling, and visitors can enjoy panoramic water and city views while pretending they're the main character in their own tale of courtly intrigue. Travelers from around the world have described the palace as "magnificent" on Tripadvisor, with others writing that the crystal gallery, which also features a collection of royal memorabilia, is nothing short of breathtaking.

Udaipur is often called the "Most Romantic City in India," and it's easy to see why after walking the halls of this gorgeous royal residence. Today, in fact, some nominal royals still reside in private areas within the palace complex. The public portion of the City Palace, however, serves as a museum that's filled with historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and other cultural treasures. All in all, it's a literary location where the written word, architecture, history, and imagination come together to create an incredible destination.

Few literary destinations in the world inspire the same sense of wonder as the Shire. Situated amid New Zealand's lush green landscape, about two hours outside of Auckland, Peter Jackson's Hobbiton Movie Set brings J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" novels to life. Travelers who come here find themselves surrounded by one of the most beloved fictional worlds ever penned. 

The beautifully designed hobbit holes, winding pathways, gardens, and landmarks like Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn are so realistic, it's as if characters like Frodo and Sam might return at any moment. As such, the real-life Hobbiton feels lifted directly from Tolkien's vivid writing — creating an emotional connection for readers from the moment they arrive. For bookworms, this literary destination feels like far more than a film set. 

Even though "The Hobbit" was published in 1937, Tolkien's fantasy really took off once "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" first hit the stands in 1954. It was followed shortly by "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King" over the course of a single year, and "The Silmarillion" concluded the saga in 1977, four years after Tolkien's death. As a whole, the Shire easily earns its place on this list by offering some of the world's most passionate fans the chance to step into their beloved epic story in real life.

This guide was put together using a combination of official websites for each location, along with official tourism resources for Dublin and Kyoto. From there, additional context and traveler insights were sourced from established publications such as History Extra, Design My Night, One Girl, Whole World, Wonderful Museums, the BBC, "National Geographic," and Culture Tourist. Finally, platforms like Tripadvisor and Reddit also assisted by providing insights and tips from real-life travelers.