Dex QuekHave you ever closed a book and felt an overwhelming urge to visit the places within its pages? The connection to a piece of literature can be one of the best sources of travel inspiration. Rather than simply ticking off tourist attractions, you get to walk the same streets and breath the same air as the beloved characters in your favourite stories.
Let your bookshelf guide you to your next adventure. Here are incredible real-world destinations inspired by popular book series that you can visit today.
Also read: Bookmark These Must-Visit Destinations from Your Favourite Books
- Babel by R.F. Kuang
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
- The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
- The Pokémon Series
- True Singapore Ghost Stories by Russell Lee
Babel by R.F. Kuang
For readers drawn to dark academia and historical fantasy, R.F. Kuang’s Babel offers compelling travel inspiration centred on 19th-century Oxford. The novel’s atmospheric setting is deeply rooted in the university city’s actual architecture and scholarly heritage.
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Radcliffe Camera, Oxford: This iconic circular library is one of Oxford’s most photographed buildings. Its distinctive dome and reading rooms perfectly capture the academic atmosphere that permeates the novel
Oxford University Colleges: Wander through the historic colleges and cobbled streets of 19th-century Oxford, where the weight of empire and scholarship still lingers in every stone archway and quad.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s beloved contemporary romance takes readers on a globe-trotting journey, making it perfect travel inspiration for those who dream of romantic getaways. The novel’s various settings each offer their own distinct charm and atmosphere.
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Barcelona, Spain: This vibrant Catalan city, with its stunning architecture, beach culture, and energetic atmosphere, serves as one of the novel’s most memorable backdrops for Poppy and Alex’s adventures.
Tuscany, Italy: The rolling hills, vineyards, and rustic villas of Tuscany provide the quintessentially romantic European escape that many readers dream about after finishing the book.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
England’s rolling countryside practically becomes a character itself in Jane Austen’s timeless romance. By visiting the locations that inspired her work, you can step directly into the world of balls, estate visits, and slow-burning romance.
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Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: This stunning stately home is widely considered the inspiration for Mr Darcy’s magnificent estate, Pemberley. Its grand interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens will take your breath away.
Steventon and Chawton, Hampshire: These quaint villages are where Jane Austen actually lived and penned her novels. Walking through them offers an authentic glimpse into the genteel society she portrayed so cleverly.
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
No literary journey through the United Kingdom would be complete without exploring the magical world of Harry Potter. Fortunately, many filming locations remain accessible to fans, allowing you to experience the enchantment firsthand.
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King’s Cross Station, London: Visit the famous Platform 9¾, where you can pose with the half-vanished luggage trolley for the perfect souvenir photo.
Leadenhall Market, London: This beautiful Victorian market, with its intricate ironwork and colourful storefronts, served as the real-world setting for Diagon Alley’s exterior shots.
Oxford University: Several of Oxford’s historic colleges, including Christ Church and the Bodleian Library, doubled as Hogwarts’ grand staircases, dining halls, and atmospheric corridors.
The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan’s modern take on Greek mythology transforms familiar American landmarks into divine realms, offering unique travel inspiration for young readers and mythology enthusiasts alike. The series cleverly overlays ancient myths onto contemporary settings.
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Empire State Building, New York City: In Percy’s world, the 600th floor of this iconic skyscraper houses Mount Olympus itself, making it a must-visit location for fans exploring Manhattan.
Modern US Landmarks: Throughout the series, everyday American sites become portals to mythological adventures, encouraging readers to see their own cities through a fantastical lens.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes were transformed into Middle-earth for the film adaptations of The Hobbit, making the country essential travel inspiration for any Tolkien enthusiast. Every corner of this beautiful nation seems to echo the fantasy world.
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Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata: Step into the Shire itself by exploring the perfectly preserved movie set, complete with dozens of adorable hobbit holes nestled into the hillside.
Pelorus River, Marlborough: Rent a kayak and paddle along this pristine river, recreating the dwarves’ daring barrel escape from their elven captors.
Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park: This dramatic active volcano provided the perfect backdrop for the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo’s ultimate destination and the lair of Smaug the dragon.
The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
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Suzanne Collins’ dystopian trilogy was brought to life across various locations in the United States, offering travel inspiration for fans who want to experience Panem’s districts and Capitol firsthand. These filming locations span diverse American landscapes.
Henry River Mill Village, North Carolina: This abandoned mill village served as District 12, Katniss’s impoverished coal-mining home. Its weathered buildings perfectly captured the district’s hardship.
DuPont State Forest, North Carolina: The forest’s waterfalls and dense woodland became the deadly arena where tributes fought for survival in the first film.
Atlanta, Georgia: The city’s modern architecture was transformed into the Capitol’s glittering, oppressive grandeur, showcasing the stark contrast between districts and the ruling elite.
The Pokémon Series
For a completely different kind of adventure, Japan offers excellent travel inspiration for Pokémon fans. The beloved video game and anime series drew directly from Japan’s diverse regions, each with its own distinct character.
Image credit: Satoshi Hirayama (left), Lucia Lu (right)
Kanto Region, Japan: The original Pokémon setting was based on this area surrounding Tokyo. You will recognise the blend of bustling urban centres and peaceful natural areas that inspired Pallet Town and the early routes.
Kansai Region, Japan: This historic region, home to Kyoto and Nara, inspired the Johto region. Its ancient temples, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage are clearly reflected in locations like Ecruteak City.
True Singapore Ghost Stories by Russell Lee
Sometimes, the most compelling travel inspiration is right on our doorstep. For Singaporeans who grew up devouring Russell Lee’s spine-tingling tales, our island holds plenty of locations with paranormal reputations.
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Old Changi Hospital: Widely regarded as Singapore’s most haunted location, this abandoned hospital features prominently in numerous ghost stories and urban legends.
Bukit Brown Cemetery: One of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside China, this atmospheric site with its weathered tombstones and jungle overgrowth appears frequently in local supernatural folklore.
From Regency-era romance to Middle-earth adventures, your next unforgettable journey might just be hiding between the pages of your favourite book.
