City Guide : Liverpool
With up-and-coming areas like the Baltic Square rivalling Manchester’s Northern Quarter and London’s Shoreditch for "hipness", Liverpool promises something different every time you visit.
Historic Buildings
Although battered by the Blitz, the Liverpool skyline remains incredibly beautiful. So if architecture’s your thing, you’ll be in heaven – the city has over 2,500 listed structures and more Georgian buildings than Bath. But which ones should you point your wide-angle lens at? We’ve picked some examples that stand out above the rest.
No matter what brings you to Liverpool, a visit to Britain’s largest cathedral really is a must. Liverpool Cathedral boasts the world’s highest and widest gothic arches and the UK’s biggest church organ. It’s free to enter, but it’s worth paying the extra for the Tower Experience tour. The tour includes a trip to the bell chamber and a film about how the cathedral was built, but the highlight has to be the view from the top. It’s breathtaking, and definitely the best place to catch the sunset in the city.
Buy a Liverpool postcard to send home and it’ll undoubtedly feature the Royal Liver Building. With its twin Liver bird statues perched on the top, it’s one Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks – and one that the locals are very proud of. Beautiful by day, it’s even more stunning when lit up by night
Tour: The Beatles Story
Undeniably Liverpool’s most famous export, it is estimated that The Beatles add ￡32m to the city’s economy each year.
Play your part by visiting The Official Magical Mystery Tour; board the colourful bus and enjoy a 2-hour trip around all the band’s most famous haunts.
The photo opportunities are endless—Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and of course, the iconic Cavern Club.
Other recommendations:
- Tate Liverpool
- Anfield
- Wheel Of Liverpool
Stadiums
Football’s almost a religion here, and you can’t leave town without paying a visit to one of its temples - Anfield or Goodison Park. Both stadiums are steeped in history but, if you can’t get matchday tickets, the tours are the next best thing.
A tour of Anfield is an entertaining experience even if you’re not a die-hard footie fan. Take a look at the newly expanded Main Stand and then sit in the Kop – the sheer scale of the place never fails to impress. See how the other half live (and get some of the best views of the pitch) from the director’s box and then explore the manager’s dug-out for the perfect photo opportunity.
It may be slightly less well-known than its neighbour Anfield, but what Goodison Park lacks in international prestige, it more than makes up for in history. The home of Everton (and the Blue half of Liverpool’s footballing divide) ‘The Grand Old Lady’ is one of the world’s oldest purpose-built football stadiums and has hosted more top-flight games than anywhere else in England. Take a tour to find out all about its 120-year history and get to have a good nose behind the scenes.
Observe: Radio City Tower
The perfect place to get your bearings, the 400ft tall Radio City Tower is visible wherever you are in the city.
For those who can brave heights, it opened to the public in 2010, offering stunning panoramic views of Merseyside, North Wales and even the Lake District on particularly clear days.
For those looking to plan a particular lavish gathering, it’s also available to hire for conferencing and parties.
Other recommendations:
- Albert Dock
- Liverpool Cathedral
- Knowsley Safari Park
Watch: Royal Court Theatre
Whether you’re a theatre fan or not, the Royal Court is worth a visit if only to enjoy it’s beautiful art deco interiors.
Take in a performance or treat yourself to dinner and drinks—food can be served in cabaret style so you don’t even have to move from your booked show seat.
If live music is more your thing, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall has an impressive choice of concerts. December will see performances from the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Alison Moyet and of course, an array of festive carol and nativity sessions.
Other recommendations:
- Epstein Theatre
- The Zanzibar Club
- Camp & Furnace
Eat: The Egg Café
One of Liverpool’s most loved independent businesses; The Egg Café is an entirely vegan and vegetarian eatery, hugely popular thanks to its relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
Despite humble exteriors, the food here isn’t limp sandwiches and boring salads—enjoy a fragrant lentil and fennel bake, juicy tandoori mushrooms or one of their signature cakes. On a Sunday, a full roast is available for just ￡5.95, perfect for those on a budget.
For those who prefer to eat meat, Etsu is about to celebrate its 10th year as one of the city’s best Japanese restaurants. Bento boxes pack a significant punch for those with a big appetite. Choose from teriyaki tofu,pan-fried sea bass or panko pork loin served with fresh rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Other recommendations:
- Black Lodge Beers
- Baltic Bakehouse
- Cowshed
Shop: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Liverpudlians are famed for their strong dress sense, making a trip to the shops an essential part of any visit.
Get the designer look for less with a trip to the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet, just a 30-minute drive from Liverpool city centre. With over 145 boutiques, restaurants and cafes to explore, you can expect to see the likes of Nike, Burberry, Hugo Boss and Coach for a fraction of the price.
If you prefer to keep things more local, Liverpool city has some great quirky brands to pick up unique gifts and treats from.
News From Nowhere is a lovely alternative to Waterstones, run as a cooperative and benefitting from friendly staff who are more than happy to recommend a paperback or two.
Dot Art Gallery is a go-to for anybody renovating their home—pick up a unique artwork or take in a class in painting, photography or woodcraft to create the ultimate souvenir.
Other recommendations:
- Dig Vinyl
- The Metquarter
- Duke Street Baazar
Set in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, Dream Apartments Moorfields and Waterstreet provide a convenient location.
Set in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, Dream Apartments Moorfields and Waterstreet provide a convenient location within easy reach of the major cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment areas the city is famed for. The Cavern Club is just minutes away and Liverpool One, the Met Quarter and the Albert Dock are all situated within walking distance of the property.
Studios, Executive Studios, One-bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments in Liverpool are available across both sites with all our apartments equipped with contemporary furnishings, chic décor and all the comforts of home, an ideal base whether your stay is for business or leisure.
