Literary Journeys: Six Book-Inspired Destinations for 2026
Lonely Planet's latest feature showcases six locations enriched by music and literature. Tbilisi, Georgia, is associated with Barbara Jorjadze's 'Georgian Cuisine and Housekeeping Notes,' enhancing the experience of local markets. In Kerala, India, Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' sheds light on societal frameworks. Buenos Aires, Argentina, invites exploration through the works of Jorge Luis Borges and Astor Piazzolla, particularly in the neighborhoods of San Telmo and Palermo. Oaxaca, Mexico, is celebrated through the poetry of Natalia Toledo, emphasizing cultural heritage. Visitors to Kyoto, Japan, can appreciate Matsuo Bashō's haiku while exploring gardens. In Marrakesh, Morocco, Tahar Ben Jelloun's writings guide the appreciation of crafts and language. Ideal visiting times include spring for Tbilisi, November to March for Kerala, and March to May, as well as September to October for Marrakesh.
Key facts
- Lonely Planet lists six book-inspired trips for 2026.
- Tbilisi: Barbara Jorjadze's 19th-century cookbook 'Georgian Cuisine and Housekeeping Notes' is revived by restaurant Barbarestan.
- Kerala: Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' adds social meaning to backwaters and towns.
- Buenos Aires: Borges's stories and Piazzolla's tango encourage wandering in San Telmo and Palermo.
- Oaxaca: Natalia Toledo's poetry and Zapotec oral narratives highlight sound and language.
- Kyoto: Bashō's haiku focus on small details, suggesting early morning visits.
- Marrakesh: Tahar Ben Jelloun's works reframe the medina as structured pattern.
- Best seasons: Tbilisi (April-May, September-October), Kerala (November-March), Marrakesh (March-May, September-October).
Entities
Artists
- Barbara Jorjadze
- Arundhati Roy
- Jorge Luis Borges
- Astor Piazzolla
- Natalia Toledo
- Matsuo Bashō
- Tahar Ben Jelloun
Institutions
- Lonely Planet
- Barbarestan
Locations
- Tbilisi
- Georgia
- Kerala
- India
- Buenos Aires
- Argentina
- Oaxaca
- Mexico
- Kyoto
- Japan
- Marrakesh
- Morocco
- Deserters' Bazaar
- San Telmo
- Palermo
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Sources
- Quartz —