Beatles pilgrimage

Check out the Cavern Club, on Matthew street or the Casbah Coffee Club in Merseyside – both places where the Fab Four performed. The Beatles story at Albert Docks recounts the history of the band and the daily Magical Mystery Tour of Liverpool takes you to Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane, as well as other sites of Beatles mythology.

Mersey beats

In this music-loving city you can
see a gig every night of the week. Try Korova on Fleet street, Zanzibar and Barfly on Seel street and The Picket next to the Cains brewery. For more mainstream gigs there’s
Carling Academy, Liverpool University Academy and the Arena.

Art attack

The European Capital of Culture 2008 has always been a key player in the British art scene, with its Tate and the ‘National Gallery of the North, the Walker Art Gallery. Other cultural hubs include the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT) home to a cinema, multi-media galleries and trendy café, and the revamped Blucoat Arts Centre. For an exhibition with a difference head to Crosby Beach to see Another Place, Antony Gormley’s group of lifelike sculptures staring out to sea.

Albert Dock

The Dock area is home to several good museums Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the new International Slavery Museum. By night the well-heeled can be found at fancy bars Babycream and the Pan American Club.

Lark Lane

The co-called bohemian area of Liverpool, Lark Lane is a short bus or taxi ride from the centre of town and home to quirky, independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Try Negresco , Keiths Wine Bar and Vinyl for live music and DJ sets.

Ferry across the Mersey

If you didn’t know the song already, you certainly will after taking the eponymous ferry which still runs to Liverpool
from Birkenhead and Seacombe on the Wirral. It’s a great way to explore
the history of the city. For more water-based fun, try the Yellow
Duckmarine tour.

 

Shop ’til you drop

Brand new Liverpool One is the place to head for high street shops while those looking for independent labels and vintage ware should check out Pop Boutique in Grand Central Hall or head to Bold street and Roscoe Hall.

The cathedrals

Liverpool’s two impressive cathedrals may be near each other but in looks they’re miles apart. The Anglican cathedral of Liverpool is Britain’s largest – a towering gothic church built by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Despite a decade older, the Catholic Metropolitan cathedral is a much more modern affair with an innovative tipi-like design that’s led to the nickname Paddy’s Wigwam.

Football fans

Whether you’re a footie fan or not seeing Liverpool play at Anfield or Everton at Goodison Park is a surefire way to experience some local colour. If you can’t get your hands on tickets then both clubs offer stadium tours.