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Some places hold far more than books — they hold stories, breathtaking architecture, and the feeling of stepping into a true temple of knowledge. The most beautiful libraries in the world (2025 ranking) are destinations that go far beyond silence and shelves. These are spaces where art, culture, and heritage come together, making them must-visit stops for every cultural traveler and architecture lover.

In the recent 1000 Libraries Awards 2025, two Australian treasures stood out among the top 10 most beautiful libraries in the world: the magnificent State Library of South Australia in Adelaide and the historic State Library Victoria in Melbourne. Naturally, both have already earned a place on my Australian travel bucket list!

But the wonder doesn’t end there. From the majestic Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin to the baroque splendor of St. Gallen Abbey Library in Switzerland and the vibrant Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Rio de Janeiro, this list proves that the world’s most beautiful libraries are architectural masterpieces worth traveling for.

If you love cultural travel and can’t resist destinations filled with history and beauty, get ready to explore the 10 most beautiful libraries in the world in 2025 — plus a Portuguese surprise that deserves to be on every book lover’s itinerary.

1. Library of Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)

Ranked number one in the world, this iconic library is best known for its breathtaking Long Room. With its wooden arches, towering bookshelves, and soft golden light (recently enhanced with the artistic installation Gaia), it houses the famous Book of Kells and countless historic treasures.

2. State Library of South Australia (Australia)

Voted the second most beautiful library in the world, the Mortlock Wing of Adelaide’s State Library features French Renaissance inspiration, glass ceilings, elegant galleries, and a magical, almost Hogwarts-like charm.

3. Abbey Library of St. Gallen (Switzerland)

A true baroque jewel inside a historic monastery, this Rococo-style library (1758–1767) is often described as a “healing place for the soul.” Its frescoes and ornate woodwork make it one of the most enchanting libraries in Europe.

4. Duke Humfrey’s Library, University of Oxford (United Kingdom)

One of the oldest reading rooms at Oxford University, Duke Humfrey’s Library offers a timeless, scholarly atmosphere, filled with history and tradition.

5. Admont Abbey Library (Austria)

The largest monastic library in the world, Admont dazzles with its baroque grandeur. Its painted domes by Bartolomeo Altomonte illustrate theology, medicine, and the arts, making the hall a true celebration of knowledge.

6. Cuypers Library, Rijksmuseum (Netherlands)

Nestled inside Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, the Cuypers Library is a stunning symbol of cultural elegance. Its ornate ceilings and richly detailed shelves make it a paradise for book lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

7. State Library Victoria (Australia)

Founded in 1854, this Melbourne landmark is one of the world’s great public libraries. Its La Trobe Reading Room, with its soaring dome and impressive historic collection, remains one of the most recognizable library interiors worldwide.

8. The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Brazil)

Located in Rio de Janeiro, this vibrant, neo-Manueline library is home to the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal. With colorful shelves, stained-glass domes, and ornate chandeliers, it’s a visual feast.

9. Wiblingen Abbey Library (Germany)

Part of a former Benedictine abbey, this German gem is celebrated for its classical architecture, light-filled interior, and serene, contemplative atmosphere.

10. Sainte-Geneviève Library (France)

Situated in Paris, this neoclassical library is admired for both its grand façade and its elegant, functional interior. It strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Portugal’s Hidden Gem: The Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra

While it didn’t appear in the 2025 top ten ranking, no list of the world’s most beautiful libraries would be complete without mentioning Portugal’s Biblioteca Joanina at the University of Coimbra. Built in the early 18th century, it is a baroque masterpiece filled with gilded woodwork, frescoed ceilings, and historic charm. Considered one of the most beautiful university libraries in the world, it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling through Portugal.

Conclusion

Exploring the most beautiful libraries in the world is about more than admiring bookshelves. It’s about experiencing history, culture, and architecture all in one place. From the grandeur of Dublin’s Long Room to the baroque elegance of St. Gallen, from the vibrant Royal Cabinet in Rio to Parisian sophistication, each library tells a unique story through its design and its collections.

For me, the highlights are the two Australian jewels — the State Library of South Australia and State Library Victoria — now firmly on my must-visit list. And, of course, Portugal proudly shines with its breathtaking Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra.

These libraries remind us that travel is not only about discovering new destinations, but also about immersing ourselves in spaces that inspire, preserve culture, and invite us to dream. Every reading room is, after all, a doorway into other times, other worlds, and endless stories.

If you love exploring cultural and historical gems, don’t miss my travel guides beyond libraries. In Munich, I discovered a perfect mix of history, local food, and charming spots — read more in my Perfect Day in Munich guide. And if you’re planning a trip to Portugal, a visit to Sintra is simply unforgettable. From fairy-tale palaces to traditional pastries, check out my full itinerary in A Magical Day in Sintra.

And if you’re looking for even more travel inspiration, don’t miss my guide to the World’s Best Countries to Visit in 2025, packed with unforgettable destinations for your next adventure.