Literary Journeys Are Changing The Way We Travel: 10 Bucket-List Destinations Inspired By Famous Novels

NDTV

2 days ago

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Explore 10 real-life destinations that inspired iconic novels, from Sherlock Holmes' London to Harry Potter's Edinburgh. Experience the charm of Verona, the beauty of Prince Edward Island, and the allure of Paris, each steeped in literary history.
Some books don't just tell a story — they make you feel like you've actually been somewhere. You can almost smell the rain-soaked streets of Victorian London, feel the sun on a Tuscan hillside, or hear the buzz of 1920s New York. That's the power of a great setting. And in some cases, those spots exist off the page, too. Literary travel isn't about chasing fictional ghosts — it's about connecting with the unique places that sparked a writer's imagination. From classic novels to pop-culture giants, here are 10 real-life holiday destinations tied to some of the most iconic works of fiction ever written.
Here Are 10 Best Holiday Destinations That Inspired The World's Most Famous Novels:
1. London, England — Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
London isn't just a backdrop for Sherlock Holme s — it's practically a supporting character. From the foggy lanes of Baker Street to the gas-lit alleys of Soho, Holmes' world is alive in today's capital. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at the iconic 221B, browse first editions at Daunt Books, or follow Holmes-themed walking tours that trace his adventures across landmarks like the Royal Opera House and the Embankment. The original stories, first published in The Strand magazine in the late 19th century, changed the detective genre forever — and turned Victorian London into a place of cunning intellect and sinister charm. Even now, it feels oddly fitting to read Holmes on the Tube, glancing up suspiciously at fellow passengers.
2. Paris, France — The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Say what you will about The Da Vinci Code, but Dan Brown didn't just write a thriller — he redefined Paris tourism for a whole new generation. The novel's dizzying mix of art history and conspiracy theories weaves through some of the city's most iconic locations, from the Louvre Museum to Saint-Sulpice Church and beyond. Sure, it's heavy on the melodrama, but the thrill of standing in front of the Mona Lisa, knowing Robert Langdon sprinted past the same spot, is undeniable. Plus, Paris is never a bad idea — especially when layered with riddles, cryptic symbols, and a side of espresso.
3. Tokyo, Japan — Norwegian Woo d by Haruki Murakami
Murakami's melancholic coming-of-age novel is steeped in 1960s Tokyo, even if much of the story unfolds in memory. The city has changed, but places like Yoyogi Park, Waseda University, and Shinjuku still echo the emotional isolation and beauty of Norwegian Wood. Murakami rarely names locations directly, but the atmosphere of Tokyo — its quiet corners, rainy afternoons, and neon-soaked nights — is in every line. It's modern literary travel: Subtle, emotional, and deeply personal.
4. Verona, Italy — Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare probably never set foot in Verona, but that hasn't stopped the city from embracing Romeo and Juliet with full romantic fervour. The Casa di Giulietta, with its famous balcony and a bronze statue of Juliet, draws thousands of visitors annually. Letters to Juliet-real ones, asking for love advice-are still delivered here, and a team of volunteers replies to them, just like in the film. The city itself, with its terracotta rooftops, winding lanes and Roman amphitheatre, feels like a sonnet come to life. Sure, it's touristy-but also surprisingly moving.
5. Prince Edward Island, Canada — Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Few books have put a place on the map quite like Anne of Green Gables. The windswept fields, red cliffs, and sleepy villages of Prince Edward Island are more than a setting — they're practically a character. L.M. Montgomery based Avonlea on her own hometown of Cavendish, and fans can now visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the Anne of Green Gables Museum, and even stay at themed B&Bs. Whether you grew up with Anne's stories or discovered them later, visiting PEI is like stepping into a gentler, more poetic version of the world. Bonus: The seafood is outstanding.
6. New York, USA — The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby's parties might have been fictional, but they had very real inspiration. Fitzgerald based East and West Egg on Long Island's Gold Coast, where mansions still line the water. New York City itself — the backdrop to Gatsby's rise and Daisy's distraction — was the epicentre of Roaring Twenties glamour. Today, you can sip cocktails in Gatsby-style jazz clubs, stroll through Central Park in vintage attire, or visit the Plaza Hotel, where one of the novel's most dramatic scenes unfolds. It's all opulence, ambition, and aching nostalgia — just like the book.
7. Salzburg, Austria — The Sound of Music (based on Maria von Trapp's memoirs)
While best known as a musical, The Sound of Music is rooted in real events-and real places. Maria von Trapp's memoir inspired the story, and Salzburg has embraced its role in the world's collective imagination. You can join a Sound of Music tour (yes, they sing on the bus), visit the Mirabell Gardens, or even hike up the hills that were, quite literally, alive with music. It's kitschy. It's touristy. And it's completely wonderful — especially if you grew up watching Julie Andrews twirl in Technicolor.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland — Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Edinburgh is where J K Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter, scribbling early drafts in cafes like The Elephant House and Spoon. Fans flock to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where gravestones bear names like "McGonagall" and "Riddle". But even beyond Potter, the city has serious literary chops. It's home to the Scottish Storytelling Centre, hosts the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and was the world's first UNESCO City of Literature. Rowling also drew heavily from the grandeur of the Oxford University in England and its centuries-old traditions, and several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot here. If Hogwarts had a twin, it would be here — hidden behind ancient stone walls and spiral staircases.
9. Bath, England — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Although most of Pride and Prejudice unfolds in the English countryside, Bath was a pivotal place in Austen's life and several of her novels. She lived there from 1801 to 1806, and the city's elegant Georgian architecture influenced Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austenites can visit the Jane Austen Centre, dress in Regency attire for the annual Jane Austen Festival, or stroll along Royal Crescent pretending they've just received a scandalous letter from Mr. Darcy. Bath is charming, walkable, and steeped in literary romance.
10. Barcelona, Spain — The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
If ever a novel made a love letter of its setting, it's this one. The Shadow of the Wind isn't just set in Barcelona — it's obsessed with it. Ruiz Zafon's gothic mystery captures the foggy alleys of the Barri Gotic, the grandeur of Passeig de Gracia, and the melancholy weight of post-war Spain. Many of the book's settings are real, and there's even a literary walking tour that follows the footsteps of protagonist Daniel. For fans, it's like being handed a map to the secret heart of the city.