New York City Beats London, Paris and Dublin to Lead World’s Top 25 Literary Travel Destinations

New York City has been ranked the world’s leading destination for literary tourism, ahead of London, Melbourne and Tokyo, in a study by travel eSIM provider Holafly. The city recorded more than 187,000 monthly searches related to bookstores, libraries, book festivals and literary landmarks. With more than 400 bookstores and five annual book festivals, New York offers book lovers opportunities to explore literary history, discover independent bookshops and visit locations associated with famous novels.

Why Has New York City Ranked First for Literary Tourism?

New York City secured the top position in Holafly’s ranking of 25 destinations with strong literary connections. The study considered factors including bookstores, book festivals and Google search interest to assess the appeal of destinations for travellers interested in books and literary culture.

According to the study, New York has more than 400 bookstores and hosts five book festivals each year. Its monthly search volume for literary-related attractions exceeds 187,000, reflecting the range of book-related experiences associated with the city.

New York’s literary appeal extends across different genres and generations. The city features in numerous novels, including The Great Gatsby and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, as well as more contemporary series such as Percy Jackson and Shadowhunters.

For literary travellers, these connections offer opportunities to explore the settings that have influenced authors and fictional characters. Bookshops, libraries and literary landmarks also provide ways to experience the city beyond its better-known sightseeing attractions.

How Do New York’s Bookstores and Libraries Attract Visitors?

New York City’s extensive network of bookstores and libraries is an important part of its literary tourism appeal. The city offers readers opportunities to browse specialist bookshops, discover independent retailers and visit major cultural institutions.

One of its best-known landmarks is the New York Public Library. Its flagship building near Bryant Park is recognised for the lion statues guarding its entrance and its prominent position in Midtown Manhattan.

The wider New York Public Library system has 92 locations and attracts more than 17 million visitors annually, according to figures cited in the supplied report. Its collections, historic architecture and public programmes make it an important destination for readers, researchers and visitors interested in literary culture.

The library also connects visitors with the city’s wider cultural history. Its buildings and collections offer opportunities to explore literature, research and the preservation of knowledge while adding a cultural dimension to a visit.

Alongside libraries, New York’s bookstores contribute to a literary landscape that appeals to casual readers and dedicated book collectors. Together, these attractions help make the city a destination where literary interests can shape an entire itinerary.

Which Cities Follow New York City in the Literary Tourism Rankings?

London ranks second in Holafly’s study, followed by Melbourne in third place. Tokyo takes fourth position, while Sydney completes the top five.

The results highlight the international reach of literary tourism, with destinations across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas appearing in the rankings. Some cities are associated with internationally recognised authors and literary traditions, while others attract visitors through bookshops, festivals or connections to popular fictional settings.

The complete top 25 ranking is:

1. New York, New York, United States
2. London, England
3. Melbourne, Australia
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Sydney, Australia
6. Stratford-upon-Avon, England
7. Cartagena, Colombia
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
9. Paris, France
10. Dublin, Ireland
11. Prague, Czech Republic
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
13. Bath, England
14. Oxford, England
15. Lisbon, Portugal
16. Savannah, Georgia, United States
17. Porto, Portugal
18. Key West, Florida, United States
19. Oxford, Mississippi, United States
20. Annapolis, Maryland, United States
21. Hay-on-Wye, Wales
22. Concord, Massachusetts, United States
23. Verona, Italy
24. Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
25. Matamata (Hobbiton), New Zealand

The list includes major international cities such as Paris, Tokyo and Buenos Aires, alongside smaller destinations with distinct literary identities. Stratford-upon-Avon, for example, is closely associated with William Shakespeare, while Hay-on-Wye is known for its bookshops and literary events.

Matamata in New Zealand appears on the list through its association with Hobbiton, the film location connected with J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional world. Its inclusion illustrates how adaptations of literary works can help bring fictional settings and stories into the wider tourism market.

How Are Books and Screen Adaptations Influencing Literary Travel?

Literary tourism is gaining visibility as readers seek experiences connected to the books, authors and fictional worlds they enjoy. Online reading communities have helped people discover titles, exchange recommendations and build interest in the places associated with particular stories.

Film and television adaptations can also encourage travel. When a novel is adapted for the screen, locations associated with its story may attract renewed attention from fans who want to experience the setting beyond the page.

New York City benefits from its longstanding presence in fiction across different genres. Its recognisable neighbourhoods and urban landmarks have featured in countless stories, allowing visitors to connect real-world locations with scenes and characters from books.

Other destinations appeal through specific literary associations. Stratford-upon-Avon draws attention through its Shakespearean heritage, while Oxford has connections to writers and literary traditions that have influenced generations of readers. Matamata attracts visitors through Hobbiton and its connection to the screen adaptations of Tolkien’s work.

These different experiences demonstrate that literary tourism is not limited to visiting authors’ birthplaces or historic libraries. It can also include exploring fictional settings, attending book festivals, visiting specialist bookshops and discovering locations that have become significant through popular culture.

What Does the Ranking Mean for Literary Tourism?

Holafly’s ranking provides a snapshot of destinations that combine literary associations with measurable visitor-facing resources, including bookstores, festivals and search interest. New York City’s first-place position reflects the scale of its book-related attractions and the substantial online interest recorded by the study.

For tourism organisations and destination marketers, literary connections offer another way to present a destination to potential visitors. Book-themed itineraries can link libraries, museums, independent bookshops, historic neighbourhoods and cultural events into experiences designed around travellers’ interests.

The ranking also shows that literary tourism can extend beyond large capitals. Smaller destinations can appeal to visitors through a distinctive author, a celebrated literary festival or a strong connection to a popular fictional world.

However, the ranking should be understood in the context of its methodology. Holafly assessed 25 destinations using factors that included the number of bookstores and literary or book festivals, alongside Google search trends. The results reflect these selected indicators rather than a comprehensive measure of all literary tourism visits or spending.