Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
Are you looking for the most beautiful libraries in the world?
This is a running list of my favorite stunning libraries I have visited!
I’ve already written about the most beautiful bookstores in the world, so I figured I should also talk about the most beautiful libraries. Much like I enjoy visiting bookstores whenever I travel to a new destination, I also enjoy visiting libraries. As an avid reader, there’s just something so magical about libraries to me.
Some of the libraries on this list are private libraries where you can only look, but not touch, while others are public libraries where you can feel free to browse books and sit down to read, work, or study. I’ll give you the important info you need to know about visiting each of these gorgeous libraries for yourself.
These are the most beautiful libraries around the world:
Strahov Library in Prague, Czech Republic
One of the most beautiful libraries in the world can be found in Prague, at the Strahov Monastery. The Strahov Library actually offers two beautiful libraries in one. You can see both the Theological Hall, which is pictured below, and the Philosophical Hall, which is pictured at the top of this guide.
This historic monastery and its libraries date back centuries. The Theological Hall was built in the 1670s, and the Philosophical Hall was built in the 1780s. You aren’t actually allowed inside either library for preservation reasons, but you can spend all the time you want peering inside the rooms from the hallway.
You need to buy a ticket in order to access the library. I recommend purchasing our tickets online in advance. Tickets are 190 CZK ($8.50 USD.) I also recommend going first thing in the morning so you can enjoy the libraries with few other people around. Your ticket also gives you access to a small museum.
Address: Strahovské Nádvoří 132/1, Prague, Czech Republic
Klementium Library in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is actually home to several beautiful libraries, and another one you can’t miss is the Klementium Library. This is another historical library that you can’t actually enter, but just getting a glimpse of it from the doorway is well worth it in my opinion! The rest of the Klementium is really cool too.
You’ll need to book a tour of the Klementium, which costs 370 CZK ($18 USD) in order to see the Baroque Library. This stunning, ornate two-tiered library dates back to the 1720s. Additionally, you’ll get to visit Meridian Hall and the Astronomical Tower, which offers sweeping views of Prague’s Old Town.
Address: Mariánské Náměstímesti 5, Prague, Czech Republic
Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland
Trinity College Library in Dublin is a beautiful library that is famous for housing the Book of Kells, a medieval masterpiece containing an illustrated version of the first four books of the Gospels. The Long Room, which is the main room of the library, has high ceilings and is lined with busts of famous figures.
In order to visit this library, you’ll need to buy a ticket — ideally well in advance, because they frequently sell out. The cheapest option allows you to visit the Long Room and the Book of Kells exhibit, and is 19 EUR ($22.50 USD.) You can also book a combo tour that includes the library and other Dublin sights.
Address: Old Library, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library in Budapest, Hungary
While many of the libraries on this list aren’t actually open to the public for regular use, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is! This is a beautiful, historic library that is still used today. It’s a popular spot for students in Budapest to come study, and it’s also open to visitors for an affordable price.
Although most of this library is a regular, modern public library, part of the space occupies the former Wenckheim Palace, where you’ll find the most beautiful rooms dating back to the 19th century. You can buy a day pass to the library for 2,000 HUF ($6 USD) at the front desk, and this comes with free WiFi.
Visiting this library was one of my favorite things to do in Budapest, and I actually brought my laptop along and did several hours of work while I was there, enjoying the elegant and cozy ambience.
Address: Szabó Ervin Tér 1, Budapest, Hungary
Abbey Library of Saint Gall in St. Gallen, Switzerland
Another one of the most beautiful libraries in the world is located in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The Abbey Library of Saint Gall dates all the way back to the 10th century. This monastery was a beacon of knowledge and culture in Europe for many centuries and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The current library hall, in its beautiful Rococo style, was completed in 1767 and is open to visitors with rare books and cabinets of curiosities on display. You can also tour two additional exhibitions here.
Tickets are 18 CHF ($22.50 USD) and can be purchased in person or online. St. Gallen is located one hour from Zurich by train, making it an easy half-day trip to do for a morning and early afternoon.
Address: Klosterhof 6D, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Sainte-Geneviève Library
Excuse the quality of the photo below, because it was cropped from a Snapchat I took on my ancient iPhone while in college, but Sainte-Geneviève Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris. Located in the Latin Quarter, this historic library has vaulted ceilings and intricate ironwork dating back to the 1830s.
Intriguingly, the current library is built atop the 6th-century Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève, which had an impressive collection of ancient texts. This library was a popular study spot when I was a student.
If you want to visit this library, there are free tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 PM. Otherwise, you will need to register for a library card if you want to access the full space and study or work there.
Address: 10 Place du Panthéon, Paris, France
Mazarine Library
Another great working library in Paris is the Mazarine Library. I actually discovered this library when I returned to Paris for one month last year and was taking French language classes. This impressive library was a place I came several times to get some work done in the afternoons when my classes were finished.
This library is housed in an imposing building across from the Seine River, in a complex known as the Palace of the Institute of France. It was originally the personal library of Cardinal Mazarin, dating back to the 16th century. This beautiful and historic space is now a public library that is also open to visitors.
You can visit any time the library is open, and free tours are available at the end of the day. Registering for the library is 15 EUR for the year, or you can get a free five-day pass offering full access to the library.
Address: 23 Quai de Conti, Paris. France
Cuypers Library in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cuypers Library is unique because it’s actually located in a museum. Specifically, you’ll find this gorgeous library tucked away inside the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in Amsterdam, and this library is just one of the many amazing things you can see when you visit.
The library is open to museum visitors and offers interactive ways to learn more about the museum’s collection. You do need museum admission in order to enter, which is 25 EUR ($29.50 USD) for adults. Tickets for the Rijksmuseum must be purchased in advance, and you need to choose a time slot for entry.
Address: Museumpromenade 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
New York Public Library in New York, United States
New York City is home to the largest public library system in the world, and the flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the most beautiful NYPL location — and it’s also free and open to visitors! Unlike many other libraries on this list, you don’t have to pay a penny to visit the New York Public Library.
The library offers free tours every day from Monday through Saturday at 11 AM and 2 PM. You can save your spot on a tour online in advance. There’s also a free gallery you can check out, with rotating exhibits that are always super interesting, displaying rare literary artifacts from the library’s collections.
The Rose Main Reading Room is super stunning, and while it’s technically not open to “visitors” most of the time, I’ll let you in on a secret — if you just say you’re there for quiet reading or studying, you can go in. The New York Public Library is one of the best free things to do in NYC, and a must for bibliophiles.
Address: 476 5th Avenue, New York, NY, United States
The Morgan Library & Museum in New York, United States
Another NYC library I love is the Morgan Library & Museum. This was the private library of banker J. P. Morgan, and now it’s a museum. The historic library rooms are gorgeous and filled with rare books. The library has a fascinating history, which is why I included it in my guide to New York City for book lovers.
Tickets are $25 USD for adults, $17 USD for seniors aged 65 and older, and $13 USD for students, and can be purchased online in advance. The Morgan Library & Museum also offers free admission on Friday evenings from 5 PM to 8 PM, but this is very popular, so you need to reserve your spot in advance.
Address: 225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, United States
Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
This guide showed you some of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
As I visit more libraries in new destinations around the world, I’ll continue to update this list with my favorites. I’m constantly seeking out beautiful bookish spaces every time that I travel.
Enjoy visiting these stunning libraries around the world!
Related Guides:
- Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World
- 11 Best Bookstores in New York City
- A Guide to NYC for Book Lovers
- Carturesti Carusel in Bucharest, Romania
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Shakespeare and Company in Paris, France
- A Guide to the Most Beautiful Libraries in Prague
- Read to Wander: Travel Reading Challenge
- 21 Best Travel Memoirs by Women
