We love reading, and we also love traveling, but there is nothing better than combining the two. Nothing beats a bookish break—whether you’re physically hopping on a flight or being magically transported to a far-off destination through the pages of a great novel.

If you are looking for your next travel destination or simply need a book to escape your bedroom, here are 5 incredible books set in different cities across the globe. Grab your passport and dive into these amazing stories!

Quick Guide: Featured Cities & Books

City	Featured Book	Author	Genre	Key Vibe
Amsterdam, Netherlands	What Happens in Amsterdam	Rachel Lynn Solomon	Contemporary Romance	Canal walks & marriage of convenience
Singapore	Crazy Rich Asians	Kevin Kwan	Escapist Fiction	High society, luxury & family drama
Miami, USA	Only Lovers in the Building	Nadine Gonzalez	Beach Romance	Art Deco, palm trees & summer fun
Edinburgh, Scotland	Anatomy: A Love Story	Dana Schwartz	Gothic Historical Fantasy	Cobblestone streets & dark academia
Seoul, South Korea	Heart and Seoul	Jen Frederick	Contemporary Drama	K-drama swoons & vibrant city culture

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Amsterdam is the ultimate city break for anyone who loves picturesque canal views, historic architecture, and vibrant tulip seasons. It is also the perfect backdrop for romantic escapism.

• The Book Connection: In Rachel Lynn Solomon’s What Happens in Amsterdam, Dani and Wouter enter into a fake marriage of convenience. However, navigating real feelings in a city as charming as Amsterdam proves much trickier than expected.
• Why It Transports You: You’ll feel like you’re strolling along the Prinsengracht, stopping by local cafés, and soaking in the unique Dutch culture. Falling in love with your fake husband isn’t easy, but falling in love with Amsterdam is inevitable.

2. Singapore: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Singapore is a breathtaking metropolis that seamlessly blends ultra-modern skyscrapers with rich multicultural heritage and world-class street food.

• The Book Connection: Crazy Rich Asians follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu as she accompanies her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore—only to discover that Nick belongs to one of the wealthiest families in Asia.
• Why It Transports You: While the hit movie adaptation brought the story to life, Kevin Kwan’s novel offers far more detail, drama, and luxury. The story immerses you in Singapore’s extravagant high society, sweeping from the iconic Marina Bay Sands to lush private estates.

3. Miami, Florida: Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez

With its iconic Art Deco architecture, sprawling palm trees, and vibrant nightlife, Miami is one of the most dynamic coastal cities in the world.

• The Book Connection: Set against Miami’s sun-drenched backdrop, Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez follows Ben and Lily as they navigate complex chemistry, messy choices, and second chances.
• Why It Transports You: The book captures the distinct energy of Miami—from relaxing on South Beach with a ocean breeze to dancing the night away beneath city lights. It’s the ultimate summer escapist read.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland: Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

Edinburgh feels almost made for book lovers. With cozy bookstores, historic cobblestone wynds, and atmospheric castles dominating the skyline, it is the home of dark academia.

• The Book Connection: Set in 1817 Edinburgh, Anatomy tells the story of Hazel, an aspiring female surgeon, and Jack, a resurrection man who digs up graves for a living. Together, they unravel a sinister mystery lurking beneath the city’s streets.
• Why It Transports You: Dana Schwartz brings historical Edinburgh to life with incredible gothic flair. Reading it will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to explore Old Town’s foggy alleys and underground vaults.

5. Seoul, South Korea: Heart and Seoul by Jen Frederick

Seoul is a sprawling metropolis where centuries-old palaces sit directly beside cutting-edge modern innovation and bustling shopping districts.

• The Book Connection: In Heart and Seoul, adopted Korean-American Ellen Hargrove travels to Seoul in search of her biological family. Instead, she finds herself falling in love with a man who could upend her life completely.
• Why It Transports You: If you love K-dramas or K-pop, this novel delivers that same comforting, swoon-worthy atmosphere. From visiting historic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace to taking in the evening views from Namsan Tower, it serves as a love letter to the city of Seoul.

What City Is on Your Reading Bucket List?

Whether you’re packing your bags or curling up on the sofa, these five books are guaranteed to spark your wanderlust. Have you read any of these city-centric novels, or do you have a favorite destination read that should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments!