Pilgrimage to the stars: Bowie-era Berlin to Prince-ly Minneapolis, touring like an 80s pop legend

Freddie Mercury at the Queen concert at Wembley stadium during the Magic tour on July 11, 1986 in London. Photo / Getty Images

Pop-culture vulture Jane Jurgens devises a travel course for fans of deceased stars to follow.

1. BERLIN

David Bowie

In the 70s, David Bowie spent three years living in Berlin—apparently to get away from drugs and fame back home. During this time, he recorded his Berlin trilogy—Low (1977), Heroes (1977) and Lodger (1979) — while living with Iggy Pop in a Schoneberg apartment.

Fans lay flowers at the doorstep of the Berlin building where David Bowie once lived. Photo / Getty Images

The Starman's mark still remains in the city that mourned him after his death in 2016.

Visit Hansa Studios, where two of these famous albums were recorded, or pay tribute at the memorial plaque outside his former home. And be sure to spendsome time in Neukoln, one of Bowie's favourite areas — immortalised through his instrumental piece of the same name.

2. MINNEAPOLIS

Prince

Prince's hometown offers many places for fans to pay homage to the Purple One — from his favourite record store to his own home studio. The best place to start is at Paisley Park, the performance complex and studio where Prince recorded many of his greatest hits.

A memorial street party for Prince outside the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo / Getty Images

There's a museum and guided tours — although photos and videos are strictly forbidden.

At night, take in a show at First Avenue and 7th St Entry — a downtown club in a former Greyhound bus depotwhere Prince first performed in 1981. Prince's favourite record store Electric Fetus is an indie music mecca, particularly if you're a vinyl lover, while the real life Graffiti Bridge is also a must-see.

3. MONTREUX

Freddie Mercury

While keen Queen fans might want to take a visit to Freddie Mercury's birthplace Zanzibar to pay tribute, this Swiss town on the shores of Lake Geneva was a favourite haunt of his.

The Freddie Mercury in Montreux on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Photo / Getty Images

Queen's 1978 album Jazz was recorded here during the famous Montreux Jazz Festival — and it was during this time that he fell in lovewith the area and the lake.

Mercury gave Montreux high praise: "If you want peace of soul, come to Montreux. "He became so important to the town that a bronze statue of him was placed by the water front in 1996 — and of course, his fans continue to pay tribute by placing flowers at his monument to this day.