Liverpool Travel Guide | Liverpool Attractions & Tourist Information
The Liverpool Travel Guide introduces a range of visitor attractions, places of interest and offers useful tourist information for visitors. These are exciting times for the city of Liverpool, the European capital of culture title bestowed upon the city in 2008 has been a catalyst for much renovation and modernisation of the city. Visitors have a range of attractions to see in this world heritage city that is also known for its thriving nightlife. It has helped the feeling in the city that Liverpool has great times ahead as a modern, influential and vibrant city and a leader in fields such as the arts and culture.
Liverpool has enjoyed a renaissance that can be traced by a number of years when regeneration first started. It had like many fellow northern cities, fallen on hard times when traditional manufacturing industries were dying out and taking with it the mainstay of the local economy and heart of the community with it. On a positive note, Liverpool has bounced back and its energy and vibrant nature is there for all to see that visit the city.
The city has an international reputation for producing a number of top poets, artists, singers and playwrights. This added to the array of theatres and galleries makes Liverpool a leader in the arts and culture, visitors with a liking for the arts are very well catered for. Football fans are also well catered for in the city, it is home to two premiership football clubs Liverpool and Everton and you can see a game and experience the excitement and wonderful match day atmosphere. Liverpool is also home to Aintree the venue for the Grand National each year that attracts many visitors from across the country.
The locals known as Liverpudlians are known for their quick witted humour and friendly nature. Liverpool's port, once seen as the second city of the British Empire, provided the rest of the world the gateway to Britain, and Britain a gateway to the rest of the world, this maritime history has helped shape what Liverpool is today. The Maritime history in the city is very strong and Merseyside Maritime Museum is a great place to learn more. Visitors can see a number of exhibitions that give visitors a greater insight in to the maritime history of the city. There are a number of galleries and collections to see including art inspired by the sea and the emigration gallery highlighting the stories of millions of people who sailed from Liverpool to the ‘new world’.
A popular trip for visitors is to take is a river cruise aboard the famous Mersey Ferries. This allows you to relax and take in all the history and sights of Liverpool. There are some wonderful sights of the waterfront and Three Graces namely the Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building.
It is easy to underestimate Liverpool's importance to the arts and culture and it has a number of museums and art galleries among the most famous is a branch of the Tate Gallery. The Tate Liverpool offers visitors the chance to see a range of contemporary and modern art along with displays from the Tate collection. The gallery was opened back in 1988 and since then it has built up a fine reputation and presents some of the finest modern art from UK and international artists. The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts boasts an impressive list of patrons such as Dame Judi Dench, Lord David Puttnam, Carly Simon and Paul McCarthy.
Liverpool's Albert Dock, built back in 1846, was once the most important and influential areas of the city. It fell in to decline in common with many other British ports with the decline of the traditional industries that were the lifeblood of the ports. However Albert Docks have now been renovated and the area is now thriving and one of Liverpool's biggest tourist draws. There are some of Liverpool's best museums in the docks and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants.
The area has been transformed and has a continental style atmosphere to it. The Albert Dock offers plenty of entertainment with funky bars and restaurants, the famous Beatles Story, the Maritime Museum and HM Customs & Excise National Museum. There are some retail boutiques for those that like to shop. It is a place here you can enjoy a range of activities in stunning renovated surroundings.
Liverpool has two Cathedrals that attract many visitors these are the Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, they represent fine examples of internationally acclaimed architecture. The World Museum contains historic artefacts from around the world, it provides an interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy. Art lovers are drawn to the Walker Art Gallery that holds one of the most distinguished collections of fine and decorative art. Galleries range from the Renaissance period to contemporary, it is a great treat for art lovers.
Liverpool has also been designated a World Heritage Site since 2004. The world heritage site is formally known as Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City with the main part of the designated site located at the famous Liverpool waterfront. There are six main areas that form the site including the Albert Dock and the Commercial Centre and Cultural Quarter among others. Historically Liverpool was an extremely important port during the empire days. The buildings and structures of the era were grand and elaborate reflecting Liverpool's influential position and importance. The architecture in Liverpool is world renowned and the city boasts more listed buildings than any city outside London.
Shopping in Liverpool offers visitors with plenty of choice. Shoppers have a range of high street shopping at Church Street and Bold Street along with shopping malls such as Liverpool ONE. If you like shopping then a trip to the Metquarter is a must. It is home to a range of designer stores in Liverpool, Cavern Walks has stylish boutiques, and of course there is Albert Dock with its wide range of shops. The Metquarter is located in the heart of the city and is a popular place not just to go shopping but to meet friends and its bars and boutique shops. The site used to be the post office and has now been renovated and given a new lease of life.
Theatre lovers are well catered for with the famous Playhouse and Everyman in Liverpool. Both theatres have a fine reputation as producing theatres and this combined with the creative talent in the city means many good quality shows are available. There are a variety of performances taking place and it is best to check in advance to ensure a show time that is convenience with your schedule. See Liverpool Playhouse and Everyman Theatres for more details on the theatres and performances.
Liverpool is synonymous with music and the birthplace of the Beatles, has also produced Atomic Kitten, the Farm, Cream and the Coral and Frankie Goes to Hollywood among others. Along with neighbouring Manchester, Liverpool has had a big influence on pop and popular culture in the UK over decades. Beatles fans can take a trip on the Magical Mystery Tours and learn more about the lives and times of the fab four. The Cavern Club located in Mathew Street, Liverpool is synonymous with its association with the Beatles, the group played regularly here in the early 1960’s before going on to world wide acclaim.
The Philharmonic Hall, home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, features an extensive programme of well known performers in the world of rock, contemporary and classical music, jazz and comedy. The orchestra gives approx 70 performances each year and collaborates with a range of musicians and artists covering a range of music genres.
If your interest is nightlife then Liverpool has plenty to offer. Alma de Cuba, situated in a 200 year old Polish Church is a Cuban and Miami inspired bar and restaurant. It has been called one of the most stunning venues for a bar and restaurant in Europe. You can enjoy tapas along with your drinks, there is also a restaurant you can dine in.
Korova Club located in Hope Street is a popular night spot in Liverpool. Here visitors can find cutting edge music, with a mix of up and coming bands along with established performers, it is famous for the selection of indie music. Visitors can enjoy some fine food along with a range of drinks taking in the relaxed atmosphere.
For a great comedy night out why not visit the Rawhide Comedy Club, located in the famous Royal Court close to Lime Street station. It is well established and brings great live acts. Your can have a meal before the performance at the venue and there is also a bar where you can have drinks after the performance is finished. The art deco bar is modelled from the 1930s inspired by the ship Queen Mary.
Liverpool is a city where football loyalties are spilt between the reds of Liverpool FC and the blue of Everton FC. The rivalry is strong and in a local derby game between the two you can witness the passion, commitment and will to win displayed by both sides and their supporters. Visitors can tour the stadiums for a behind the scenes view. It is advisable to book well in advance if you wish to go to a game as games are frequently sold out in this football loving city.
Accommodation in Liverpool is available to suit all budgets from inexpensive guest houses to top quality luxury hotels. It is worth remembering to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, the travelling time each day to and from your hotel can take up a lot of time, this is particularly important for those on a tight schedule whilst they visit the city. It is wise to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location and offers the facilities you require. If you have more time and are prepared to travel some more, a guest house or hotel outside the main city centre and established tourist stops can offer a quieter place to stay as well as some great room rates.There are a range of budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Liverpool, for further information please see:Liverpool Hotels
Liverpool is a city with its own character and charm, with the European Cultural Capital title to add to the World Heritage site status, the city is certainly an arts and cultural centre. Its ambitious regeneration and modernisation plans have transformed the city with the promise of much more to come. It is a city well connected by road, rail and air and its location means for UK visitors it is easily accessible and makes a great destination for a short or weekend break and for those that wish to explore more thoroughly for a longer stay too.
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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.