Liverpool
Liverpool is a city in Merseyside, England, within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire, famed for its football teams, the Grand National horse race, music (including The Beatles), vibrant nightlife and its links with the arts and culture.
The city served as one of the leading ports linking Europe to the Americas, expanding to become England's second most populated city by the census of 1861, before slowly declining after 1921 as levels of transatlantic shipping dropped. Before airline travel, many Europeans migrating to the New World passed through the city, particularly the Italians and Irish; to this day the city enjoys a large Irish community, with impressive cathedrals for both Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths. In the 18th and early 19th century the port also acted as a gateway for the slave trade, with echoes of this period still evident in places around the city (Penny Lane is named after a slave ship owner, for example).
A comprehensive regeneration of the city centre has caused an influx of new shops, boutiques, and large performance/conference arenas near the waterfront; this has resulted in an upturn in population figures. The regenerated city now plays regular host to national and international conference, media and music events; examples include major political party conferences, the BBC Worldwide Showcase, the MTV Europe Awards, and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress.
Understand
Get in
By plane
Liverpool John Lennon AirportAround 160 flights arrive daily from within the UK and Europe. The airport is well-served by low-cost airlines including Easyjet and Ryanair. For a complete listing of airlines and destinations, please see the
destination list.
Immediately outside the arrivals area you will find a taxi rank and bus stops. Taxis to the city centre cost around £12 for the 20-minute journey.
Several bus routes go directly to the city centre from the airport:
- The No. 500 Airport Express runs every 30 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre. Cost is £2.60 adults, £1.40 students, £1 children, £5 families.
The following local buses cost £2.30 to get into the city centre. They are as quick and cheaper to use than the Airport Express:
- The No. 80A, run by Arriva, runs every 15 minutes and takes 45 minutes to the city centre.
- The No. 82A, also run by Arriva, runs every 30 minutes and takes around 40 minutes to the city centre. This runs direct to Paradise Street interchange without stopping elsewhere in the city centre.
- The No. 86A (Arriva) runs every 15 minutes during the day and now runs through the night, every half hour. This takes a little less time than the 80A as it is a more direct route down Smithdown Road. Journey time is 40 minutes but may be longer at peak traffic times.
- The No. 81A also serves the airport, but does not go into the city centre. It may prove useful if you want to visit Woolton or the north of the city, as the route goes round the city ring road, Queens Drive, and terminates in Bootle.
The 80A and 86A also stop at Liverpool South Parkway station. It's a 10-minute journey from where a frequent train service runs to the city centre in about 15 minutes. This may be a better option at times of peak road traffic (8AM-9AM, 5PM-6PM).
The airport has two onsite carparks and Skypark is nearby.
The airport offers a Fast Track service, which for a charge, means you can bypass the queue at security, but this tends to be worthwhile only for first flights of the day or if you risk missing your flight.
Manchester Airport (MAN) can also be used and may be a better option. It is about a 45-60 minute drive away from Liverpool. Direct train services also run between Liverpool Lime Street Station and Manchester Airport operated by Northern Rail. Manchester Airport serves a variety of long haul destinations in North America and Asia, as well as short haul services throughout Europe.
By train
Liverpool is served by Liverpool Lime Street station which is in the heart of the city centre. Trains arrive frequently from many parts of England. Trains from London Euston arrive on the south side (right when viewed from the main entrance), while those from Manchester arrive on the north side. The Wirral line (detailed in the Merseyrail section below) stops in a tube tunnel under the station.
Liverpool is only about two hours from London by train. There's a train about every hour, with extra weekday evening peak services from London, and it's not too expensive to get there. You can get a saver ticket for £60 on the day of travel, or for as little as £8 if you book a couple of weeks in advance. Tickets are released three months in advance.
There is a direct train from Manchester Airport to Liverpool every hour at peak times (around 6:30AM–7:30PM). In addition, it is possible to reach Liverpool from Manchester Airport by changing at Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road.
Other main services:
- Birmingham, 1 hr 30 mins – 1 hr 45 min, half hourly
- Manchester, 50 min – 1 hr 10 min, 5 trains an hour (3 fast to Piccadilly and Oxford Road, of which 1 via Earlestown and 2 via Warrington, 1 slow to Oxford Road (extra services in peak times) and 1 slow to Victoria)
- Leeds, 2 hours, hourly
- Sheffield and Nottingham, 1 hr 30 min and 3 hours respectively, hourly
By bus
- National Express, the UK's largest scheduled coach company, uses Liverpool One Bus Station. London is 4-5 hours away by coach and is served by a half a dozen services per day. Manchester is served by an hourly service taking a similar time to the train (except at rush hour). Manchester Airport can be reached by coach in under one hour, six coaches run per day.
- Megabus operates a network across the UK. There is one bus daily from London to Liverpool. Journey time 4–5 hours. Prices also start at £1 and then increase depending on how far in advance you book. Megabus use the Liverpool One Coach Station.
A Park and Ride scheme aims to provide easy access to the city centre, for more information see National Park and Ride Directory.
- Liverpool One Executive Travel provides an executive 16-seat minibus service from all airports, seaports and other locations. Prices vary depending on distances. Call 07761042952 or visit the website for further information.
By boat
Isle of Man Steam Packet services aboard HSC Manannan operate between Douglas and Liverpool city centre during summertime. At other times of the year, ferries dock at Birkenhead, on the other side of the Mersey; for Liverpool, take the train or Mersey Ferry.
Gladstone Dock, Port of Liverpool, in neighbouring Bootle, has P&O Ferries to and from Dublin.
For leisure boats coming from inland, there is a direct connection between the Mersey and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Get around
Liverpool City Centre is walkable, but those with mobility impairments or who are feeling lazy may prefer buses, Merseyrail, or taxis (including Uber, Ola, and local Delta as well as well as plentiful black cabs).
By ferry
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phone: +44 151 639-0609 (Head Office)Probably the nicest way to get to the Wirral and back. Immortalised by the hit song Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry & the Pacemakers, the Mersey ferries offer a fun day out and a good way to see Liverpool from afar.
By public transport
By bus
By Merseyrail (Underground/Metro)
Due to the short distances involved, and the few central stations, the Merseyrail network is of limited value for money getting around the City Centre as the stations can be usually be walked between in the time it takes to descend, travel, and ascend (with the possible exception of James Street to Lime Street). The network has several gaps in coverage as the latest expansions of the City Centre (such as the Baltic Triangle and North Docks) do not have stations where the train passes through - for different reasons, the Knowledge Quarter (University district) also suffers from poor Merseyrail connectivity, with the nearest station down a steep hill. Merseytravel has pledged to fix these issues in the future with new stations and a proposed light-rail network respectively, but these are yet to come to fruition.
Locals almost never refer to Merseyrail as the "metro", "subway", or "Tube", but rather by the brand name "Merseyrail" or simply "the train". It is also common for locals to complain about the quality of service, as breakdowns occasionally happen and the system is dogged by frequent construction work and industrial action.
- Northern Line (blue): This runs south-north from Hunts Cross to Southport, with branches to Ormskirk and Kirkby. Each branch runs at least twice an hour from 6AM (8AM on Sunday) to midnight, as does the main line, & the Ormskirk and Kirkby branches run along the main line as far as Liverpool Central.
- Wirral Line (green): Trains on this line serve the city centre in a loop (James Street > Moorfields > Lime Street > Central > James Street), before running through a tunnel under the Mersey to Birkenhead. There, they branch out to West Kirby and Chester, with further branches to New Brighton and Ellesmere Port. Each branch runs at least twice an hour from 6AM (8AM on Sundays) to midnight, and all 4 branches run onto the loop.
Merseytravel also manages:
- City Line (red): Not really a Merseyrail line, but a collective name encompassing all mainline local services from Lime Street. It has 4 branches, unusually named "books" after the booklets the timetables are distributed in:
- Book 1 serves the Liverpool to Manchester route via Warrington.
- Book 2 serves Liverpool South Parkway, branching out there to Runcorn and Crewe (local half-hourly; expresses to London and Birmingham also use this line), and to Warrington Central and Manchester Oxford Road & Piccadilly (local half-hourly, express half-hourly).
- Book 3 services, along the world's first mainline railway, run to Manchester (hourly stopping trains to Victoria, hourly expresses to Oxford Road and Piccadilly (local services half-hourly, expresses half-hourly).
- Book 4 connects Liverpool with St Helen's and Wigan North Western, and more recently Blackpool. Local services at least twice an hour run 6AM (9AM on Sundays) to midnight. Hourly express services continue to Preston. On their previous journey into Lime Street, many of these expresses came via South Parkway, which may be beneficial to passengers bearing luggage.
The City Centre is served by four stations. The Wirral line serves all in a clockwise loop, while the Northern line runs both ways north-south and serves Liverpool Central and Moorfields. City line trains use ground-level platforms at Lime Street.
- Moorfields is located on a small one-way street between Dale and Tithebarn Sts. in the business district.
- is in a prominent position in the north-east of the city centre. It is closest to the museums on William Brown St.
- Liverpool Central is in a shopping centre accessed from Ranelagh and Bold Sts. It is most convenient for the shopping area & cathedrals.
- is accessed by lifts on James St. or a steep ramp (limited access, rush hours only) on Water St. Nearby sights include the Liver Building on Pier Head.
An important side-note for visitors switching from Merseyrail to the National Rail network is that Liverpool Central is the central station of the Merseyrail network - the main-line station which other cities may refer to as a central station is Lime Street, which is just around the corner. In addition, some locals may refer to services on the City Line as the Northern, named after the regional train operating company, which should not be confused with the Northern Line run by Merseyrail.
====Ticketing====
Saveaway, Solo and Trio travel passes can be purchased from travel centres or Merseyrail stations. Liverpool and its surrounding areas are divided up into areas, each sub-divided into zones: the cost of each ticket typically depends upon how many zones/areas you want to travel in. If a journey takes you outside the boundary allowed by your ticket, you can typically purchase a regular ticket on the bus or train to cover just the extra required.
- Solo and Trio passes are weekly, monthly or annual travel passes, usable at any time of the day. Solo tickets may be used only on buses; Trio tickets may be used on buses, ferries or Merseyrail trains. The pass may only be purchased from Merseytravel centres, but it can be renewed (up to three days before expiry) at any travel or train station in Merseyside.
- 'Walrus' cards are smart travel cards that are ideal for the majority of short term visitors. They are cheap, off-peak (after 9:30AM M-F, all day Sa & Su) single-day tickets that cover buses, ferries and Merseyrail trains. They may also be used by more than one person (although not at the same time). They are £3.90 for unlimited off-peak travel in 'Area C' (covering the city centre, west out to Huyton, north to Crosby and south to Speke), and £5.20 for an 'All-Zone' ticket covering the whole of the Merseytravel area (perfect for visiting the Wirral, Chester or Southport). Cards are available from all stations, Travelcentres, and shops displaying the yellow 'PayPoint' sign.
Adult bus fares on the main operators are:
Arriva flat fare of £2.30 throughout the Liverpool area, £3.70 for Liverpool area Day Ticket, £4.40 for Northwest area.
Stagecoach flat fare of £2.00 throughout the Liverpool area, £3.30 for Liverpool area Day Ticket, £3.60 for Northwest area.
Arriva and Stagecoach Day and Weekly tickets may be used on either companies buses on new Quality Partnership Routes 10/10A/10B/10C (Huyton,St Helens), 86/86A/86D/86E( Speke,Airport,South Parkway), 53/53A (Crosby,Aintree), 14/14X (Croxteth,Kirkby). Similar flat fares are available from the other operators as well. There are a few night bus services on a Saturday night costing £3.00. (All prices correct as of April 2017.)
Some buses, such as early morning and hospital services, have a fixed fare of £1.10. This includes the City Centre Circular buses C1 to C5.
If you plan to travel a lot, a pass presents much better value. Generally speaking, you save money with two or more train trips or three or more bus journeys.
As of 2019, both major bus companies accept contactless payment (including Apple Pay, although unlike London you still have to buy a ticket from the driver). Having spare cash is recommended as this is still transitional and some buses may not be equipped.
By bike
A useful cycle map of Liverpool called 'Liverpool Cycle Map' is apparently jointly issued by Merseytravel, the Liverpool City Council, and Travelwise Merseyside. It is free and can be ordered at 0151 330 1253, or http://www.letstravelwise.org/content227_Cycling.html. You might be lucky to be given one at a store, such as GIANT.
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phone: +44 151 374-2034address: 39 Pilgrims Way, Bisley, Surrey, GU24 9DQLiverpool’s citybike cycle hire scheme offers bike hire from more than 140 stations across the city. It's the largest public bicycle hire scheme in the country outside London and there will soon will be a total of 1,000 bikes available to hire spread across 160 locations. You need to register if you want to participate (available by internet or phone call). If you want to hire a bike for a longer time at a stretch, Citybike may not be too convenient.
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address: Parliament St, opposite Grafton StA bicycle dealer which also rents out bikes of the very upmarket type. Their policy seems to be not to rent out locks to avoid any responsibility if the bike gets stolen (which seems an unusual idea, but that seems to be what they do), so be prepared to bring a lock or buy one from them. Nice staff.
Talk
See
Pier Head
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phone: +44 151 478 4545address: Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DGA large museum all about the city of Liverpool itself and its history from ancient inhabitants of the area to its modern revival. Not to be confused with the World Museum, which is more "general" in scope. The free John Lennon and Yoko Ono "Double Fantasy" exhibit is operating until 3 November 2019.
Royal Liver BuildingIconic symbol of Liverpool waterfront. This 1911 skyscraper still dominates the distinctive Liverpool skyline. It is the home of the legendary Liver Birds that sit on top of the building looking out across to the Wirral. The river-facing face of the clock is six feet larger in diameter than that of the clock tower at Westminster.
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address: Pier HeadA film telling a story using The Beatles as a theme.
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Canada Boulevard
address: The PierheadRuns the entire length of the Three Graces frontage and consists of a boulevard of maple trees with plaques laid into the pavement listing the Canadian ships lost during the Second World war. -
phone: +44 151 519 0915
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phone: +44 151 236 6768address: 19 Mann Island, L3 1BP
Albert Dock
Albert DockThis is one of the more sophisticated places in Liverpool and is situated in the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK. Old warehouses have been converted into shops, apartments, restaurants, pubs, hotels, galleries and museums. For fans of the old This Morning with Richard and Judy TV programme, this is also where the 3D island weather map was in the centre of the dock on the water.
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phone: +44 151 709 8651address: Keel Wharf, L3 4FN
City centre
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St George's Hall
address: Lime StA mammoth of a Greco-Roman-style building which was built by wealthy merchants for the people of the city. It is arguably the finest neo-classical building in Western Europe, and has been thoroughly restored for Capital of Culture Year. Inside it has one of the best church organs in Europe. On the outside it has a selection of classical murals which were thought quite shocking in their day (due to the shameful female nudity). -
address: William Brown Street, L3 8ENThis is a fine building and well worth a visit. It contains an excellent collection of British rocketry exhibits, as well as the best Egyptological collection outside London.
Liverpool Central LibraryThis is another fine building, boasting a beautiful circular reading room.
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phone: +44 151 478-4199address: William Brown Street, L3 8ELA nice neoclassical building opened in 1871, which forms an ensemble with the Central Library.
Liverpool Town HallBuilt in 1754, the Official Residence of Liverpool's Lord Mayor is an elegant stone building, having two fronts; one towards Castle Street, the other towards the area formed by the New Exchange Buildings. Each front consists of an elegant range of Corinthian columns, supporting a pediment, and are themselves supported by a rustic base. Between the capitals are heads, and emblems of commerce in basso-relievo; and on the pediment of the grand front is a noble piece of sculpture representing Commerce committing her treasures to the race of Neptune.
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phone: +44 151 794-2348address: Ashton Street, L69 3DRThe University of Liverpool's museum comprising their art collection and artefacts housed in an amazing Gothic building which coined the term 'red brick university'.
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phone: +44 151 709-6868address: The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, L7 3EEIn the early 1800s, a Liverpool tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson, funded the construction of an enormous labyrinth of tunnels under the Edge Hill area of Liverpool. Nobody knows his reasons for doing so though many guess it as an act of philanthropy, using his wealth to provide jobs and training for thousands of Liverpool workers. There is also a Williamson's Tunnels Heritage Centre.
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phone: +44 151 702-5324address: School Lane, L1 3BXThe Bluecoat is the oldest Grade 1 listed building in Liverpool’s city centre, dating back to 1717. Following a £14.5 million redevelopment, it re-opened in March 2008 with a new wing of galleries and a state-of-the-art performance space. It showcases talent across artistic disciplines including visual art, music, literature, dance and live art. It helps nurture new talent by providing studio spaces for artists.
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phone: +44 151 707-4444address: 88 Wood Street, L1 4QDOffers exhibitions, film and participant-led art projects. The building is home to three galleries (showing four exhibitions per year), a beautiful café operated by the team behind LEAF on Bold Street, a cosy bar and four film screens.
Religious buildings
Our Lady and St Nicholas churchThis is the city's parish church and home to the third Liver Bird (there are in fact three of them, not two).
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Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
phone: +44 151 709-9222address: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQCatholic. Affectionately known by the locals as Paddy's Wigwam or "the Pope's launching pad". Visit on a sunny day as the stained glass ceiling looks fantastic! -
phone: +44 151 709-6271address: St James Mount, L1 7AZIt may not look like a wigwam, but is so imposing that the architect of Lord Derby's tomb claimed that no self-respecting church mouse would live there. As a result, he incorporated a mouse into the design of the tomb - it's just under Lord Derby's pillow. Liverpool Cathedral is one of the finest examples in the world of Gothic revival architecture. The building is truly vast, as the largest religious building in the UK and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. On a clear day, the tower affords breathtaking views over Liverpool, Merseyside and beyond, with some of Manchester's skyscrapers visible if weather permits.
Princes Road SynagogueThis is an impressive combination of Gothic and Moorish architecture by the Audsley brothers. The colourful interior has to be seen to be believed. Tours can be arranged through their web site.
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Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas
phone: +44 151 724-3500address: Princess Road, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 1XBDedicated to St Nicholas the patron saint of seafarers. Built between 1865 and 1870, it was the second purpose built Greek Orthodox Church in England. The architecture of the building is a typical example of the Byzantine style as used in many Eastern Greek Churches. A typical feature is the four domes of the building. Henry Summers, a master builder who built many fine buildings in the city, was commissioned to build the church. -
address: Percy St, L8 7LT
St Philip Neri ChurchByzantine inspired design, built between 1914 and 1920
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phone: +44 151 709-7763address: 138 Park Lane, L1 8HG
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St Luke's Church
address: on the corner of Berry St and Leece StSt Luke's Church was badly damaged during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, and remains as a roofless shell. It now stands as a memorial to those who were lost in the war, and is also a venue for exhibitions and events (such as, open-air cinema).
Around Liverpool
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phone: +44 151 427-7231address: The Walk, Speke, L24 1XDThis is a half-timbered Tudor house set on large grounds. It has parts dating back to the 1530s. Easily accessible from John Lennon Airport, as these days it is practically at the end of the runway.
Croxteth Hall and Country ParkThis is one of Liverpool's most important heritage sites, one of "the finest working country estates in the North West" and was the winner of the European Capital of Culture 2008. The park is at the heart of what was once a great country estate stretching hundreds of square miles and was the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton. After the death of the last Earl it was given to the City of Liverpool. The estate has four main attractions - The Historic Hall, Croxteth Home Farm, the Victorian Walled Garden and a 500-acre country park including the new Croxteth Local Nature Reserve. A new addition to what's on offer at Croxteth is the West Derby Courthouse. Dating from the reign of Elizabeth I, this is one of the oldest public buildings in Liverpool.
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Sudley House
address: Mossley Hill Road, AigburthAn art gallery which contains the collection of George Holt in its original setting. It includes work by Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, Edwin Landseer and J. M. W. Turner. Wavertree Botanic Gardens
Guided tours
The best way of getting an overview of the city, is by taking the City Explorer open-top bus run by Maghull Coaches. With 12 stops you can hop on and off all day. Qualified local guides provide the commentary and can answer your questions about the city. For Beatles fans, there is the Magical Mystery Tour which will take you around the places associated with the Beatles both in the city centre and in the suburbs. For a more tailored tour, there's Liverpool Entente Cordiale Tours. Their Liverpool tour guides can plan a walk for you or hop on your coach and guide you around the city. They offer tours in English or French.
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phone: +44 7986 139 531They have 4 scheduled tours, all of which run in small groups of no more than 10 people. Discounts may be available by email.
ShiverpoolThis offers three different tours around Liverpool. The Hope Street shivers is based around the Cathedrals, Auld city shivers starting from the slaughterhouse pub on Fenwick Street and Shiver me Timbers based around the Albert Docks. Wrap up warm. Prior booking required.
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The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour
phone: +44 151 601-2111Offers personal tours that take you back in time to the childhood homes of the Fab Four. -
phone: +44 151 372 7999Replica of John Lennon's Rolls Royce
Do
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phone: +44 151 702-5324address: School Lane, L1 3BXThe Bluecoat (not to be confused with The Bluecoat School, which is a grammar school in Wavertree) is a world-famous prestigious school dating back to the 18th century, and is one of the oldest arts schools in Europe. It hosts arts exhibitions as well as music and literary events, but also offers tuition in fine art, music and literature.
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phone: +44 844 800 0400address: Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP
Music
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The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Hall
phone: +44 151 709-3789address: 36 Hope Street, L1 9BPOne of the world's great orchestras. Go for a pre-concert drink in the Philharmonic pub over the road then sit back and let the music carry you away. -
phone: +44 151 559-3773address: 90 Seel St, L1 4BHA concert venue which hosts things like Jazz concerts with well-known artists. Nice size (might accommodate around 400 people; there are no seats).
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phone: +44 151 236 9091An annual festival celebrating the Fab Four. A vast list of gigs performed by bands from all over the world, the annual Beatles Convention, plus screenings and other events looking back on the Beatles' career and their relationship with their home city.
Theatre
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phone: +44 151 702-7320address: Lime St, L1 1JEThe Empire plays host to a wide range of shows, including many UK tours of large-scale musicals. the Unity theatre produces a diverse range of work. There's also the Epstein and Royal Court theatres. Check Lipa (www.lipa.ac.uk) for performance information, their student shows can be worth seeing.
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phone: +44 151 709-4776address: Williamson Square, L1 1EL
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phone: +44 844 873 2888address: 1 Hope Pl, L1 9BG
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phone: +44 870 787-1866address: 1 Roe St, L1 1HL
Comedy
- Comedy nights are featured on Friday and Saturday at Baby Blue, a nice club on the exclusive Albert Dock. Check online for more info and tickets.
- Also for laughs, try Rawhide at the Royal Court Theatre, which showcases some of the best in regional and national comedy talent.
- Every June or July there is a fortnight-long Liverpool Comedy Festival
- Comedy, in Birkenhead across the river Mersey, has a stand-up comedy night called Laughter at the Lauries.
Arts
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phone: +44 151 702-7400 (information), +44 845 604 7083 (ticket office)address: Albert Dock, L3 4BBA fine modern art gallery. A definite visit for arty folk. The Turner Art Prize was hosted here in 2007-2008, the first time the award was held outside of London.
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Static Gallery
phone: +44 151 707-8090address: 23 Roscoe Lane, L1 9JD -
phone: +44 151 703 0107address: 21 Mann Island, L3 1BPDiscover more about architecture in the heart of Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront. The centre offers a variety of walking tours around the local area.
Museums
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phone: +44 151 478-4499address: Albert Dock, L3 4AQDedicated to the maritime history of the city, complete with galleries on customs and excise and emigration to the New World. There are also a number of vessels to see, such as the Mersey river tug Brocklebank and the river cargo carrier Wyncham. A museum permanent gallery is devoted to the Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland, ocean liners lost at sea from 1912-1915 with a total of 3,700 fatalities.
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phone: +44 151 478-4499address: Albert Dock, L3 4AX"Our aim is to address ignorance and misunderstanding by looking at the deep and permanent impact of slavery and the slave trade on Africa, South America, the USA, the Caribbean and Western Europe. Thus we will increase our understanding of the world around us." Dr David Fleming OBE, director, National Museums Liverpool
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phone: +44 151 227 2008address: 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZA museum in the once a top-secret nerve centre in World War II Britain. This command centre based in Liverpool's city centre is underground and was the key communication point to Britain's gallant fleet of Royal Navy warships based in the Atlantic ocean.
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phone: +44 151 709-1963address: Albert Dock, L3 4ADThe Beatles began in Liverpool. The Beatles Story is the only museum in the world that is entirely Beatles-themed, with exhibitions such as their instruments and other artifacts. Other attractions based on The Beatles include their homes, Penny Lane, commemorative statues, Strawberry Fields and others.
Sports events
In England, 19th C football crowds just stood around the pitch, jostling for a view. At the big clubs this became unmanageable so they erected earth embankments, and later built stadia. Arsenal's was the first to be called "Spion Kop", closely followed by Liverpool then other clubs: both referred to a steep terrace for home supporters behind the goals. These give a great view of action around the near goal, but on a misty winter evening it's sometimes hard to see what's happening around the far goalmouth.
But that was a familiar feeling to those fans' Victorian forebears. The British assault on Spioenkop took place in night, fog and confusion. Had they taken the nearby main summits as intended, they would have routed the Boers. Instead, as daybreak burned away the mist, they found themselves on a lesser hill from which they couldn't bombard the enemy, and couldn't defend. They'd captured the wrong Kop.
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phone: +44 151 260-6677address: Anfield Rd, L4 0THLiverpool play in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, and their women's team plays in the Women's Super League. The men are one of the most successful clubs in the country, having won six European Cups. Their fans are famous the world over for the unique atmosphere they create at Anfield and the singing of "You'll Never Walk Alone" on match days. Matches against Manchester United and against Everton are especially intense affairs with near-capacity crowds. Anfield has a capacity of 54,000.
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phone: +44 871 663 1878address: Goodison Rd, L4 4ELEverton play in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, and their women's team plays in the Women's Super League. The men are one of the oldest football clubs in England; their fans are known as "Toffees". They play at Goodison Park, capacity 40,000, 2 miles north of city centre.
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Go to the races at
Aintree
address: Ormskirk Rd L9 5ASThis course is renowned as home of the Grand National, the most formidable jumps race in the world, held in April each year. (Liverpool is mobbed when it's on.) They hold other jumps races in winter, but few recently, as the grandstand was being rebuilt. Now this is complete, there will presumably be an expanded race programme at Aintree, but this hasn't yet been announced. -
Liverpool International Tennis Tournament
phone: +44 7950260165 (mobile)address: Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L19 3QFthe longest running and largest tennis exhibition in Europe
Learn
Liverpool is home to three universities:
The University of LiverpoolLiverpool's oldest university established in 1881, it generally outranks the other two in national league tables for both teaching and research.
Liverpool John Moores UniversityEstablished 1823 as a college, this is the second largest university in Liverpool, boasting modern facilities and improved teaching.
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phone: +44 151 291 3000address: Hope Park, L16 9JDEstablished 1844 as a college, it is in Childwall and Everton. Hope attracts students from some 65 countries worldwide and has enjoyed many successes as of late.
Although not strictly in Liverpool, two more are within its sphere of influence:
- Edge Hill University (Ormskirk), a former teacher training college and now full university in a somewhat rural location.
- University Centre St. Helens (St. Helens), the newest university centre in the region offering courses in business, social sciences, art, and STEM subjects.
Buy
Although the main shopping street in Liverpool is dominated by the same chain stores you'll find in any other large UK city, Liverpool has many distinctive shops of its own, including:
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Gostins Arcade
address: 32-36 Hanover StreetAn alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The small shops inside sell goods ranging from books to tattoos. -
Grand Central Hall
address: 35 Renshaw StAn alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The 40 small shops inside sell goods ranging from alternative clothing to used furniture. -
address: Liverpool One, Paradise StLandmark development opened in 2008, redefining the city with three levels of shopping and entertainment and even a park. Offers a mixture of familiar highstreet chains and fashionable boutique stores
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address: 35 Whitechapel, L1 6DAThis shopping centre focuses on designer-label fashion and has more than 40 stores.
The BluecoatLocated in the heart of Liverpool's shopping district, the Bluecoat houses a number of specialist independent retailers offering an eclectic range of products. Stocking the best in contemporary craft, design, fashion and homewares, the shops at the Bluecoat should be your first destination in the city for the unique and the unusual: Display Centre, Drum, Landbaby, Purlesque, Robert Porter.
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phone: +44 151 709-0916address: 125 St Georges Way, L1 1LY
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Clayton Square Shopping Centre
phone: +44 151 709-4560address: Great Charlotte St, L1 1QR -
Petticoat Lane Arcade
address: Petticoat Lane Arcade, 102 Bold Street, L1 4HY
The upper part of Bold St (where it is not pedestrianised) has a number of independent dealers. There are also many nice cafes and restaurants in between.
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phone: +44 151 708-7270address: 96 Bold Street, L1 4HYA left-leaning bookshop which is impressively stocked on political topics (even as regards journals and newspapers), but has an interesting choice of books on other topics, too.
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phone: +44151 236 9082address: Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6REThe famous Cavern Club is part of the shopping centre
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address: Stanhope St, L8 5XJ
Eat
City Centre
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phone: +44 151 702-7783address: School LnOffering seasonal food and a great wine list in a creative setting. Also offers a special children's menu (under 12s).
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address: School LnOffering Illy coffee, Jing leaf teas, Monbana hot chocolate and a range of soft drinks together with a selection of sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes and biscuits that are freshly made on the premises and able to be eaten on site or taken away. Also available, is a fine selection of alcoholic beverages ranging from locally produced bottled lager to wines by the glass or by the bottle.
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phone: +44 151 227 4822address: 61 Lord St, L2 6PB
Student District, Georgian Quarter and Hope Street
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phone: +44 151 230-8600address: 1 Sugnall Street, L7 7DXFine dining.
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phone: +44 151 708-9574address: 32 Hope St, L1 9BX
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Everyman Theatre Basement Bistro
phone: +44 151 709-4776address: 13 Hope St, L1 9BH -
phone: +44 151 708-5005address: 1 Maryland St, L1 9DE
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phone: +44 151 707-8288address: 38-44 Mt Pleasant, L3 5SDLook for the entrance opposite the NCP Car Park on Mount Pleasant for one of Liverpool's favourite student cafes. It has a fine selection of western foods (a superb Club Sandwich) and Arabic foods (cous cous and kebabs). There is also a smaller branch nearby the University of Liverpool.
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Quick Chef
phone: +44 151 708-8525address: 49 Hardman St, L1 9ASMiddle Eastern cuisine. -
address: 24 Hardman St, L1 9AXCombined coffee shop and micro roastery. One of the better places to drink coffee. Nice toasted bagels for breakfast.
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U-N-I
address: Renshaw StIndian restaurant. Delicious Indian food all served in your own private booth with a curtain, to get the waiters attention press the button in your booth.
Bold Street (upper part)
Bold St has a nice mixture of independent shops and interesting places to eat.-
Miyagi
phone: +44 151 329-0222address: 77 Bold StreetVery good and fresh Japanese cuisine, really high standard, and delicious. The interior is a very successful fusion of the presumably Victorian style of the building and Japanese aesthetics. Highly recommended. -
phone: +44 151 709-6369address: 5 Heathfield Street, L1 4ATA lovely deli operation and a bar bistro to boot.
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phone: +44 151 709-7600address: 90 Bold St, L1 4HYTraditional cafe (but veggie breakfast is no problem) with modest prices. Nice, relaxing and, above all, authentic.
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phone: +44 151 708-0482address: 53 Bold St, L1 4EUJamaican food which is definitely worth trying.
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phone: +44 151 707-7747address: 65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZLarge and quite popular cafe which caters to a modern population (there is even a vegan English breakfast as a matter of course) and also hosts cultural events. Quite loud downstairs, but can be peaceful upstairs if there is nothing on.
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Quynny's Quisine
phone: +44 151 708-7757address: 45 Bold StCaribbean food. Easy to miss as the entrance is a yellow door with stairs leading down. Well kept secret. -
The Tea House
phone: +44 151 707-2088address: 69 Bold St and 62 Mount PleasantA modern Hong Kong-style tea house serving cheap and tasty Chinese meals, snacks and drinks.
Chinatown, Ropewalks and East Village
Chinatown is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane, Parr Street and Seel Street.-
Sound Food & Drink
address: 52 Duke Street, L1 5AA -
address: 11-13 Parr St, L1 4JN
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The Brink
address: 21 Parr Street, L1 4JN -
The Attic bar
address: 33-35 Parr Street, L1 4JN -
address: 33-45 Parr St, L1 4JN
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address: 14 Colquitt StreetAmerican steakhouse.
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China Palace
address: 27-35 Berry StreetChinese food. -
phone: +44 151 709-4002address: 132 Duke St, L1 5AGItalian cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 709-4002address: 134 Duke Street, East VillageJapanese cuisine.
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Savina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
phone: +44 151 708-9095address: 138 Duke Street, L1 5AGMexican. -
phone: +44 151 707-9933address: 92-94 Duke StPopular gastro-pub serving good British food from rabbit and boar right through to the local delicacy, scouse. All washed down with a pint of ale.
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address: 40-42 Slater StFiercely independent, eco and ethically aware cafe. Features all organic, local beer, cider, wines, spirits, teas and coffee. The entire menu is vegetarian with vegan options. They serve vegan & gluten free cakes on rotation, and specialise in organic & international alcoholic beverages. Healthy vegetarian menu and specials daily.
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phone: +44 151 329-0200address: 96 Wood Street, L1 4DQMexican.
Liverpool One
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phone: +44 151 709-7897address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFThai cuisine
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phone: +44 151 707-2762address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFJapanese cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 707-6323address: Liverpool One, 5/6 Kenyon Steps, L1 3DFThai cuisine
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phone: +44 151 708-5085address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFMexican cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 708-6353address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFItalian cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 709-8657address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFFrench cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 707-8115address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF
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phone: +44 151 709-4030address: Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JFBrazilian cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 559-9830address: 45 Paradise Street, L1 3DNItalian cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 706-9770address: 18-20 College Lane, L1 3DSCatalan cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 709-1693address: 5 Wall St, L1 8JQClassic British cuisine.
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phone: +44 151 707-8231address: Liverpool One, 43 Paradise Street, L1 3EUBurgers.
Commercial District, Dale Street and Victoria Street
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phone: +44 151 559-0555address: 12 Stanley St, Liverpool L1 6AFChoose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.
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phone: +44 870 442 2535address: 15 Victoria St
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phone: +44 151 243-2121address: Central Buildings, 41 North John Street, L2 6RR
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phone: +44 151 255-1401address: North House, 17 North John St
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phone: +44 151 236-2555address: 16 Cook StGood Italian food and wines. All served in a friendly warm restaurant. Try to get one of the plush red booths. Booking recommended.
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Thomas Rigby's
phone: +44 151 236-3269address: 23-25 Dale StOne of the finest pubs in the city offering a selection of local and world beers plus a fantastic food menu. The "proper chips" offered with the battered fish are excellent. -
phone: +44 151 236-6676address: The Hargreaves Buildings, 5 Chapel Street, L3 9AG
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phone: +44 151 236-5534address: 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook St
Pier Head and Albert Dock
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phone: +44 151 708-6969
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phone: +44 151 707-7877address: Atlantic Pavilion and Anchor Hall, Atlantic Dock, L3 4AF
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phone: +44 151 702-5831address: 22 Britannia Pavilion, The Albert Dock, L3 4AD
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address: Hartley's Quay
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phone: +44 843 504 3874address: Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
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address: 2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry Terminal Building, Georges Pierhead, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 1BYAsian
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phone: +44 151 255 0808address: Brunswick Way, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4BNChoose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.
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phone: +44 151 236-5085address: 27a Mann Island, Pier Head, L3 1BP
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Etsu
address: 25 The Strand, Central, Liverpool, L2 0XJ -
phone: +44 7540 373838address: Berth 1 Salthouse Quay, L3 4AELiverpool's only floating restaurant.
Lark Lane
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Green Days Cafe
phone: +44 151 728-8259address: Little Parkfield Road, L17 8USBills itself as The first choice cafe for veggies. The only non veggie item on their dishes and snacks is tuna. It's a great place for lunch in a friendly atmosphere for both veggies and non-veggies. -
phone: +44 151 727-2285address: 88-90 Lark Ln, L17 8UUA modern lounge restuarant.
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The Albert Hotel
phone: +44 151 727-3403address: 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UUVictorian pub serving pub grub at reasonable prices. -
phone: +44 151 727-4350address: 107 Lark Lane, L17 8URPlays an eclectic mix of music, a relaxed atmosphere and family friendly. Good, freshly prepared food.
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phone: +44 151 727-3403address: 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UUFamily-run bistro, organic fair trade. Apparently pleasure-oriented: you get pimped-up hot chocolate in about six versions (see for yourself).
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phone: +44 151 727-7200address: 57-63 Lark La, L17 8UP
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phone: +44 151 727-6056address: 40 Lark Ln, L17 8UU
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phone: +44 151 727-7577address: 56-58 Lark Lane, L17 8UUAuthentic Moroccan cuisine and ornaments.
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address: 14-16 Lark Lane, L17 8US
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phone: +44 151 427 1155address: 380 Aigburth Road, L17 6AEItalian.
Drink
Liverpool's nightlife is both famous and infamous, with Rough Guides placing a night out in the city at number three on their list of fifty things to do before you die. There's a huge selection of pubs, clubs and bars to suit a variety of music and atmospheric tastes. Friday and especially Saturday nights are the busiest nights, although a few bars are busy with students throughout the week. The areas around Mathew Street and Concert Square with nearby Wood Street are the main two nocturnal focal points. There is a good mix of locals and students. It is best to dress smart for the majority of bars and clubs (such as "Society" and "Garlands"). Notable exceptions are places like Le Bateau, the Krazy house, the Caledonia and other places of a similar alternative style. Like any major UK city, it is pretty safe out at night. The local police have had a heavy presence on a Friday and Saturday night to combat any problems and are largely succeeding. It is pretty busy getting out of the city centre at the end of a weekend (especially at the start of university term time - Sep/Oct). There are plenty of black hackney cabs which congregate at various taxi ranks. The Merseyrail system works until about midnight, whilst there are a series of dedicated night buses which run from the main bus stations, usually for a flat fare. All modes of transport tend to become very busy from around midnight.
Liverpool is home to the Cains brewery which produces a large selection of cask beers.
- Dr Duncan's, St John's Lane – This is the premier pub for the local Cains brewery. It has a fine reputation and consequently is full of middle-aged professional drinkers. The pub has the full range of Cains beers, including Dr Duncan's IPA. Rudimentary bar menu, but good busy atmosphere on the weekend.
- The Dispensary, Intersection of Renshaw and Leece Streets – Another of the local Cains brewery houses. Charming Victorian bar area. Usually has two rotating guest beers, plus a large selection of bottled beers and ciders.
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The Globe
address: 17 Cases StA small, often cramped. This is a traditional Liverpool pub, with no-nonsense barmaids. Usually busy after 5PM and during the weekend, acting as a refuge for husbands abandoned by, or having escaped from, their shopping-mad spouses. Always a good variety of guests. -
phone: +44 151 709-4802address: Charlotte Row, Unit 1/3, 53 Great Charlotte St, L1 1HU
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The Crown
address: 43 Lime StNext to the station. Most likely the first pub you will see upon arriving in Liverpool. - The Pilgrim, Pilgrim Street – Located off Hardman Street, this pub serves the best breakfast in town, £4 for a king size feast. You also get to share the pub with stag parties and students wondering what happened the night before.
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The Canarvon Castle
address: 5 Tarleton StEstablished for about 200 years, this small and homely pub was named after Lord Carnarvon. Packed full of collectors items - model cars, lorries, handcuffs and truncheons - it attracts a mixture of clientele. Serving good quality real ales, the pub is also popular for its range of hot snacks including the well-loved Carnarvon toasties. - Pig & Whistle, 12 Covent Garden. This pub has been refurbished and transformed into a rather fake-looking pub.
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Peter Kavanagh's
address: 2-6 Egerton StAn unusual and old-world hideaway can be found just outside the city centre. Built 150 years ago, the walls are adorned with art deco murals painted in 1929 and the snugs are themed with various artefacts such as musical instruments and chamber pots. The friendly atmosphere makes this a favourite with artists, locals, travellers and musicians. George Melly, a famous jazz player is known to frequent this pub when visiting the city. If you're in for a tradional English breakfast, this pub serves great black pudding and all the fixings from noon to 4PM. -
Poste House
address: 23 Cumberland StMost nights has a gay friendly bar serving cheap cocktails upstairs from the main pub. - The Brookhouse Smithdown Rd. Used to be one of Liverpool's pubs was a hangout of bands of the late 1980s such as the La's. It's now most popular with students, and is known for its Liverpool games when locals lead the Liverpool chants and become the vocal cords of this old pub.
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The Old Post Office
address: School LnFriendly pub famous for its steak and mixed grill meals. Great for watching sports as there are three TVs including one big screen. - The Vines, Lime Street – A stylish club.
- GBar, Eberle Street – Popular gay-friendly club with two floors. Upstairs, 'The Church' offers funky house music and campy classics in the 'Love Lounge'. Downstairs 'The Bass-ment' pumps out quality vocal house music. Open Th-M. Costs £5-7 for non-members.
Chinatown, Ropewalks and East Village
Chinatown is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane and Seel Street.-
phone: +44 151 707-8560address: 41b Slater St, L1 4BXA small cocktail bar in a basement room. Combines the feeling of being in a bombed-out house with that of being in a living room.
Seel Street
HeebiejeebiesA large, lively, destination venue with live music and open air courtyard. Open until 4AM at weekends. (Photo ID required for entry.)
Heebies BasementA late night bar-come-club playing a broad spectrum of electronic music including Hip Hop and indie. No drink costs more than £2.50. Open F Sa until 5AM and Tu-Th until 4AM. (Photo ID required for entry.)
The PeacockA pub with a wide drink selection and free BBQ every Friday at 6PM. Has an intimate club room upstairs open Thursday - Saturday. Electic tunes downstairs Su-Th until 2AM, F Sa until 3AM.
- Alma de Cuba, Seel Street. Hispanic and Cuban themed bar and restaurant in a magnificently converted Roman Catholic church.
Concert Square, Fleet Street, Wood Street, Duke Street
Concert Square is situated behind Bold Street, where you'll find a range of the trendier bars. Most bars are open M-Sa until 2AM. They include Lloyd's, Walkabout, Modo and a minute away near Slater Street is Baa-Bar. This district usually has the youngest crowd drinking here.- Baa Bar, Fleet Street - The City’s leading shooter bar. This is the place to go if you like £1 shots, good music and a great atmosphere. Baa Bar Fleet Street has been rocking concert square for over 20 years, with the biggest DJs in Liverpool. Its extensive 32-strong shooter menu and newly refurbished upstairs terrace makes it stand out from the crowd, in an area where competition is fierce.
- O'Neills, Wood Street – Part of the O'Neills chain but don't let that put you off. Its managed by two real Irish men who know what a real Irish bar means. Good beer, food and good music is always on hand here. You also might bump into a few Liverpool FC players drinking in the corner.
- The Krazy House, Wood Street – The club provides three floors. K1 with rock and metal, K2 with indie and K3 with Punk/R&B/Dance, all combined with constant cheap drinks. It attracts a crowd of skate punks, students and metal heads. You'll hear R&B and dance music on Thursday, punk and new wave on Friday and new metal on Saturday night.
- Le Bateau, Duke Street – The home of Liverpool's premier alternative club night, Liquidation every Saturday, which is also the city's longest running weekly club night spread across two floors. Plus Adult Books on Tuesdays, Shoot The Messenger on Wednesdays, Indication on Fridays. Cheap drinks every night, plus a Royal Rumble pinball table. Very friendly and popular with a mix of locals and students all year round.
- The Swan Inn, Wood St – Liverpool's only rocker/metalhead pub, it actually has quite an eclectic mix of customers during the week, ranging from construction workers to businessmen, all side by side sharing pints. In the evenings and weekends, this gives way to the alternative/rocker scene. Pub quiz every Thursday evening and a legendary jukebox. Listed with the local CAMRA group.
Mathew Street, Temple Court and North John Street
An older crowd will drink in this district.-
phone: +44 151 236-1965address: 10 Mathew Street, L2 6REAlthough the original Cavern Club—a former bomb shelter in the basement of a Liverpool warehouse—was filled in in the 1970s, it was re-excavated and recreated in the 1980s using many of the same bricks. Today it continues as a live music venue, not to mention a tourist attraction. Many of Britain's most popular groups played its stage in the 1960s, most famously The Beatles, who made almost 300 appearances here between 1961 and 1963.
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The Cavern Pub
phone: +44 151 236-4041address: 5 Mathew Street, L2 6RESister pub of the Cavern Club opposite. Similar atmosphere with another stage and memorabilia on the walls. -
The Grapes
phone: +44 151 255-1525address: 25 Mathew St, L2 6REThe Beatles' favourite pub. They would drink here before and after their many gigs at the Cavern Club, and there is a corner of the pub dedicated to them. It even has a photo of them sitting down in seats that are still there today. -
Flanagan's Apple
phone: +44 151 227-3345address: 18 Mathew St -
phone: +44 151 243-1080address: 7 Whitechapel, L1 6DS
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Hogshead
phone: +44 151 236-8760address: 18-22 North John St, L2 9RL -
phone: +44 151 236-8820address: Watson Prickard Building, North John Street, L2 4SH
Dale Street, Moorfields and Tithebarn Street
Sometimes considered the commercial district and is populated by office workers during the week.
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The Ship and Mitre
address: 138 Dale StConsistently voted one of the top cask ale pubs in Liverpool by the Merseyside branch of CAMRA. Has a wide, and frequently changing, variety of guest ales. It also has a large selection of bottled foreign beers (though this selection pales slightly in comparison to that of other pubs in the area). Hot and cold food is served in the afternoons and evenings. - Rigby's, Dale Street – This cask ale pub dates back to Lord Nelson and has been refurbished by the Isle of Mann Okell's Brewery (to become their first UK mainland pub). Good atmosphere. Busy on weekend nights and also does meals in the bar.
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The Railway Hotel
address: 18 Tithebarn StOver a hundred years old, this old Victorian pub has several original features, many of which would interest the historian as much as the beer lover. The tall ornate ceilings, wood panelling and traditional bar create an inviting and impressive atmosphere. Surrounded by stained glass windows, the lounge, snug and dining areas are well decorated. An open fireplace and displays of old prints add to the comfortable ambience. -
Ma Boyles Oyster bar
address: 2 Tower GardensSecluded pub in the business area of the city. Set below street level, the high ceilings and terracotta walls create a relaxing ambience with a separate dining area and a cosy drinking den. The much-acclaimed menu includes dishes such as hot lamb and mint sauce pitas, and of course the local delicacy of Scouse and red cabbage. -
The Lion Tavern
phone: +44 151 236-1734address: 67 Moorfields, L2 2BPExcellent pub, particularly for cheeses. -
First National Wine Bar
phone: +44 151 236-6194address: 2-8 James Street, L2 7PQ -
Queens Goose
phone: +44 151 231-6841address: Derby Square
Pier Head and Albert Dock
A favourite district for tourists.-
phone: +44 151 709-0470address: Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4ADBar, cafe and steakhouse.
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phone: +44 151 709-3116address: 33 WappingJust over the road from the Albert Dock, this unique pub is a great place to escape from the glossy and expensive bars on the Albert Dock. Serving good food and real ale at good prices, and with a friendly atmosphere. The basement houses Wapping Beers, a small brewery. Take the opportunity to taste one of their own beers as fresh as it comes.
Student district
Universities of Liverpool and John Moores students from the student residential areas descend here during term time.-
phone: +44 151 709-7097address: 32 Hope Street, L1 9BXPart bar, part club, split between two floors. Upstairs there is the lush front area replete with orange leather booths and over-table televisions which usually stream the live action from downstairs. At the back is the kitchen, which during the day serves a range of freshly cooked meals. Downstairs the intimate gig venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and is an important venue for local musicians. Free Wi-fi.
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The Caledonia
phone: +44 151 709-5909address: Catharine Street, L8 7NHUnderground, alternative music venue in a pub. DJs and live bands throughout the week. First Friday of every month is the infamous "It's Not Bangin", with classic dub reggae, soul and disco playing. Well worth a visit..
- The Philharmonic – Located on the corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street, this Tetley heritage pub is opposite the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Formerly a gentleman's club, there are two small, snug rooms and a larger dining room to the back with leather sofas and an open fire. The gentlemen's toilets are grade 1 listed and ladies may ask permission to view them at the bar. Excellent food served both from the bar and in the dining rooms upstairs. Usual cask beers include Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Tetley's.
- The Cambridge – Located at the corner of Cambridge Street and Mulberry Street. This pub is at the heart of the University of Liverpool and has a great atmosphere. It is very popular with both students and lecturers.
- The Augustus John, Peach St. This is an obligatory hang out for Liverpool's students. Like most student pubs, the bar area gets packed during September and October.
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Roscoe Head
address: 26 Roscoe St - Fly in the Loaf, Hardman Street, Today it arguably serves the finest quality and variety of cask ales in the city centre. The Fly in the Loaf has a good mix of students and local regulars. It includes bar meals and wide-screen televisions for football and is one of the few Liverpool pubs that regularly show rugby league.
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Ye Cracke
address: 13 Rice StThis pub was a favourite haunt of John Lennon's uncle and hasn't changed much since then. Can get quite dodgy at night. -
The Blue Angel
phone: +44 151 709-1535address: 106-108 Seel Street, L1 4BLPopular with students especially student doctors.
Baltic Triangle and the Brewery Village
To the south of the city centre, the bohemian Baltic Triangle has transformed over the past few years from moribund industry to the coolest place in the UK according to The Times. At the heart of the district is the former Cains brewery, which is now a large and ultra-trendy collection of bars, pubs, clubs, markets, and food stalls.-
phone: +44 151 708 2890address: 67 Greenland St, L1 0BYHome of the legendary Bongo's Bingo nights which are now franchised out all over the UK (must be booked in advance).
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address: 9 Bridgewater St, L1 0ARTiny and cosy art-filled micro-pub owned by an artist couple who are also the only staff. Very friendly atmosphere with selection of craft beers.
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phone: +44 345 557 1288 (non geographic)address: Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJBlacklight-lit, irreverent, junkyard themed indoor mini-golf course and bar (games must be booked in advance).
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Birdie's Bar & BBQ
address: Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJOutdoor bar with cocktails and street food vendors. -
address: Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJSpanish wine bar.
Black PearlPirate-themed bar.
- Bongo's Bungalow, Brewery Village. Spin-off bar from Camp and Furnace.
- Brewery Tap, Brewery Village. Classic pub that hasn't changed since the brewery was open.
- Craft Minded, Brewery Village. Craft beer bar inside a steel-framed shed. Chimney visible from far around.
- Dockleaf, Brewery Village. Bar with roof terrace.
- Hippie Chic, Brewery Village. Burning Man-style tent with bar. Connected to the Yellow Submarine Bar next door.
- Yellow Submarine Bar, Brewery Village. Former movie prop from Hunt for Red October turned floating hotel now turned Beatles-themed bar (on dry land). Connected to Hippie Chic next door.
- Peaky Blinders, Brewery Village. Warehouse turned into bar themed around the hit TV show, parts of which were filmed in Liverpool.
- Punch Tarmey's, Brewery Village. Subterranean Irish bar with fantastic interior and glass portholes in the floor to the aquifer far below, formerly used as a water source for the brewery.
- Tank Room, Brewery Village. Craft beer bar.
- Downtown, Brewery Village. Bazaar of food and drinks vendors with a New York City theme. Not as large as the Baltic Market but very close by.
- On Air, Brewery Village. Movie studio themed nightclub set in a giant recreation of a village up the walls of a former industrial unit. Live music on-stage. Connected to Birdie's.
Sleep
There are a number of hotels in the city, ranging from budget guesthouses and lodges to 4-star international properties. Liverpool has no 5-star hotels but two in grade I listed buildings (Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express), three in grade II* listed buildings (30 James St, Titanic Hotel and Marriott Aloft) and a further eight hotels in grade II listed buildings (Doubletree Hilton, Crowne Plaza Liverpool Airport, Hard Days Night Hotel, Racquet Club, 62 Castle St, the Richmond Aparthotel, Adagio Aparthotel, Britannia Adelphi and Radisson Red (opening 2020)).
Budget
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Belvedere Hotel
phone: +44 151 709-2356address: 83 Mount PleasantA B&B run by an old lady. Basic room. Shared toilet and shower. Price includes full English breakfast in the downstairs living room. 2 minutes from Lime St. station. -
phone: +44 151 709-8104address: Chaloner St
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phone: +44 151 708-7272address: Queen's Dock
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phone: +44 151 707-1089address: 1 Falkner SquareThis hostel features free coffee, tea, and toast (with jam and peanut butter). Very comfortable beds (dormitory style), and a great mix of international travellers to befriend. The hostel has friendly staff, led by their wonderful boss and hostel proprietor, Kevin who tells a Beatles story or two, and leads a free Beatles tour every Thursday night which ends up at The Cavern Club.
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Bankhall Hotel
phone: +44 7528190759About 2 km from the city centre. All rooms are private. Free internet/Wi-Fi. -
phone: +44 151 603-2800address: 27 Wapping
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phone: +44 7916 495468address: 53 Everton RdFree Wi-Fi (which works very well), price includes a breakfast buffet (yes, all you can eat), free coffee, cocoa and tea during the rest of the day, Friday Night karaoke (with free shots for anyone who dares to sing) and just a chill and great atmosphere. Many come to stay a few nights, and then they end up staying for a few weeks or even longer. No doubt, you'll make many new friends here.
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phone: +44 151 709-5570address: 56-60 Mount PleasantDormitories only.
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phone: +44 151 709-8135Cheap hostel accommodation near to town.
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phone: +44 1229 432378address: 1 Princes RdCheap hostel accommodation near to town. Communal kitchen and dinning area. Free hot showers. Plasma TV with Satellite. Computer kiosks, Wifi access. Full central heating. Free bedding. Garden. Secure cycle storage. Lockers and luggage store. Laundry facilities. Secure car park. Continental breakfast included.
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phone: +44 151 709-8888address: 25 Tabley St
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Cocoon International Inn
address: 4 South Hunter St (Off Hardman St), Liverpool, L1 9JGA hotel without breakfast. Staff is there 24 hrs and usually not very busy, very friendly and willing to help with minor quirks. Single room (2015) £38.
Mid-range
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phone: +44 151 709-7050address: Lord Nelson StA rather good hotel, well located.
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Hampton by Hilton Liverpool City Centre
phone: +44 151 702-6200address: Kings Dock Mill, 7 Hurst St -
Crowne Plaza Liverpool Airport
address: Liverpool Airport Speke Aerodrome L24 8QDA short drive from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, this makes fabulous use of its Grade II listed art deco building which was the old airport terminal and control tower. If you are looking to eat out of the hotel then Damon's is a restaurant on the same site which you will enjoy if you like American kitsch and microwaved food. Apart from that, there is a retail park with the typical fast food restaurants just a short walk from the hotel. Grade II listed building. -
Marriott Liverpool City Centre
phone: +44 151 476-8000address: 1 Queen SquareClaims to be a 4-star property but is now a little tired. The Marriot is surrounded by the Queen's Square complex with its bars and restaurants. -
phone: +44 871 663 7816address: Gradwell Street, 40 Hanover St209-bedroom city centre location, restaurant, bar and pool, 10-minute walk from Echo Arena.
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phone: +44 151 966-1500address: 107 Old Hall StOn the old St. Paul's Eye Hospital site in the business district of the city. A small part of the original building has been retained and incorporated into the hotel.
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phone: +44 871 984 6156address: 25 Old Haymarket
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phone: +44 871 971 2953address: 37-41 Duke St
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address: 24 Hatton GardensGrade II listed building
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phone: +44 151 709-7090address: Lime St
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phone: +44 845 838 0500address: Ranelagh PlGrade II listed building.
Waterfront
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phone: +44 870 990 6432address: East Britannia Building, Albert DockThe hotel is in original warehouse, has been well transformed and has the vaulted ceilings. While room allocation is mostly luck some rooms have classic views over the dock; others of the new Liverpool Arena. Early booking essential; cheap/discounted rooms now impossible to find because of the high demand/location. No hotel parking - nearby at about £12/day. Grade I listed building, Britannia Pavilion.
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phone: +44 871 984 6030address: Brunswick Dock, Sefton St
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phone: +44 871 423 4931address: Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4ADGrade I listed building, Britannia pavilion.
Splurge
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phone: +44 151 294 3970address: Royal Insurance Building, 1 N John St, L2 5QWGrade II
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phone: +44 151 705 2626address: 29 Seel St, L1 4AU
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phone: +44 151 243 1720address: 67 Dale St, L2 2HJ
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phone: +44 151 708 6666address: 16-20 Hanover St, L1 4AAHen parties
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phone: +44 151 556 1222address: 6 Sir Thomas St L1 6BRGrade II listed building.
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phone: +44 151 232 2200address: 39 Paradise Street, L1 3ED
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phone: +44 151 559-0111address: 10 Chapel StBoutique hotel in the City Centre; Marco Pierre White restaurant on-site.
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phone: +44 151 702-7898address: 62 Castle StreetA stunning, modern and exclusive city centre boutique hotel. Grade II listed building.
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phone: +44 151 709-2020address: Cater House, 113 Mount PleasantClose to shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Adjacent to both universities and two cathedrals.
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phone: +44 151 236-1964address: 41 N John StThe Beatles-themed hotel boutique hotel in Liverpool City Centre. Grade II listed building.
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phone: +44 151 708-4200address: Strand St/3 Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW
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phone: +44 151 705-2222address: Hope StUS Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice was a guest.
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phone: +44 151 236-0166address: 56-58 Stanley Street, L1 6AU
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phone: +44 151 236-0166address: Millennium House, 60 Victoria Street, L1 6JG
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phone: +44 151 236-0166address: 11 Whitechapel, L1 6EG
Waterfront
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phone: +44 151 243-8000address: St Nicholas Place, Pier Head
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phone: +44 151 244-3777address: 31 Keel Wharf
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phone: +44 151 229-5000address: 7 William Jessop Way
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phone: +44 151 236-6676address: Hargreaves Buildings, 5 Chapel StGrade II listed building
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phone: +44 151 703-9700address: 21 Keel Wharf
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phone: +44 870 333 9137address: Chapel St
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phone: +44 151 559-3356address: Stanley Dock, Regent Rd, L3 0ANGrade II
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30 James Street (Home of Titanic)
phone: +44 151 236-0166address: Albion House, 30 James Street, L2 7PSGrade II
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phone: +44 151 945 1000address: King's Dock
Stay safe
Crime rates in Liverpool are low compared with most other large cities in the UK. You are no more likely to be a victim here than most other European cities. However, as in other cities, you should observe a few simple precautions. Don't leave valuables on display in an unattended car, for example. Even an empty car will get a smashed window from time to time, so try to park yours at private parks when the night comes. Try to stay aware of your surroundings and be discreet with cash, expensive camera equipment, etc.
Scousers are mainly gregarious and friendly people, but there are still many who seek to take advantage. You will find, however, that Mancunians and Scousers get along much better than the stereotype suggests and you will very often come across each in each other's city. Be particularly aware of people who approach you in the street with stories of having lost their train fare home. These are typically begging techniques.
Stay on the beaten track at night and stick to the many themed pub and bars and avoid some of the larger dance clubs as these are more suited to streetwise locals or people who understand Liverpool culture well, although to be fair, most Scousers will welcome anyone to their city, and especially their clubs! Be prepared to wait for a taxi at night and don't be tempted to walk back to your hotel unless you are close by. Although Liverpool is a quite friendly place, a slightly sinister side appears after hours.
Some of the City's districts should be avoided by non-locals. Areas such as Croxteth, Dovecot, Everton, Huyton, Kensington, Kirkdale, Norris Green, Page Moss, Stockbridge Village and Toxteth are seeing some serious issues with gang related violence including increases in gun and knife crime and several murders have been recorded.
Around the city centre, be aware there are many homeless people, especially around William Brown Street near the museums. Unlike, in, say, the United States of America or other parts of the United Kingdom, these are less likely to pose a threat to you, and although they may beg for money, they tend to be friendly and often want to talk about their backstories openly with you. Give them money, but at your own risk, as long as it's small change.
Also, older women may (and often do) flirt with younger men, but accept this part of the Liverpool cultural milieu. This also applies to the homelessness situation mentioned above, which much the same situation tends to happen. This should not be confused with prostitution (mentioned below). It is explicitly not solicitation, and is just flirting.
Although prostitution is legal in the UK, solicitation is illegal and it is a fact of life in most cities, Liverpool being no exception. The "Red Light" areas are as follows: around Netherfield Road North and the Shiel Road area of Kensington. Although quiet during the day, there is a lot of business at night and particularly on weekends. Women walking by themselves have been known to be approached by men looking for prostitutes and people in vehicles have been known to be approached by prostitutes looking for business.
Avoid Manchester United shirts, which worn in the wrong place makes you an easy target for abuse or worse even assault, especially on match day.
A friendly manner, a polite smile, and a sense of humour go a long way in this city, but a sensible approach to travelling is, as always, advisable.
The 1989 Hillsborough Stadium Disaster, when 96 Liverpool FC fans were killed, is still a very sensitive subject that is best avoided. Carrying or reading The Sun newspaper, which made extremely offensive and false claims about Liverpool fans' behaviour during the disaster, holding them culpable for the deaths, is practically guaranteed to attract negative attention. This is especially true around people who may have been drinking. Most local shops do not sell the paper and a strong boycotting movement exists in the city to this day.
Be aware that the streetlighting (Urbis Evolo 2, shown on the right-hand side of the picture) is brighter than you might expect, and drive more cautiously. These streetlights are common across the city centre and in Kensington. Drive much more cautiously if you see them. These are less common outside of Liverpool. Americans may be used to bright lights, but Evolos are really bright.
Go next
Chester - A beautiful historical city on the River Dee, which is famous for its Roman ruins and city walls. It is also the Gateway to North Wales and the delights of Llandudno and Snowdonia National Park. At the end of a branch at the end of the Merseyrail (metro) Wirral Line, trains taking 41 minutes from Liverpool Central.
Crosby - Just north of Liverpool with Anthony Gormley's Another Place famous sculptures on the beach. Merseyrail Northern Line takes 20 minutes from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands station.
Manchester – Once the home of the industrial revolution, it has now swapped its chimneys for skyscrapers, and mill workers for urbanite accountants and designers. It is also the home of the most successful football club in England, Manchester United FC. Well worth a visit and is easy to get to; hourly local trains from Lime Street run to Manchester Victoria taking 56 minutes, expresses to Victoria or to Oxford Road and Piccadilly taking 41. Also accessible by coach/bus.
Wirral
Birkenhead – Across the Mersey, Birkenhead has a football club called Tranmere Rovers. Although this club has always lived in the shadow of Everton and Liverpool, it has a long tradition and a great family atmosphere. Well worth a visit. Ferries ply across the Mersey from Pier Head to Birkenhead Woodside. It takes 3 minutes for a train to go from Liverpool James Street to Birkenhead Hamilton Square; Add 2 minutes for each additional stop if getting on earlier around the loop, & add 3 minutes for Birkenhead Central (shopping centre & Priory) or 7 for Tranmere Rovers' local station, Rock Ferry.Port Sunlight - It was built as a model village by Lord Lever and contains the Lady Lever Art Gallery, a marvelously eclectic collection of objects, similar to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. Twenty minutes on the Wirral line.
West Kirby - Boasts a superb beach. There is also a 52-acre marine lake which has sailing and windsurfing. 36 minutes by Wirral line.