Wondering where are the best places to read books? Avid readers know (and often say!) that they love books so much that they can “read anywhere”. And while for many of us this is true, that doesn’t mean that every place in the world is equally good for reading.
The level of noise in a place can determine how easy it is to read somewhere, as well as other factors that influence your reading comfort including comfortable seating, good lighting, and more. So if you’re looking for your next favorite place to read, here are 14 of the best places to read a book!
1. At Home
We’ll start off with one of the most obvious—your own home is the perfect place to read!
Whether you’re reading on your bed, in a comfortable chair in your own cozy reading nook, at the breakfast table, or anywhere else, there are so many good places to read in one’s own home. So if you’re wondering “Where should I go to read my book?”, sometimes the best answer is to go nowhere at all and just enjoy reading your book from the comfort of your own home.
2. Coffee Shops or Cafes
Another popular option when wondering where are good places to read is a coffee shop or cafe.
Coffee shops and cafes are favorite places to read because they’re usually set up with comfort in mind, and also allow you to enjoy tea, coffee, or treats while you read. Many coffee shops are cute and have a welcoming atmosphere, and sometimes you’ll even find coffee shops with comfortable chairs or beautiful little nooks perfect for reading!
3. Public Transport
Other possibilities for public places to read include public transport like trains, airplanes, the subway, the bus, etc.
Whether you’re on your daily commute or are on your way to a vacation, time spent in a moving vehicle is time that can be used to read. (Using time on a commute to read can be a great way to reduce your TBR pile if it’s overflowing!)
Sometimes places like the subway or the bus can be a bit chaotic to read, but I find trains and airplanes are generally relaxing and allow plenty of time to enjoy a book. But keep in mind that if you decide to take your books with you on the go, you may want to get a quality book sleeve to protect your books from damage!
4. Parks
Another of the most fun places to read in public is in local parks! If you’re asking “Where can I read outdoors?”, then this is a great option for you!
Parks generally make nice places to read because there are generally benches to sit on and nature to enjoy. There may also be nice trees to sit under and read, and you can bring picnic blankets to sit on the grass or under trees. (And if you want to bring picnic food too you can! It could even be literary-themed food if you’d like!)
5. Libraries
Libraries also make nice places to read, as they are set up for patrons to explore new books and also often set up for reading or studying too!
After all, what’s better than reading surrounded by books? And if you’d like, you could even check out more books to take home with you!
6. Bars
Did you know that bars can also be a pretty good place to read? If you’re looking for public places to read other than a cafe, this could be a good option to check out!
Of course, not all bars are created equally when it comes to being good spots for reading. You’ll want to look for bars in quiet restaurants, hotel lobbies, etc. so you can find a place that’s still relaxing and has good noise levels that allow you to enjoy your book.
7. University Campuses
If you’re a student, then you likely already spend a lot of time reading on university campuses. But if you’re not a student, you maybe haven’t thought about this option when thinking about where to read books.
Many university campuses are beautiful and offer a variety of outdoor places with grass or benches to sit on (kind of like a public park). Of course, this varies campus to campus. But if you’re looking to switch up your reading places, check into your local university campuses to see if you can find your new favorite reading place!
8. Beaches
If you’re lucky enough to live close to the beach (or if you’re on vacation), then reading at the beach is one of the best places to read outside.
Beach reading is a great way to soak up the sun while working through your latest book—after all, there isn’t a whole genre called “beach reads” for nothing! Every day you spend reading on the beach is sure to feel like a vacation, whether you’re on vacation or not!
9. Bookstores
The question “Where should I go to read my book?” obviously has lots of good answers, but don’t forget about bookstores!
Some bookstores have perfect little reading nook setups, or even have cafes inside the bookstore where you can sit as well. If you love reading while surrounded by books, this is the perfect reading place for you! And who knows, you may just leave with several new book friends as well…
10. Museums
Have you ever thought about reading in a museum? Museums can be really delightful places to read, as they are generally on the quieter side and are beautiful spaces where you can surround yourself with art or other cool objects.
Reading in museums can also be a fun pastime if you like people watching, as you can read a little then take a break and people watch and then read some more! If you like art or history and love to read, be sure to try a museum for your next reading adventure!
11. Botanical Gardens
Like public parks, botanical gardens can also be incredible places to read in public.
Many botanical gardens have gorgeous foliage and nice benches or areas to sit, so you are sure to feel inspired and uplifted when reading in such a beautiful place!
12. Porches
Porches also make great reading places, whether it’s your own porch, a friend’s, a porch at a hotel, or anywhere else!
Especially if there’s a great view, reading on the porch can be so delightful. And bonus if you get to read while rocking in a rocking chair!
13. In Front of a Fireplace
If you’re looking for great places to read at night or even during the day, then reading in front of a fireplace is an excellent option! Especially for cold fall or winter days or nights.
Reading in a chair by the fire is one of the coziest things, so if you have your own fireplace or know of a public place with a fireplace nearby (think restaurants, cafes, etc), then you’re all set to have the coziest reading experience!
14. In a Hammock
And last but not least, anywhere you get to read in a hammock is going to be a wonderful place to read!
You can get camping-style hammocks to take with you anywhere so you can set up a hammock on the go, or grab a hammock with a stand if you don’t have trees nearby to hang a hammock in. No matter what style of hammock you get or find somewhere to enjoy, you’re sure to feel on top of the world when you get a chance to read in one!