literary cities of the world – Santiago, Chile.
I’ve never really thought about what the Top 10 literary cities of the world might be. I’ve always lived in beautiful places myself, but I haven’t considered them especially literary.
Of course I’ve created literary things in spite of living in non-literary places. At least according to this list.
These Top 10 literary cities of the world were picked by National Geographic. For descriptions of each city and why it is considered one of the top 10 go here.
Literary Cities of the World
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
2. Dublin, Ireland
3. London, England
4. Paris, France
5. St. Petersburg, Russia
6. Stockholm, Sweden
7. Portland, Oregon
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Melbourne, Australia
10. Santiago, Chile
I’m humbled to say that I have only been to one of the ten on this list, though several are on my bucket list. What about you? Are there places listed here as a literary cities of the world that you’d like to go someday or have already visited?
P.S. I’m an ex-shrink who writes novels. Find my books here.
Four out of ten – that’s not bad I reckon! You should come to Europe Susan.
Hi Carrie,
I’ve been to Italy to research Seeking Sara Summers. But Florence wasn’t on the list. I’d love to come visit you someday. Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting list! I’ve only been to 2 out of 10 so far.
I’d like to hear about why they chose those ones.
And New York isn’t on there -?!?
Hi Anne,
I was surprised that New York wasn’t on there, too. What are they thinking?! I thought it was like the literary capital of the world!
Not Prague?
And I agree with Carrie. Europe is the place. Wish I could live there.
And from one of our lovely email subscribers:
“Hi, Susan:
Thought I was well traveled but obviously, I have been traveling to the wrong places. I’m down for 2–London & Washington, DC.
I see I’ve missed all the exotic places! Nancy”
And another one:
“Hi Susan!
On this list, I have not been to Melbourne, (only Sydney) or to anywhere in Russia. I do want to visit Russia though. Otherwise I have been to each of those places on the list and am happy to be living in one of them. A nomad’s life is hectic and even nail biting frustrating sometimes, but the interesting people I meet and become friends with along the way are more than worth the occasional hassel. Just experienced my 69th birthday anniversary and am eager to embark upon a new, “chapter one”. (L’annee erotique) Wonder what it has in store for this old girl.
All the Best,
Tre”
Yeah, I’m not sure I agree with the US picks. I’m not a person who is focused on NYC (not at all) but come on. Let’s get serious. This list seems to be more about “where the best libraries are” than about what I would describe as “literary cities.”
I’ve only been to DC and Paris, but one of these days, I am going to go to Great Britain and Ireland, so I’ll be able to cross three more off the list! I’ve long wanted to go to Scotland since one of my favorite authors (Ali Smith) lives there and writes about it.
As for other cities I want to go to, I’m a huge Van Gogh fan, so one of these days I want to go to Amsterdam where a huge volume of his work located. But! There’s a traveling Van Gogh exhibit coming to Philadelphia (where I live) next month, and I’m SO EXCITED! Philadelphia has its moments. 🙂
Hi Sonje,
Thanks so much for your comment. I had no idea you were in Philly. My oldest daughter went to Bryn Mawr, so I’ve driven through a few times!
I’d like to get to Great Britain and Ireland, as well. I have ancestors from there.
Also, I saw several Van Gogh’s at the Metropolitan Museum in NY a few years ago. I was mesmerized. To see the brush strokes so clearly was like being in the presence of greatness. When you get there, please send me a postcard from Amsterdam! 🙂
Hi Susan,
I was just wondering why you chose Santiago de Chile, over say… Buenos Aires, Argentina?… Is your choice related to the present time, or a particular period?
I enjoyed your book (i.e. Seeking Sarah Summers), read it in one sit… It was reaaaally nice to do that after a long time… especially because I spent a whole week reading science papers… If I may I a second question to my post? Maybe I missed it in your book… but, what did Julia wished while she and Sara were looking at the stars??? … and if I may add a third question, or maybe an idea for another post… What made you use this transition from friendship to love in your novel? Do you think it happens only in fiction? ( I feel my last quetion are totally outdated, I just got your book on an interlibrary loan at school last week =))
Hi Charin,
National Geographic put together the list of literary cities so I’m not sure why they picked Chile over Argentina. I wondered why New York City wasn’t on the list, too.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I left it up to the reader to imagine what either of them might have wished. For me, it was about Sara not getting cancer again so they could be together. I think the transition from friendship to love is something that often happens in relationships and in writing fiction the writer simply tries to capture a glimpse of it.
Thank you so much for your good questions.