1. Paris (France)
Paris is loved by poets, artists, journalists, musicians, and writers too. The city is a class apart. Brimming with culture and aesthetics, the city of love has been mentioned in novels time and again because it's hard not to fall in love with this place. Dan Brown's famous book The Da Vinci Code is based in Paris and mentions several landmarks of the city. Other top novels include The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – a gripping tale of two separated sisters during World War 2, Murder on the Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner which is set in 1989 and talks about a thrilling murder mystery, and A Night at the Majestic by Richard Davenport-Hines – the story of a luxurious and glamorous Paris. As intriguing as it is to read about those places, it's even better to list them down and visit for real, at your own pace.
2. Stockholm (Sweden)
Stockholm is not only a beautiful literary travel destination but also shows a great deal of character. Numerous books set in the city give a deep insight into the people's life and certain unique rituals that exist only in the city. The capital of Sweden was brought into the spotlight by Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The book covers Sodermalm, one of the most popular areas of the city. Another popular book, which is also a classic is City of my Dreams by Per Anders Fogelstrom. The novel talks about Stockholm's working-class people from 1860 to 1880 and dives deep into the time when Stockholm authentically belonged to the working-class population of Sweden.
3. New York (United States of America)
While New York is a place targeted the most during alien invasions in films, it is also loved by authors with a great story to tell. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis and Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote are few of the many popular novels based in the city that never sleeps. Whether these books talk about a struggling writer in New York or a desperate lover in Long Island, the city is featured in novels which become a touchstone for generations of readers and writers. NYC is amazingly bookish. Visit The New York Public Library located on 2nd Street and 5th Ave to witness its grandeur. There's a book store at every corner, so you will never run out of novels to buy. There are also numerous book cafes where you can combine the love of coffee and reading and simply unwind. Watch out for Brooklyn Book Festival, which celebrates reading by introducing free and low-cost publishing programs.
4. London (United Kingdom)
With richly diverse tapestry, history, iconic status and more, London his the perfect literary travel destination. There are several best selling classics and new releases set in this city. Charles Dickens' favourite – or as they call it – Dickens' London was one which focused more on the Seven Dials area, that was synonymous with poverty and crime. Books such as Adventures of Oliver Twist and Bleak House wake up the explorer within and compel you to roam the streets of London. The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon mentions the great diversity and immigrant population of London and offers a modern perspective of the city. Lastly, how can I not mention Sherlock Holmes? The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is the most popular crime - detective novel of all time, all based in London (221B Baker Street rings a bell?).
5. Seattle (United States of America)
Seattle was recently designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO. Book lovers can literally be surrounded by literature all day long in this city. There are bars in bookstores, contemporary libraries the size of a whole building, independent publishing houses, and lavish literary series, Seattle brims with literature. To top it all off, the city also hosts the most number of book-related events in the United States. Watch a play or join a weekend poem workshop, you will not run out of options. There's plenty to see as a tourist. 50 Shades Trilogy is based completely in Seattle. Christian Grey's Condo can be visited in Escala. Ana's Apartment is at Pike Place Market and you can also visit the Colombia Tower, the tallest tower of the city where the couple went on a date.
So which of these literary travel destinations will you be visiting?