One of the best parts of reading a great book is the new world it transports you to. Sometimes, that world is a fantasy, but sometimes your favorite author transports you to cities that actually exist. If you appreciate the written word and want to experience your favorite stories come to life in the real world, then keep reading.

Summary Guru, the literary analysis site, shares their expertise on iconic literary landmarks you will want to experience.

The Windmills – Consuegra, Spain

If you’re a fan of Spanish literature, you’ll be thrilled to visit the city that inspired Cervantes’ most well-known scene in Don Quixote. During the book, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza imagine that the hills’ windmills are giant monsters that they must fight. Summary Guru says, ‘You can find these twelve iconic windmills in the charming city of Consuegra, which is located at the foot of the Cerro Calderico ridge in the region of Castille-La Mancha.’

Take in the scenery Cervantes used for his masterpiece’s setting, and check out some of the tours available that allow you to get inside the windmills themselves. Afterward, sit back and relax on a terrace with a tinto de verano in one hand and a good book–like Don Quixote–in the other.

The Burren – County Clare, Ireland

The Burren, a swirling, gray, rocky landscape that formed under the sea 50 million years ago, is a mystical terrain of vast limestone rock formations, caves, and fossils. It has an other-worldly, almost lunar feel, giving off what visitors have described as a magical energy. Naturally, a place like this has inspired numerous writers, including fantasy legend JRR Tolkien.

While exploring the unusual yet intriguing landscape that inspired JRR Tolkein’s Mordor from The Lord of the Rings, you may also want to pay a visit to a particular cave called Pol na Gollum, which means ‘Hole of Gollum.’ Sound familiar? Summary Guru says, ‘It is almost certain that this very cave inspired the infamous creature Gollum, who plays a major role in the Lord of the Rings series.’ Haunting calls and chirps coming from within the cave create raspy echoes eerily reminiscent of the melancholic voice of the creepy creature.

Hyde Park – London, England

Countless classic authors have used London as a backdrop for their captivating stories. The vibrancy of this iconic city serves as the engaging setting for masterpieces such as Peter Pan, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and even the modern masterpiece, the Harry Potter series.

Summary Guru suggests, ‘While in London, take a break from the bustling streets and have yourself a relaxing picnic by The Serpentine in Hyde Park. Established in 1536 as a private park by King Henry VIII and later opened to the public in 1637, this beautiful greenscape has become a staple of London culture.’ Virginia Woolf sets a scene here in her well-known novel Mrs. Dalloway. The Serpentine also plays a role in Sherlock Holmes when Inspector Lestrade finds Hatty Doran’s wedding dress floating in its waters and uses it to solve another clue in his case.

Luxembourg Gardens – Paris, France

As if you needed another excuse to go to Paris! This city of love has centuries of history, so it’s no wonder it serves as the backdrop to several literary masterpieces. The Luxembourg Gardens in particular are an iconic landmark in classic literature, and in Paris itself. Both locals and tourists alike enjoy a promenade through the delightful gardens, which combine English, French, and Italian garden aesthetics. It is the second-largest park in Paris.

Summary Guru says, ‘Bring a picnic and enjoy some fresh air in these gorgeous gardens, and imagine that you are a character from A Tale of Two Cities, or that you are spying on Jean Valjean and Cosette from Les Misérables, sitting near the Rue de l’Ouest.’

The Plaza Hotel – New York City, United States of America

The Big Apple has long been a magnet for creative minds, inspiring some of the most brilliant writers of our era, including J.D. Salinger, Langston Hughes, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. One iconic landmark not to be missed is the Plaza Hotel, nestled in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Recognized as a historic treasure, this hotel has welcomed numerous influential figures, from JFK to The Beatles.

Featured prominently in a climactic scene from The Great Gatsby, The Plaza Hotel epitomizes its time’s elegance and art deco splendor. Recently restored to its Jazz Age grandeur, a stay at the Plaza offers a chance to step back in time, immerse oneself in a world of glamor, and experience the same dramatic ambiance Jay, Daisy, and Nick did during their memorable confrontation.

Summary Guru reflects, ‘A good book is the ultimate escapism. You find yourself totally immersed in a different world–making what feels like a personal connection to these characters. Now imagine if this imaginary world could be somehow brought to life…Wouldn’t you do it?’