A Tour Through Europe’s Trio of Most Literature-Rich Capitals
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Feeling a bit cultured these days? Poets and writers are always busy, so we’ve got some trips that will satisfy your cultural cravings. Check these out!
– **London (England)**: London has an endless literary scene. Trying to list everything would be impossible. Don’t leave London without exploring routes connected to its famous writers like William Shakespeare or Charles Dickens. One tour you can’t miss is following the footsteps of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. It’s a real treat!
Need a break? Stop by the Dukes Bar, where Ian Fleming was inspired to turn the Martini into James Bond’s signature drink. Next, don’t forget to visit the British Library to see its literary treasures. These aren’t hidden away; they’re proudly displayed for everyone to enjoy.
– **Edinburgh (Scotland)**: Edinburgh is bursting with literary history. Over five hundred novels have roots in this city. From the poems of Robert Burns in the 18th century to modern writers like Ian Rankin, the literary tours are endless. Visit pubs that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, explore the gritty city of Rankin’s Inspector Rebus, or dive into the Edinburgh of Irvine Welsh’s “Trainspotting.”
You can’t miss the Writers’ Museum, set in a gorgeous 17th-century building. It honors three of Scotland’s greatest writers: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott. Check out the Robert Louis Stevenson Experience, a city tour that tells the story of this great writer, complete with excerpts from his novels and even a free whiskey!
– **Paris (France)**: Start your literary journey by visiting the Père-Lachaise cemetery, home to Oscar Wilde’s famously visited grave. It’s a tradition to leave a mark with red lipstick. Many other authors also found inspiration in Paris’s cafes, like the beautiful Les Deux Magots in Saint Germain.
Don’t miss the Latin Quarter, rich with literary history. France has its own celebrated authors, so make sure to visit the museum houses of Honoré de Balzac and Victor Hugo. For the perfect ending to your literary travels, stay at Le Pavillon des Lettres, a charming hotel with twenty rooms, each dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and a famous writer.
Enjoy your travels!