Antwerp, Belgium

Aesthetics: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Functionality: 🌟🌟🌟

Living in Belgium for a while now, I decided that it was time to explore and discover hidden bibliophile gems around the region.

Antwerp has been known as a big port city in Belgium since ancient times, and I have never visited it despite its notoriety. But when I found out that they had this old library, I knew it was time to visit.

The main entrance to the library itself looked simple and clean but was nothing to write home about. The magical part of the whole library, which is shown in the photos above, is a room on the upper floor called Nottebohm Room.

Looking through its door, I was a bit disappointed to see only a dark entryway. But upon entering and adjusting my vision to the darkened room, my jaw dropped.

The foot-to-ceiling rows and rows and rows of bookshelves made me feel transported to Hogwarts’ magical library, albeit the cozier version. The atmosphere made me want to wear robes and bring in scrolls, pens, and quills so I could transcribe the ancient texts there.

Unfortunately, the upper sections of the shelves are not accessible to the public. On the other hand, it is possible to read and study in this library but not in the Nottebohm. A dedicated reading room close by can be accessed when you avail of the library’s free membership.

To all bookish friends who, like me waited for their Hogwarts acceptance letter, make sure to stop by here when you visit Belgium, especially Antwerp, to relieve those wizardly dreams. ✨

📌Note: Tickets are required to tour the library. More information (e.g., opening schedules and ticket prices) is available on their website here.

Madrid, Spain

Aesthetics: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Functionality: 🌟

Finding this gorgeous library was a pleasant surprise when I visited Museo Ceralbo in Madrid. Given that I was only there for a short amount of time, I wanted to find a hidden gem of a museum i.e., shorter lines but worth the time and buck to visit.

I found this one quite close to Palacio Real de Madrid. So instead of wasting time lining up to get inside the palace, I decided to walk further into this magnificent museum.

Grandeuse comes to mind the moment you set your foot on the premises. The decor and collection they have scream wealth. The staff are strict though regarding the path you are taking as you explore – which could be annoying, but it works.

Because before the library, you will be greeted by an intricately beautiful, well-lit staircase. And pass through a magical hallway that feels like a palace right out of a fairy tale or fantasy book because of the numerous chandeliers that line up the ceiling.

Then without really noticing it, you would find yourself inside a dimly-lit room that you thought was only a diorama of an office. However, when you continue exploring inside, there is this little gem of a room (or section of the room). The books cover its walls from floor to ceiling, and it reminded me of Belle’s library (animated version) if only a tiny version of it.

Despite that, everything feels so homey and comfortable – a contrast to the cold grandness of the whole building maybe because they tried to conserve how the furniture and decor, including that of the library, during that period.

Clearly, it’s not a functional library (i.e., you can’t stay to read or work there) any more. However, according to the staff, there are researchers who study and take care of the antique books being displayed (i.e., they are still readable though special permission is needed to access them).

I highly recommend it to everyone (especially bookish friends) who are interested, not just in seeing this library, but also in experiencing and feeling like you’re in a Spanish version of Bridgerton. ✨

📌Note: Tickets are required for the museum where the library is located. More information (e.g., opening schedules and ticket prices) is available on their website here.

Prague, Czech Republic

Aesthetics: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Functionality: 🌟

I mainly wanted to visit Prague to see the Strahov Library. I’ve seen many beautiful photos on Tumblr before and dreamed of seeing them one day when I get the opportunity.

And when I did, it did not disappoint.

The photos show two separate rooms. The first 3 show the Philosophical Hall, a room that is two-storey high, and lined with books all throughout its walls. We were not allowed to go inside due to the sensitive conditions of the books, but even just standing in the doorway, its grandeur is undeniable.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and the beautifully painted and gilded ceilings reminded me of scenes from Beauty and the Beast. Like Belle who didn’t know where to look and just kept roaming her eyes around the Beast’s surprise for her, I just kept craning my neck absorbing all the details I could and savoring the limited time I had to peek through it’s doors (you had to line up to be able to look inside).

The next room, the Baroque Theological Hall, was much smaller and also the oldest. It was like what I imagined a private library of the king’s seer would look like in fantasy stories though maybe a tad gloomier than this. Though it was possible to get inside this room, you had to book a special reservation to do so. I didn’t so like the first room, I had to be content with peeking in through the open doors.

I highly recommend this place to anyone, not just bookish friends, who will visit Prague. The place itself is gorgeous but the surrounding area provides a nice spot for a mindful stroll or a wonderful picnic. ✨

📌Note: You need to buy tickets to access the library. More information (e.g., opening schedules and ticket prices) is available on their website here.