What Celebrities Have Visited Edinburgh?

It might surprise you to learn that Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s oldest cities and one of the most visited cities in the UK, has no shortage of A-list stars and celebrities eager to simply soak up its history and beauty. From Hollywood royalty to some of the most prolific singers and music stars of our youth, Edinburgh has had some famous and illustrious visitors who, over the past few decades, have left a lasting impression on the city.

From the Queen of Soul to a beloved Hollywood icon, here’s your ultimate guide to the celebrities who have had memorable visits to the fair city of Edinburgh.

Aretha Franklin (2018)

Aretha Franklin wasn’t just the Queen of Soul, she was an incredible artist who had a big influence on music and culture from the 1960’s until 2018 when she sadly passed away. Franklin chose to stay at the iconic Balmoral Hotel during her time in Edinburgh for her outdoor gig at Murrayfield Stadium. During her stay in Edinburgh, she enjoyed the Scottish Cuisine and took time out to attend an event at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery which honors the 30th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.

Sean Connery (2008)

The man, the myth, the legendary James Bond’s original portrayer himself—Sir Sean Connery famously chose a private guide when he visited Edinburgh in 2008. Despite his huge success in the silver screen and his travels around the world, Connery remains an honorary Scotsman still fondly remembered by his homeland. After his private guided tour around Edinburgh’s old town, he then went on to enjoy a meal at restaurant Witchery by the Castle for which he personally chose a Private Dining Room.

Shirley Manson (2005)

Famed 50 shades of gray singer and frontwoman of Garbage, Shirley Manson caused quite a commotion when she visited Edinburgh in 2005. Her fans flocked just to catch a glimpse of the celebrity while she was attending a promotional event of two new products at Harvey Nichols. She walked around talking to her fans at the store signing autographs and taking photographs.

Robert Downey Jr (2012)

Robert Doney Jr paid Edinburgh a visit during is shoot for the Marvel movie Avengers: Infinity War back in 2012. This movie made him an international star and his fandom skyrocketed around this time since he had just come off filming The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and The Sherlock Holmes movies. During his time he was seen enjoying sightseeing experiences around Old Town, Edinburg Castle and Leith.

Emily Blunt (2015)

The super talented Emily Blunt came to Edinburgh in 2015 as part of her promotion tour for the movie Sicario. Emily made a lot of media appearances and press junkets around this time. Due to her tight shooting schedule she mostly spent her time in Edinburgh attending promotional events. She was invited to a private screening of Sicario at the Cameo Filmhouse Cinema which was followed by a VIP Q and A session that evening.

Summary

As you can tell, Edinburgh is a place where celebrities are always welcome—there are no shortage of A-list stars satisfied by simply taking in Edinburg’s history and culture, while being treated like one of the locals! Today’s celebrities can enjoy luxury activities such as private guided tours around the Old Town, meals at exclusive restaurants like Witchery by the Castle, and luxury shopping galore. In other words, if you ever find yourself in Edinburgh, you never know who you might see!

References:
Scotland Whispers News, Big Bus, Balanced Travels, Edinburgh News.

An Insider’s Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland

If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be joining a long list of celebrities, including J.K. Rowling, Prince Harry, and David Bowie, who have all visited this stunning European city. Edinburgh is famous for its rich and colorful history, world-class cultural festivals, and beautiful architecture. This guide will help you make the most of your trip to Edinburgh by showing you the top local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Local Attractions

Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic attraction in the city, situated atop a picturesque hill from which you can enjoy stunning views of the city. Another must-see attraction is Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Take a stroll down the Royal Mile, which is lined with historic buildings, shops, and pubs, or visit the Scottish Parliament to learn about the country’s modern political history. Art lovers should not miss the National Gallery of Scotland, which hosts a vast collection of artworks, including works by renowned painters such as Botticelli and Titian.

Dining Spots

Edinburgh is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide range of eateries serving up delicious food from all over the world. If you’re looking for a classic Scottish experience, try The Kitchin restaurant, which offers a menu of locally-sourced ingredients. For a more casual setting, head to the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, located in the city’s Old Town, where you can taste some of the freshest produce and local meats. The Roseleaf Bar Café is another local favorite, serving up creative cocktails and delicious comfort food, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Cultural Experiences

The city of Edinburgh is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals taking place throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Edinburgh International Festival, which attracts performers from across the world, showcasing the best in music, theater, and dance. If you’re looking for something more off-beat, check out the Beltane Fire Festival, which takes place on the evening of April 30th every year. This unique event celebrates the arrival of summer and features elaborate costumes, fire dancers, and a large procession. You can also experience traditional Scottish dancing and music by attending a ceilidh, or Scottish dance party.

Local History

Edinburgh has a rich and colorful history that is best explored by taking a walking tour of the city. Start at the Royal Mile, where you can see the historic St Giles’ Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. Another significant historical attraction is the Real Mary King’s Close, an underground warren of streets preserved since the 16th century. History buffs should also check out Edinburgh’s Old Town, which retains much of its medieval charm, or take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

For a unique experience, take the time to explore some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known attractions. Explore the city’s underground network of tunnels and vaults by taking a Ghost Tour, which will show you a different side of the city’s history. For a peaceful escape from the city, head to Dean Village, a picturesque village nestled in a lush valley. Arthur’s Seat is another hidden gem, a dormant volcano with stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Finally, don’t forget to take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where you can see a vast collection of plants from around the world.

In conclusion, Edinburgh is a beautiful and fascinating city with something to offer every traveler. From its world-famous events to its hidden gems, Edinburgh is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.