3 Great Cities for the Ultimate Reading Vacation
Think about this: a reading vacation. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Pack your bags, travel to a beautiful destination, and read your book. If that sounds like something you’d love to do, then keep reading. I’ll give you three amazing destinations to do just that.
London
London has so many amazing spots for a reading vacation. It is a major literary hub in the world.
Hyde Park
Where to Stay
When you walk in the doors of the Kimpton Fitzroy London, you enter into what feels like an actual palace. Floor to ceiling marble walls, glorious arches, and a horoscope tiled floor create an incredibly regal feel. There’s also a grand staircase that curls around and takes you up to the second floor. If that’s not enough to convince you, there are little nooks around the lobby with a fireplace here, a table there, all with lush chairs. Perfect for reading, if you ask me.
Where to Get Coffee or Tea
Bookbar is an adorable bookstore, coffee shop, and wine bar in London. They have a deal for book and wine of the month, live events, and a virtual bookclub. This lively cafe is a great spot to find a good book and settle in with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Where to Read
If you’re looking for a wide open space with benches, trails, and abundant trees, Hyde Park is the place. There’s not a ton of noise because of how open it is and there are benches everywhere. Perfect for people watching, or more obviously, reading.
New York City
NYC, on the East Coast of the United States, is another major literary hub. A reading vacation in the heart of the city is very possible. It’s all about finding the right spots.
New York Public Library
Where to Stay
The Library Hotel has it all in the name. With a collection of over 6,000 books, you won’t be at a loss for something to read. They even have a cute NovelTea package that includes some tea, a mug, and a classic novel.
Where to Get Coffee or Tea
For a warm bookstore vibe with coffee, tea, mocktails, and cocktails, head to the Book Club Bar in the East Village. They host a ton of book club events and are the perfect venue to settle in with some friends and discuss your current reads.
Where to Read
If you’re looking for grandeur, look no further than the New York Public Library. The public has access to the Rose Main Reading Room from 10-11am Monday through Saturday. Plus, they have free tours available every couple hours.
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan is another bustling city full of perfect places to read, amazing hotels to stay in, and great coffee or tea to drink. Matcha anyone?
Inokashira Park
Where to Stay
Book and Bed is one of those iconic book-lover hotels. You can literally sleep inside a bookshelf! Keep in mind, this is a capsule hotel. So the rooms are actually just a small mattress. There are communal bathrooms and the rooms close with just a curtain. But the experience is unparalleled. If you want to forego the capsule experience, you can head up to the massive library and hang out with a cup of coffee or tea instead.
Where to Get Coffee or Tea
After watching the craziness of Shibuya scramble, head over to Forest Library. This coffee shop has an interesting structure. You pay for your time spent, rather than the drinks consumed. It’s the perfect spot for your reading vacation if you also want to get some writing in, or just want to enjoy endless coffee.
Where to Read
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Japan in the spring, Inokashira Park is lined with cherry blossoms. But don’t fret, it’s beautiful year-round. I would head there in the warmer months and rent a swan boat to read out on the pond.
Your Reading Vacation Wrapped
Now that you have a few ideas for where to take your next reading vacation, where will you go first? If you have more ideas or know where you’d like to go, drop a comment!
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