Do you ever read a book about a city before you visit it? I’m not talking about guidebooks or travel tips. I’m talking about stories. Novels, poems, short stories—the kind of books that give you a real feel for a place: its vibe, its people, its hidden corners.
Personally, I love diving into a book that’s set in the city I’m about to explore. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the soul of the place. While I wander the streets, I find myself chasing scenes I’ve imagined—trying to match the words I’ve read with the sights around me.
In this post, I’ve picked out a few city-and-book pairings that I think you’ll enjoy. Who knows? Maybe this little habit of mine will inspire you too. Happy reading—and happy travels!
1. Istanbul, Türkiye – The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk
If you’re looking to explore Istanbul through literature, The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk is a must-read. This captivating novel doesn’t just tell a story—it brings the heart and soul of Istanbul to life. Set in the 1970s and 1980s, the book follows Kemal, a man consumed by his love for his distant relative Füsun. But beyond the emotional love story, the novel is a rich tapestry of Istanbul’s neighborhoods, culture, and daily life during a time of great change.
Pamuk portrays Istanbul not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing character. Through his detailed descriptions of streets, homes, and social traditions, readers are transported to a nostalgic version of the city filled with charm, history, and quiet melancholy. It’s a powerful reflection of both personal and societal transformation.
After finishing the book, make sure to visit the real the Museum of Innocence located on Çukurcuma Street in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Created by Pamuk himself, this unique museum brings the novel to life with objects and memorabilia tied to the story—making it a truly unforgettable experience for readers and travelers alike.
2. Saint Petersburg, Russia – Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
If you’re planning to visit Saint Petersburg, one of Russia’s most culturally rich and architecturally stunning cities, make sure to read Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment before you go. This literary classic isn’t just a deep psychological thriller—it’s also a vivid portrait of 19th-century Saint Petersburg.
The novel follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a struggling student who believes he is justified in murdering a pawnbroker for what he sees as a greater good. But as the story unfolds, so does his inner turmoil, as he grapples with guilt, morality, and the consequences of his actions. Through Raskolnikov’s eyes, readers explore the contrast between wealth and poverty, order and chaos, that defined Saint Petersburg during that era.
Dostoevsky paints a hauntingly realistic image of the city—its shadowy alleyways, overcrowded tenements, and the psychological weight of urban life. This makes Crime and Punishment not just a powerful novel, but also a unique literary guide to the soul of Saint Petersburg.
Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets during the magical “White Nights” or exploring the neighborhoods mentioned in the book, reading Crime and Punishment will give your visit a deeper, more meaningful perspective.
3. Lima, Peru – The City and the Dogs by Mario Vargas Llosa
To truly understand the heartbeat of Lima, Peru’s sprawling and vibrant capital, pick up The City and the Dogs by Nobel Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa. Home to over 10 million people, Lima is a city of contrasts—where tradition meets modernity, and diverse cultures and classes intertwine. This powerful novel offers a raw, unfiltered look into the social dynamics that have shaped the city.
Set in a military academy in Lima, The City and the Dogs explores the personal struggles, power plays, and harsh realities faced by young cadets. But beyond the walls of the school, the story offers a broader commentary on Peru’s societal tensions—highlighting class divisions, ethnic disparities, and the clash between privilege and marginalization.
Llosa masterfully portrays the complexities of Peruvian society, especially the layered relationships between indigenous, mestizo, and white populations. His sharp, honest storytelling makes this novel a must-read for travelers who want to go beyond surface impressions and gain a deeper understanding of Peru’s cultural and historical landscape.
Whether you’re strolling through Lima’s colonial streets or discovering its contemporary art and cuisine, The City and the Dogs adds a thoughtful perspective to your journey—one that captures both the beauty and the struggle that coexist in this dynamic city.
4. London, England – Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
London has inspired countless literary masterpieces, but if you’re looking for a beautifully written, approachable read that captures the city’s unique rhythm, Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf is a perfect choice. While epic novels like London by Edward Rutherfurd offer sweeping historical narratives, Mrs. Dalloway invites readers into one single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway—a middle-aged upper-class woman preparing for an evening party.
As Clarissa moves through the city—walking its streets, shopping, and reflecting on her life—the novel paints a vivid and intimate portrait of London. Woolf’s writing captures the essence of the city with poetic elegance, from the elegance of Westminster to the quiet moments in St. James’s Park.
Through Clarissa’s inner monologue and the passing thoughts of those around her, Mrs. Dalloway explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time—all set against the rich backdrop of post-World War I London.
For travelers and literature lovers alike, this novel offers a wonderful way to experience the spirit of London. After reading it, you’ll never look at a quiet walk through the city quite the same way again.
5. Tehran, Iran – Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji
Tehran is one of the most captivating cities in the Middle East, shaped by Iran’s rich literary heritage, deep-rooted culture, and turbulent history. To truly grasp the soul of this city, you need more than just a visit—you need a deeper dive. And one of the best places to start is with Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji.
This powerful novel takes you back to the era of the Shah, offering a window into the dreams, fears, and everyday lives of young Iranians during a time of political repression. Through the eyes of a teenage boy, the story unfolds across the rooftops of Tehran, where friendships form, love blossoms, and resistance quietly brews under the surface.
Seraji’s storytelling brings the human side of history to life, blending personal struggles with the broader political landscape. You’ll come away with a richer understanding of the city’s spirit—its hopes, its heartbreaks, and the resilience of its people.
If you’re planning a trip to Tehran, or just want to explore its essence from afar, Rooftops of Tehran is an emotional and eye-opening read that will stay with you long after the final page.
