If you’ve ever visited the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, or the New York Public Library, you know that library is a great place to experience literature, culture and art … often for free. So what else is out there for travelers?

In Baltimore, Maryland, the George Peabody Library holds more than 300,000 books, particularly from the 18th and 19th centuries, and an extensive map collection.

Not only that, but the building itself is a work of art, with five tiers of cast-iron balconies that has actually been described as a “cathedral of books.”

The Central Library in Seattle is another architectural gem, and visitors can even take free tours to learn more about the construction and design. Other public events include speeches, lectures and book readings.

If you’re looking for low-cost European culture, head to the Abbey Library St. Gall, in Switzerland, not far from Zurich.

It’s Switzerland’s oldest library with one of the most impressive collections of medieval literature in the world, and the building itself dates back to the 8th century.

And in Venice, the National Library of St. Mark’s often gets overlooked by its neighbors, the Correr Museum and Doge’s Palace.

But this spectacular Renaissance building is definitely worth visit, and it houses one of the greatest classical collections in the world.

Find more tips like this in our Cultural Travel section.

Looking for more tips? Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.