Do you ever see images of those beautiful libraries around the world on social media?
And did you ever sit back and wonder…
Can I actually REALLY visit them?
YOU BET YOU CAN!
I have lusted over many picturesque libraries and bookshops in my time. It was only as I got older and started to travel more that I realised that I could actually visit these places in real life.
Travel, my friends, is a beautiful thing.
So I’m in the midst of working on a series of visiting the most magical, beautiful libraries (and bookshops) around the world.
I know I won’t get to them all, but isn’t it fun to try?
And I’m taking you along for the journey too so we can discover these amazing spots together.
The Most Magical Libraries You NEED to Visit Around the World ⤵️
United Kingdom
John Ryland’s Library, Manchester, United Kingdom
John Rylands Library opened to the public on January 1st, 1900, which actually means it’s not that old compared to other libraries and buildings throughout the UK.
But it’s certainly one of the most grand! And it absolutely reminds me of stepping into the halls of Hogwarts Castle 🏰.
It’s also free to all visitors and open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday each week.
You can visit simply to look around and you can even go there to study or work from their library for the day too. They have exhibitions on offer around the library as well.
Make sure it’s on your list for your next visit to this northern city!
📍John Rylands Library, Manchester, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Chetham’s Library, Manchester, United Kingdom
The moment you step into Chetham Library, it feels like you’ve been transported back centuries.
Established in 1653, it’s the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, and every corner of it breathes a rich history. The medieval architecture, complete with dark wood paneling (hello Hogwarts vibes) is a book lover’s dream.
This hidden gem is an absolute treasure trove of history and literature.
Imagine centuries-old books, mesmerizing architecture, and a serene atmosphere that transports you to another era. In fact, the library houses over 100,000 volumes, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
If you’re ever in Manchester, don’t miss out on this enchanting spot. It’s the perfect escape for book lovers and history buffs alike.
Armagh Robinson Library – Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
This library has been a bucket list library for me to visit for so long!
I can’t explain how I almost cried when we finally saw it – it’s absolutely beautiful.
And one of the friendliest libraries we’ve been at too!
Armagh Robinson Library is 100% a place that welcomes visitors whether you have 10 minutes or 3 hours to spend there. We learned so much about the history and the books and I can’t wait to share more!
Ireland
The Long Room – Dublin, Ireland
A total pinch me moment of my life! Going into the Old Library at Trinity College BEFORE IT OPENED!
I almost started crying, we’ve visited The Old Library twice before this… but this was downright magical.
It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!
And it has been a working library since 1732! This is the famous Long Room which and is home to over 200,000 ancient books…
Right now, you might notice the books aren’t on the shelves and that’s because we’re witnessing a moment in history – the books are being cared for as part of a huge restoration process expected to be completed at the end of 2025.
They do have an exhibit on sharing LOADS of the history though – I’d highly recommend it!
Things to know before your visit ⤵️
🎟 Adult tickets are €21.50 each
📖 Your ticket includes access to the Old Library + the brand new Book of Kells experience!
📲 Book online in advance. Getting tickets is fairly easy but make sure to check a few days before to avoid disappointment
📚It’s open 7 days a week, which is very helpful!
📍Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Marsh’s Library – Dublin, Ireland
Marsh’s Library in Dublin is absolutely a must for my fellow literary travellers.
Built by Archbishop Narcissus (great name) Marsh, this was the first public library in Ireland.
It’s also one of the few buildings left from the 18th century in Dublin that continue serving it’s original purpose – it’s STILL a library after all!
And the books you see on display are in the spots that were allocated to them back by Marsh and Elias Bouhéreau, the first librarian of Marsh’s Library.
It’s such an incredible library to visit and surprisingly not very busy either, so you can take plenty of time having a good snoop of all the nooks and corners! Oh and they very much encourage social sharing too – so snap away!
📍Marsh’s Library, Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Germany
Wiblingen Abbey, Germany
Is this Belle’s real life library?
You’ll find the Wiblingen Abbey Library located in the city of Ulm in Germany.
It truly feels like stepping into the library from Beauty and the Beast – it’s SO beautiful!!
Tickets for entry are €5.50 and well worth it!
📍 Wiblingen Abbey Library, Germany 🇩🇪
Schussenried Monastery Library, Germany
Tale as old as time… 🥀📖🏰
Did you know that monasteries around the world are famed for their beautiful libraries hidden within? One of my favourite things to do when we travel is to discover monastery libraries.
Located in the area of Bad Schussenried, is the Schussenried Monastery. Less than two hours from Stuttgart and just about 2 hours from Munich. It’s famed for their Baroque library hall within with its candy floss painted colours. It looks like a confectionary dream. And yet another contender for Belle’s real life library!
📍 Schussenried Monastery Library, Germany 🇩🇪
Czech Repbulic
Strahov Monastery Theological and Philosophical Libraries, Prague
You’ve probably seen snaps of this stunning library floating around Instagram or Pinterest – and I can 100% confirm that it’s just as beautiful in real life.
Welcome to the Strahov Monastery libraries where you get to see the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall. These are both kind of similar but oh so different at the same time.
Please note! If you want to physically go into the library rooms – you’ll need to book a private tour a few weeks in advance.
So while it’s not a library that you can walk through unless you have a tour booked (sad times), visiting the Strahov libraries is still much easier photo wise than visiting the Baroque Library in the city centre.
Switzerland
Wine Library at B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa, Switzerland
This library is super cool because you simply would not expect it to be here.
On our trip to Switzerland we literally landed at Zurich airport, hopped in a car and headed straight for this spot.
The Wine Library is actually located in the hotel lobby of B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa Zurich. As you might have guessed, it’s actually a bar and part of the hotel lobby itself.
You can pop in for a drink, some reading and of course, to climb the ladder!
Plus you can stop in even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, which I think is great.
We didn’t get to stay on this visit as we weren’t staying in Zurich overnight, (heading to get the Glacier Express) but would love to revisit someday.
And also, the hotel staff are super nice and don’t mind you ordering some wine and posing for your photos. I mean, you can’t NOT take photos of a beautiful spot like this.
Wine Library at B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa, Zurich, Switzerland
University Library (Universiteitsbibliotheek), Belgium
This is a reader’s DREAM come true.
I really didn’t want to leave and wish we’d spent even more time wandering the aisles. We had the shortest amount of time to spare in this incredible library.
I was absolutely without a doubt channeling some Night Court Nesta Archeron vibes here and if you know, you know.
The University Library also known as the Universiteitsbibliotheek is located in the centre of Leuven.
It actually has quite a history, the library has actually burned down twice in its history, the first during WWI and after it was rebuilt once more… it was on fire again in WWII.
Post war, in 1951 the library was opened once again and reconstructed to look exactly as it did in its original plans.
You’d truly never know by stepping inside, but on the outside of the library there are plaques everywhere from various libraries and universities around the world who helps donate and support with the reconstruction.
A pretty cool piece of history, right?
University Library (Universiteitsbibliotheek), Leuven, Belgium
Visit the Klementinum’s Baroque Library, Prague
OK! Here we go! I’ve been wanting to visit the Klementinum for so long!
It’s actually a series of buildings but inside you will find what you’re waiting for… the Baroque Library hall. If you are a fan of books and seeing all the best libraries around the world (like I am!!) then this needs to be on your list.
You are not allowed to actually enter the Baroque Library.
You stand at a tiny little entryway to get your shot (see the photo for the details). I should have snapped more behind the scenes of what the whole tour looks like, but I was stressed about getting the perfect library shots.
Also, you cannot use flash photography, you are ONLY allowed to use your mobile phone to take photos.
No cameras so I was not allowed to use my DSLR. I’m not really sure why this is the case. It’s very tricky to get shots as there are so many people on the tour.
Here’s my recommendation….
When you enter the area for the Baroque Library – there are two sets of doors you can look through, but the entryway platform is the doors on the right hand side (not the left hand side with the ropes in front). During your tour, go stand by those doors if you want to be the first to get let in.
It’s amazing to see in person – it really is beautiful. So it is worth the visit!
This is the little platform that you are allowed to view the library from.
I was begging the tour guide to let me take more, but realistically they open the doors and turn the lights on for about five minutes. So you only have 5 minutes to take it all in.
United States of America
The Morgan Library & Museum – New York City, USA 🇺🇸
Secret society library aesthetic ✨📖💫
📍The Morgan Library & Museum, New York City 🇺🇸
Happy reading – I can’t wait to keep discovering the most magical libraries around the world together!
Kelly xoxo
