From Baroque, bat-filled halls to modern meeting places, these picturesque spaces are a bibliophile’s dream.

Fact checked by Olivia Young

There are plenty of breathtaking places to visit in the world: natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or ancient ruins like the Colosseum, or fantastic buildings with sky-high observation decks. However, there are a few places, pretty much in every city, that you might not expect to take your breath away: libraries.

From the rise of “dark academia” to the growing need for more free public spaces, libraries are having a moment. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than among the stacks, and details like soaring ceilings, historical architecture, and soft light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows can create a bibliophile’s dream.

Some libraries are even famous institutions in some of the best cities in the world. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, for instance, has been photographed and appeared in movies hundreds (or possibly thousands) of times. You’ve probably seen this library, even if you haven’t been to New York.

Moreover, there are libraries that celebrate innovative design. The undulating, clean minimalism of the Vennesla Library in Norway, for instance, has won awards for its modern architecture.

Furthermore, some libraries look as if you’re stepping into a royal palace, like the aptly named Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Brazil or the Rampur Raza Library in India.

Therefore, whether they’re several centuries or just a few decades old, libraries make a wonderful stop on your next trip. Here, we’ve gathered some of the most beautiful libraries from around the world.

George Peabody Library, Baltimore

Part of Johns Hopkins University, this austere, five-story library holds 300,000 volumes. Although it’s part of the college, any member of the Baltimore public is free to use the library, as its namesake, George Peabody, was a famous philanthropist.

Central Library of Vancouver, Canada

This famous library bears a resemblance to the Roman Colosseum. It has nine floors and takes up an entire city block of Vancouver, serving as a complex with exhibition spaces, a theater, meeting and reading rooms, and a rooftop garden.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library, New York

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, also known as the Main Branch, is nestled on Fifth Ave, near Bryant Park. The building is famous for its intricate, marble facade and lion statues that stand guard at the base of the steps.

Bodleian Library, Oxford, England

Of course, Oxford is home to many impressive libraries, but Bodleian looks like an ancient cathedral. With a history that goes back to the 14th century, the library has over 13 million items to explore, including historical documents and literary treasures.

Library of Trinity College, Dublin

This classic library features dark wood arches and holds more than seven million volumes. The Old Library, which began construction in 1712, is home to many ancient texts such as “The Book of Kells” and “The Garland of Howth.”

Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany

This cube-like library features a bright, white, five-story design that resembles a modern art gallery. The main reading room is shaped like an upside-down pyramid.

Bibliotheque Interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne, Paris

This centuries-old library is part of the famous Sorbonne. Originally built in the 18th century, it’s now one of the largest libraries in Paris, with two million volumes covering various subjects, especially history and literature.

Admont Abbey Library, Admont, Austria

This gorgeous library opened in 1776 and contains the largest monastic library in the world, with airy interiors decorated with beautiful frescoes and Baroque sculptures.

Strahov Monastery Library, Prague

This beautiful library, built in 1679, features ornate stucco ceilings and serves as both a library and an art gallery, making it a must-see in Prague.

Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

This stunning library is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful frescoes and significance in the Spanish Renaissance.

Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro

This library is true royalty: the striking exterior is rivaled only by its intricate dark wood arches and vibrant blue ceilings, holding a vast selection of 350,000 volumes.

Library of Alexandria, Egypt

While Julius Caesar may have burned the ancient library of Alexandria, today, the modern Alexandria pays homage with a stunning circular building surrounded by a reflecting pool.

Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, India

The grand Rampur Raza Library was originally built as a mansion in 1904 and later converted to hold an incredible collection of Indian and Asian works.

Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, Taiwan

Taiwan’s first green library features a sloping roof to collect rainwater and offers a bright space filled with newspapers and a wonderful collection of books.

State Library of New South Wales, Sydney

The interior of the State Library is ornate and classic, highlighting a rich selection of texts, particularly those by indigenous authors.

Abbey Library of Saint Gall, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Considered one of the oldest libraries in Europe, this library features Baroque art and intricate moldings, capturing the essence of 12 centuries of literary heritage.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico City

This steel and glass library boasts 600,000 tomes and features open, mezzanine-like levels, creating an inspiring space for readers.

Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea

This modern library within a mall resembles a bookstore, featuring impressive rotating artworks, ample seating, and a vast collection to explore.

Mafra National Palace Library, Mafra, Portugal

The Mafra Palace Library is filled with around 36,000 leather-bound volumes. This classic storybook library is cared for by a colony of bats that help control insects damaging the old books.

Vennesla Library, Vennesla, Norway

Completed in 2011, this Norwegian library features an elegant, modern design with wooden ribs, showcasing an exciting future for library architecture.