Strolling the cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh, Scotland is like weaving yourself into a richly knit history of legendary tales, ancient architecture, and famous people whose legacies continue echoing though centuries stand between then and now. As you traverse this city, the feeling that you’re walking down some of the same paths—paths that remain much the same as they were—is quite palpable.
This Scottish city is the birthplace of several notable people across industries. Science and innovation around the world was influenced by James Maxwell, a pioneering mathematician known for his theory of electromagnetism, and the world of communication was forever changed when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. Tony Blair emboldened the political sphere during his tenure as British prime minister from 1997 to 2007.
But Edinburgh’s legacy doesn’t stop with technology and politics—it also lives on in the stories and artworks brought to life through the quills and brushes of other artistic souls. For instance, Sherlock Holmes was “born” in Edinburgh just like his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle whose tales of mystery have captivated readers for generations.
Artists from Edinburgh include painters like William Bonnar who’s most well-known for his portraits and history paintings, and William Geissler, whose watercolors brought the natural world to life on canvas. And, of course, no review of Edinburgh’s famous individuals would be complete without mentioning the movie star whose iconic voice is recognizable around the world: Sean Connery. While he’s acted in countless films throughout his career, his portrayal of James Bond in the 007 franchise is perhaps his most memorable.
But its people aren’t the only draw. Edinburgh’s architecture is like a movie frozen in time with structures narrating history’s stories. Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress on Castle Rock, has witnessed Scotland’s tumultuous history. The city’s Old Town and New Town sections are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving centuries of architectural and cultural traditions.
While Edinburgh’s famous past inhabitants have left indelible marks on history, the city itself is home to mysteries and lesser-known aspects awaiting the curious. A first-time visitor may not know that beneath the city’s bustling cobblestoned avenues lies a subterranean world of hidden streets and abandoned buildings. The Edinburgh Vaults, once forgotten to time, now offer a peek into 18th-century life.
Edinburgh is a story that unfolds with every step you take along its ancient corridors. The longer you stay, you just might find yourself becoming a part of this centuries-old story.