Do you ever see the images of those beautiful libraries around the world on Pinterest? Or come across TikTok videos of these incredible fairytale libraries that people are travelling to? Did you ever sit back and wonder where they actually are and how to visit them?
SAME.
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 in the World ⤵️
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.
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.
Happy reading – I can’t wait to keep discovering the most magical libraries around the world together!
Kelly xoxo
