Discover Iconic Cities Through the Lives of Their Legendary Former Residents
The adage 'we are products of our environment' holds true for many geniuses shaped by their hometowns. Renowned cities worldwide have nurtured humanity's most innovative minds. Lonely Planet Locals share insider tours of key sights tied to famous former residents—from David Bowie's Berlin to Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen—offering deeper insights into their lives, fresh perspectives on these places, and inspiration to trace their steps.
Experience Berlin Like David Bowie
In 1976, David Bowie escaped Los Angeles' glamour for West Berlin's anonymity, conquering cocaine addiction and creating his iconic Berlin Trilogy: Low, "Heroes", and Lodger.
Start at his modest apartment at Hauptstrasse 155, shared with Iggy Pop and marked by a commemorative plaque—a staple on music tours. Bus to Potsdamer Platz for Hansa Studios, where the trilogy was recorded. Unwind at Bowie's haunts: SO36 club in Kreuzberg, Neues Ufer café on Hauptstrasse, or upscale Paris Bar near Bahnhof Zoo.
Follow in their footsteps: Berlin thrives on open-mic nights. Lakshmi Bar in Kreuzberg offers weekly amateur sessions (free drink for performers), as does Madame Claude.
Ryan Barrell is a Berlin-based writer, food enthusiast, and travel writer. Follow him on Instagram @ryanbarrell
Uncover Diego Rivera's Art and Passions in Mexico City
Mexico's mural master Diego Rivera, a socialist icon, spent much of his life in Mexico City, creating massive works that define its cultural landscape.
View his murals at Museo Mural Diego Rivera, Palacio de Bellas Artes interiors, and the world's largest collection at Museo Dolores Olmedo. For personal stories, visit Museo Frida Kahlo—their former home filled with mementos of their passionate romance. End at Anahuacalli, Rivera's pre-Hispanic art museum designed by him.
Follow in their footsteps: Explore contemporary art at SOMA, hosting artist-led lectures and workshops.
Laura Bronner is a Mexico City-based travel writer. Follow her on Instagram @eternalexpat
Tour Gwendolyn Brooks' Inspiring Bronzeville in Chicago
Pulitzer-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks captured Bronzeville's Black South Side life through activist verse. Her 1950 win for Annie Allen made her the first African American to claim the Literature prize.
Visit South Side Community Art Center, where she honed early poems—America's oldest Black art center. Explore Hall Branch Library, site of her lectures with Langston Hughes, stocking her works. Stroll Gwendolyn Brooks Park, featuring her contemplative bust.
Follow in their footsteps: Join Poetry magazine's workshops and events, where many Brooks pieces debuted.
Cate Huguelet is a Chicago-based travel and food writer. Follow her on Instagram @catehuguelet
Immerse in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's magical allure intensified when J.K. Rowling penned Harry Potter here. Spot inspirations like Victoria Street (Diagon Alley), George Heriot's School (Hogwarts), amid turreted spires and festivals.
Opt for The Potter Trail or Greyfriars Kirkyard, Rowling's haunt with names like Thomas Riddell (Voldemort).
Follow in their footsteps: Sip at The Elephant House, where she wrote early chapters. For writing, try quieter Loudon's café southside.
Chitra Ramaswamy is an Edinburgh-based travel journalist and novelist. Follow her on Twitter @chitgrrl
Find Enlightenment at Nizam-ud-din Auliya's Delhi Legacy
14th-century Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya championed peace and love across faiths, shaping Delhi's syncretic culture blending Indian, Persian, Turkish, and Arabic influences.
Pilgrims visit his Nizamuddin Basti dargah (mausoleum), alive with evening qawwali music—once his khanqah retreat.
Follow in their footsteps: Study Sufism at the National Museum or Public Library. Try yoga or tarot for modern spirituality.
Puneet Kaur Sidhu is a Delhi-Chandigarh writer and critic. Follow her on Twitter @babesbanter
Trace Hans Christian Andersen's Literary Legacy in Copenhagen
Fairy-tale icon Hans Christian Andersen arrived in Copenhagen at 14, living there while crafting classics like The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor's New Clothes.
Admire Nyhavn harbor (his 20-year home, plaque at No. 20), The Little Mermaid statue, City Hall Square and King's Garden statues, and Assistens Cemetery grave.
Follow in his footsteps: Write at Det Lille Apotek (oldest restaurant) or Brønnum cocktail bar by Royal Theatre.
Caroline Hadamitzky is a Copenhagen-based Canadian tour guide and writer. Follow her on Twitter @lovelivetravel
