Discover below the world ranking of the most beautiful libraries, hand-picked by our editors and praised by our member travellers. Find all the practical info you need to plan your visits.
The National Library of France - Richelieu, in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is an architectural landmark for intellectual history. The luminous Salle Labrouste and vast collections of manuscripts, prints, and antiquities draw culture seekers. Following renovations, the site now hosts a museum path and temporary exhibits to explore centuries of preserved knowledge.
The Bodleian Library is a historic landmark in Oxford. Founded in 1602, it is among the oldest in Europe. It holds over 13 million items across notable buildings like the Radcliffe Camera and the Divinity School. Guided tours reveal gothic halls, medieval manuscripts, and Shakespeare texts. Its architecture defines the city.
In the historic center of Milan, the Ambrosian Library houses priceless treasures. Established in 1609 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, this collection spans nearly a million books and 40,000 global manuscripts. View Virgil annotated by Petrarch and 1,000 pages of the Codex Atlanticus. A 24-room gallery features works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Botticelli.
Located in the imperial wing of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Austrian National Library is an 18th-century baroque masterpiece. Famous for its spectacular State Hall filled with frescoes and statues, it holds thousands of rare books and precious manuscripts. Its architectural and historical significance makes it a key cultural stop in the Austrian capital.
In the heart of Porto, the Lello Bookstore is famous for its neo-Gothic architecture, featuring a signature red staircase and intricate woodwork. Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, it holds a vast collection of literature. Fans often link it to Harry Potter, citing the time J.K. Rowling lived in Porto.
The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, opened in 2005, houses the largest French-language collection in the Americas with 4 million items. Its distinct architecture features wood-paneled rooms and 6,200 glass slats. Enjoy free access, 2,500 seats, diverse cultural events, and modern technology for all visitors in Montreal.
Trinity College Library in Dublin is essential for history buffs. Its Long Room, a majestic wooden hall housing 200,000 ancient volumes, commands attention. The Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript, is the highlight. This serene space offers a perfect blend of culture and quiet, ideal for ending with a campus stroll.
Tucked within the Royal Palace of Turin complex, this library founded in 1831 houses one of the world's most prized drawings: the presumed self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci in red chalk, alongside a collection of 1,500 master sketches. This is a private experience, so check the exhibition calendar before you go.
The John Rylands Library in Manchester is a Victorian neo-gothic architectural masterpiece that opened in 1900. More than just a library, it functions as a museum for rare books and manuscripts, including the Rylands Library Papyrus P52, the oldest known New Testament fragment. Its stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and intricate stonework create an immersive historical experience.
The Library of Congress is the world's largest library, holding 175 million items. Its Thomas Jefferson Building, an 1897 Beaux-Arts masterpiece, features a Great Hall with fine marble and the majestic Main Reading Room. See a Gutenberg Bible, Jefferson's original collection, and the Rubenstein Gallery, home to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address manuscript. Free admission by reservation.
The Chester Beatty Library sits inside the grounds of Dublin Castle. It holds a vast collection of art donated by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, a mining magnate. Over 20,000 items collected across three decades fill two floors, split into Sacred and Artistic Traditions. Explore Asian and Far Eastern religious history through rare, precious artifacts.
The Royal Portuguese Reading Room, located in downtown Rio de Janeiro, is a masterpiece of Neo-Manueline architecture opened in 1887. This library houses over 350,000 volumes, including rare editions and manuscripts central to Portuguese-language culture. With its majestic interior, carved wooden shelves, and natural light, it offers a peaceful retreat for history and literature lovers.
I love old bookstores and I had heard a lot about this one. It is a magical place! The woodwork, the incredible structure of the staircase, and the stained glass windows blew me away. I do not know if…
I love old bookstores and I had heard a lot about this one. It is a magical place! The woodwork, the incredible structure of the staircase, and the stained glass windows blew me away. I do not know if the decor really inspired Harry Potter, but I felt very close to that universe. It is a shame that the place is so crowded, as it is hard to move around. Make sure to book a time slot in advance. Entrance costs about 15 euros and includes a 10 euro voucher to buy a book. I think that is a nice concept, even if the bookstore mostly sells major literary classics.
Visiting this gorgeous bookstore is one of my best memories of Porto. Its famous staircase definitely lives up to its reputation. Even though the crowds can make it hard to wander through the place li…
Visiting this gorgeous bookstore is one of my best memories of Porto. Its famous staircase definitely lives up to its reputation. Even though the crowds can make it hard to wander through the place like you would want to, it is a real treat to touch, smell, and flip through the different books. As for the legend about J.K. Rowling, I do not know if it is true, but it is definitely intriguing.
It is hard to find the words to describe this library. Maybe they can be found among the 4 million books it holds? In any case, it is a landmark for book lovers, especially old books, and a study spac…
It is hard to find the words to describe this library. Maybe they can be found among the 4 million books it holds? In any case, it is a landmark for book lovers, especially old books, and a study space that would make any university in the world envious! It is a must-see in Dublin, but to get the most out of your visit, choose off-peak hours to enjoy the peace and the grandeur of the place. Breathtaking!
On paper, this bookstore is a must-see: opened in 1906, considered the most beautiful in Europe, and supposedly inspired J.K. Rowling for some of the Hogwarts sets. ... In reality, you end up waiting…
On paper, this bookstore is a must-see: opened in 1906, considered the most beautiful in Europe, and supposedly inspired J.K. Rowling for some of the Hogwarts sets. ... In reality, you end up waiting in an endless line with very strict time slots and paying €10 ($11) just to get in. Inside, only the central double-entry wooden staircase is worth the trip, since the selection of books is unfortunately very limited and really aimed at tourists (The Little Prince, Harry Potter...). There are few books and very little room to move around, but for book fans... it is hard to resist a visit! The pleasant surprise is that you get a discount on a book equal to the price of your entrance ticket!
Visiting the Bodleian Library is a unique experience. The old rooms and shelves filled with antique books are immediately impressive. I recommend the guided tour, as it lets you discover some funny an…
Visiting the Bodleian Library is a unique experience. The old rooms and shelves filled with antique books are immediately impressive. I recommend the guided tour, as it lets you discover some funny anecdotes and quite a few hidden corners. Come early to avoid the crowds, and take all the time you need to see every detail of the architecture. Be careful about taking photos, there are rules... It is a magical place for book lovers or just the curious.
You do not need to be a bookworm to love this library! Its architecture is sublime, and the wooden shelves are magnificent. It is a sight that will seem familiar to all Harry Potter fans. The tour tau…
You do not need to be a bookworm to love this library! Its architecture is sublime, and the wooden shelves are magnificent. It is a sight that will seem familiar to all Harry Potter fans. The tour taught me a lot about the place and more broadly about the history of Oxford. Of course, you need to understand a little English, but the guide made an effort to be as clear as possible. Be careful, because the library is not open to the public. You must book a guided tour in advance.
If you want to slip away for a day into a mysterious place, or if you love the light or dark academia aesthetic, this place is for you! I loved coming to sit in the Oval Room. This beautiful relaxatio…
If you want to slip away for a day into a mysterious place, or if you love the light or dark academia aesthetic, this place is for you! I loved coming to sit in the Oval Room. This beautiful relaxation space is free and, most importantly, very bright. Do not miss the museum. It holds some extremely rare treasures!
I really loved visiting this library with its impressive Gothic architecture. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside. Heads up, you can't just walk in and look around on your own. You have to…
I really loved visiting this library with its impressive Gothic architecture. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside. Heads up, you can't just walk in and look around on your own. You have to book a guided tour. Make sure to think about that a bit in advance.
This is a beautiful experience for anyone who loves libraries, the architecture, the manuscripts. It is spectacular, but the place is so crowded (at least during my visit) that it makes the tour a bit…
This is a beautiful experience for anyone who loves libraries, the architecture, the manuscripts. It is spectacular, but the place is so crowded (at least during my visit) that it makes the tour a bit overwhelming. However, taking the tour with a guide (usually students from the university) makes the activity really nice, with its fair share of little anecdotes. It is a must-do if you are passing through Dublin!
The library itself is really impressive, especially if you love to read. The place is magnificent and clearly worth a look. There is an atmosphere there that is absolutely inexplicable to me. You can…
The library itself is really impressive, especially if you love to read. The place is magnificent and clearly worth a look. There is an atmosphere there that is absolutely inexplicable to me. You can feel the history, every book has a soul, it is peaceful, and the visitors respect the quiet, which I really appreciated! We used the audio via the app (it is free) and it is convenient, but you need your own headphones. We did not have enough for everyone, so we did not get as much out of it as planned. On the other hand, I was less thrilled by the Book of Kells and the new interactive room. It is interesting, but it was not my favorite part. In the end, the library alone is worth the visit.
Our rankings are powered by thousands of reviews from travelers like you, not the arbitrary pick of a single editor. Every positive review you publish raises the destination’s score.
1 positive review = +1 reco
Have you travelled and discovered amazing places? Share your experience and help the community rank the most beautiful destinations! Sign up for free to post reviews and make your voice heard.
Sign up to our newsletter and instantly get an exclusive 7% discount on thousands of tourist activities. Then our best deals, once a week.
Your 7% discount is active. Enjoy it right now 👇
Discover activities at −7%