From the Page to the Plane: A Book Lover’s Guide to Literary Destinations

Updated on January 26th, 2026

AD | If you have ever imagined what it would be like to visit some of the places described in your favorite novels, you are certainly not alone. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why literary travel has grown in popularity over the years. 

There is something magical about visiting the places that inspired beloved novels. It changes how you read those books forever and creates a deeper connection to the stories you already love. 

Europe’s Literary Gems

Between the centuries-old libraries, cobblestone streets, and the numerous landmarks, Europe offers countless ways to step directly into the pages of classic literature. 

United Kingdom

Head to the Charles Dickens Museum in London to see his writing desk and letters that show how he turned everyday London grit into stories like Oliver Twist. 

Over on Baker Street, you can stand where Sherlock Holmes’ cases unfolded, with plaques and a museum full of pipes and deerstalker hats that nod to Arthur Conan Doyle’s clever plots. 

Oxford is another must-visit, as it was home to J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who got many of their ideas while walking through the university’s quads and pubs. 

France

France has always been a magnet for writers, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, both of whom did much of their writing in local cafes.

Victor Hugo is another notable name. His novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was centered on the Notre-Dame Cathedral, making a visit to this Gothic masterpiece feel like stepping into his imagination. Walking along the Seine afterward, you can almost picture Esmeralda dancing on the steps. 

Ireland

Dublin has a strong literary identity. Therefore, there is plenty to see and do. 

Taking a walking tour inspired by James Joyce’s Ulysses is one of the highlights. Retracing Leopold Bloom’s journey through the city’s streets, pubs, and markets is quite remarkable, plus you get to grab a bite along the way. 

You should also make a stop at the Trinity College Library with its towering wooden shelves. It is a book-lover’s dream!

The Literary Side of North and South America

The literary scene in North and South America is diverse, and it is a hit among travelers who want to enjoy some literary history before boarding a cruise.

New York

New York has been central in countless books, including Edith Wharton’s Age of Innocence. Travelers have the chance to visit her home in Massachusetts and get a look into the society she captured so vividly.

If J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is one of your top picks, you can walk in Holden Caulfield’s steps from Central Park to Manhattan to see the same scenes described in the book firsthand. 

Massachusetts 

Massachusetts is where you can experience the magic of novels like Little Women. Walking through the rooms where the March sisters came to life is like stepping right into the 19th century. 

And if you make your way to Concord, you can also link yourself to thinkers like Thoreau and Emerson.

Cartagena

The colorful streets and colonial architecture of Cartagena in Colombia have a strong tie to Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez.

Paying a visit to this city puts you at the heart of the romantic energy of many of his books. The colorful balconies, bustling plazas, and views of the Caribbean Sea all appear in his stories. 

The city has preserved Márquez’s home, and local tours point out locations that inspired scenes in Love in the Time of Cholera and other works. 

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is often referred to as the “Paris of South America”, and for good reason.

As a book lover, you can look forward to beautiful bookshops like El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Browsing the shelves under these painted domes is something you will not soon forget, and you may want to pack an extra book bag because something will surely catch your eye. 

Jorge Luis Borges is also a big name here. His stories are filled with descriptions of the culture of the city, which you will get to enjoy firsthand for yourself.

Turning the Last Page

All of the novels that stick with us started with a spark of inspiration that was shaped by a house, people in a town, or a large city. It is a privilege to be able to see these places simply by jumping on a plane, getting in a car, or boarding a cruise.