15 Real Destinations That Inspired Bestselling Novels
View this post on Instagram
1. Prince Edward Island, Canada
If you’re a fan of the spirited Anne Shirley from “Anne of Green Gables,” Prince Edward Island is a place that truly brings the story’s charm to life. The island’s rolling fields and sandy shores paint the perfect backdrop, much like the vibrant world Lucy Maud Montgomery created in her beloved novel.
Visiting Green Gables Heritage Place allows you to step right into the storybook. Between the Victorian house and the stunning landscapes, this corner of Prince Edward Island is not just a visit but a vibrant page out of history.
2. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans is a city brimming with charm and history. It’s the setting that sparked the creation of Anne Rice’s famous novel “Interview with the Vampire“. Imagine walking down the same old streets where the story of Louis and Lestat unfolded!
In the heart of the city, Jackson Square serves as a reminder of where the timeless tale came alive. If you’re a fan, walking through New Orleans might just make the vampire chronicles feel incredibly real to you.
View this post on Instagram
3. Bath, England
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s literary magic, then Bath in England is a place that sparks the imagination just like her famous novels. Bath was home to the author for several years and played a starring role in classics like ‘Northanger Abbey‘ and ‘Persuasion‘.
It’s an ancient city with rolling hills and stunning Georgian architecture that will have you stepping right into the pages of her stories. You can visit the Jane Austen Centre or take a peek at the Assembly Rooms, which will sweep you back to a bustling hotspot of Austen’s era.
4. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is a region that’s as mysterious as its forests are deep. If you’re fascinated with tales of vampires and gothic castles, this place is like walking into the pages of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Although Stoker never saw Transylvania himself, his novel brought to life the spooky aura of the land.
Of all the castles dotting the Romanian landscape, Bran Castle is widely celebrated for its connection to the Dracula legend. Though it wasn’t the actual home of a bloodthirsty count, its dramatic turrets and mysterious passageways will give you all the vampire vibes you need!
View this post on Instagram
5. Mississippi River, USA
If you’re a fan of classic American literature, the Mississippi River is more than just a body of water. It’s the scenic backdrop of Mark Twain’s beloved novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Winding through multiple states from Minnesota to Louisiana, the Mississippi River captures the essence of adventure and freedom that Twain so masterfully depicted in his writing.
As you explore the landscapes that inspired Twain, you’ll see the river’s role in the tapestry of American culture. It’s more than a river; it’s a character that echoes the soul of an era and the spirit of a young nation.
6. Dorset, England
Dorset, England is like a leap back in time. Imagine rolling green hills and historic homes peeking through the morning mist. It’s no wonder this serene spot stirred novelist Thomas Hardy to pen “Far from the Madding Crowd.”
The charming towns of Dorset spring from the pages of Hardy’s novel, and many scenes in the 2015 film adaptation were filmed right in the county.
Your visit could take you through quaint Sherborne or picturesque West Bay, where the landscape itself seems to tell a tale. Dorset invites you to explore the cobbled streets and rustic facades that set the scene for Hardy’s beloved classic.
View this post on Instagram
7. Key West, USA
Ernest Hemingway chose the vibrant Key West, Florida, as the backdrop for his gripping novel, “To Have and Have Not.” Your visit here lets you wander through the same streets that once inspired one of America’s most celebrated authors.
Marvel at the lush greenery and ocean blues that burst from every corner, just like they did in Hemingway’s tale of adventure and survival.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory also offers a magical exploration, where colorful butterflies add splashes of delight to your day. Fancy a novel-inspired escape? Key West is a chapter you’ll love to explore.
8. Haworth, England
If you’re passionate about classic novels, Haworth in England is a must-visit spot. This charming town is where the Brontë sisters grew up and it’s said to be the muse behind the dramatic “Wuthering Heights“. Picture the moors, the wild winds, and the rugged landscape that Emily Brontë described so vividly.
Visiting Haworth, you can walk the same paths the sisters did, feel the same breeze that stirred their imaginations, and see the landscapes that sparked their stories. It’s a living scene right out of their novels. Get your literary fix and soak in the same atmosphere that inspired the Brontës.
View this post on Instagram
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark inspired Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Little Mermaid,” and the statue in Copenhagen is a tribute to his story. You might be surprised at how cozy and small the statue is, yet it holds a big place in the hearts of travelers.
Listen closely, and you could almost hear the waves narrating the story of love and longing that Andersen penned so beautifully. Denmark’s vibrant capital with its colorful buildings and historic charm is a nod to the magical world of literature. Come visit and let your imagination swim in the mermaid’s waters!
10. West Egg, USA
Fascinated by the roaring twenties? You’d adore West Egg, the flashy backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby.” It’s a place where the new money of the Jazz Age threw extravagant parties and chased the American dream.
While West Egg itself isn’t a real spot on the map, it sprang from areas on Long Island, sparkling with the charm and wealth of that era. Turns out, the luxurious mansions of Long Island’s Gold Coast gave life to Fitzgerald’s vivid setting. Although you can’t visit West Egg, a trip to Great Neck or Kings Point will give you a taste of Gatsby’s lavish world.
View this post on Instagram
11. Paris, France
Victor Hugo’s classic tale “Les Misérables” springs to life in the winding streets and vibrant squares of Paris. This city, with its rich history and beautiful landmarks, is where the story’s characters like Jean Valjean and Cosette walked, sang, and loved.
You can wander through the same neighborhoods where the backdrop of the June Rebellion stirred the plot of this beloved novel. Paris isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a key character in the novel, capturing the struggle, the passion, and the spirit of the people during a time of tumultuous change.
12. Savannah, USA
If you love a good mystery novel, Savannah is your go-to spot! This charming city is the real-world setting for the famous book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Wander through Savannah’s captivating squares and you might just feel like you’ve stepped right into John Berendt’s pages.
The moss-draped oaks and historic homes have a secret sparkle, as if they’re in on the story too. If you’re curious about the buzz, don’t just read about it – walk where the characters did and soak in the Southern charm that inspired such a gripping tale!
View this post on Instagram
13. Verona, Italy
If you adore tales of love and woe, then Verona is a canvas painted with the romance of Shakespeare’s classic characters, Romeo and Juliet. This charming Italian city, with its enchanting streets, was the backdrop for their heartfelt story.
Your visit isn’t complete without a peek at Juliet’s House, where you might touch the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck in love. Although we know Shakespeare never roamed these alleyways, the spirit of the tale lingers in Verona’s air.
14. Oxford, England
Oxford is not just a city with spires and ancient colleges; it’s also where Lyra’s adventure in “His Dark Materials” begins! If you love books, walking through the streets of Oxford might make you feel like you’re stepping right into Lyra’s world.
Now, imagine wandering around Oxford and coming across the very places that formed the backdrop for epic adventures! The Botanic Gardens, for instance, could be where you connect with nature just as Lyra did.
Each cobblestone and corner in this city could be a page out of the story. So keep your eyes open; you might just feel the magic around you!
View this post on Instagram
15. Salamanca, Spain
If you love fascinating stories, Salamanca, Spain, is a place that has sparked the imagination of famed authors. Milan Kundera’s captivating novel, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” was inspired by this historic city.
The city’s grand University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in Europe and has been a hub for brilliant minds for centuries. Perhaps this intellectual atmosphere fueled Kundera’s creativity while he lived here.
So next time you’re looking for a literary pilgrimage, Salamanca is waiting to inspire you just as it did for Kundera.
