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.

Liverpool is a city with great cultural heritage and was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2008, with the famous Pier Head Waterfront being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. Liverpool is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and is also renowned for nurturing the talents of a wide range of musicians and band such as The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Elvis Costello. The city possesses the largest national museum collection outside of London and has a fascinating and turbulent history as a great world maritime centre. Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest Chinatown. The famous Grand National Horse Race takes place in the outskirts of the city (Aintree). It is also home to two very successful Premier League football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. People from Liverpool are called Liverpudlians, or more popularly, Scousers. The latter name comes from the local lamb stew recipe, scouse.

English is the main language, but it is spoken with a very distinctive Scouse accent that has strong Irish and Welsh influences, and differs greatly even from that of the surrounding areas. There was historically a large Welsh-speaking population in Liverpool, to the extent that the National Eisteddfod was held in the city three times between 1884 and 1929. While there is still a Welsh-speaking minority, most Welsh-descended people adopted English as their sole native language over the course of the 20th century. Due to the city's status as a port city and waves of immigration over the centuries, Chinese, Italian, French, and Spanish are spoken by some. Indeed, Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest permanent Chinese community. In some parts, South American Spanish is spoken due to immigration from Latin America. Creole languages can be heard occasionally due to the large Afro-Caribbean community.

Liverpool is particularly famous for its architecture, to the point where English Heritage consider it England's finest Victorian city. Once dilapidated and dirty during the dark times of the 1980s, modern Liverpool presents its architecture with full civic pride.

The harbour of Liverpool has played a very important role in modern history of the city. The wharf area drained by the Mersey River gives to the city an air of antiquity, which is quite strange and interesting because of the contrast between modern buildings and conventional buildings. The Pier Head has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG (on the riverside, +44 151 478 4545. 10AM-5PM. A 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. Free.
• Royal Liver Building. Iconic 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.
• The Beatles Story, Pier Head. A film telling a story using The Beatles as a theme.
• Canada Boulevard, The Pierhead. Runs 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.
• British Music Experience, +44 151 519 0915. 10-6. £14.
• Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, L3 1BP, +44 151 236 6768. 10-5.

Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG (on the riverside, +44 151 478 4545. 10AM-5PM. A 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. Free.

Royal Liver Building. Iconic 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.

The Beatles Story, Pier Head. A film telling a story using The Beatles as a theme.

Canada Boulevard, The Pierhead. Runs 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.

British Music Experience, +44 151 519 0915. 10-6. £14.

Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, L3 1BP, +44 151 236 6768. 10-5.

Albert Dock. This 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. Free.

• Wheel of Liverpool, Keel Wharf, L3 4FN, +44 151 709 8651.

Albert Dock. This 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. Free.

Wheel of Liverpool, Keel Wharf, L3 4FN, +44 151 709 8651.

• St George's Hall, Lime St (near railway station. A 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). Free.
• World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, L3 8EN (near St. George's Hall. This 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. Free.
• Liverpool Central Library. This is another fine building, boasting a beautiful circular reading room. Free.
• Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, L3 8EL (near St George's Hall, +44 151 478-4199. Daily 10AM-5PM. A nice neoclassical building opened in 1871, which forms an ensemble with the Central Library. Free.
• Liverpool Town Hall. Built 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.
• Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, L69 3DR (near the Catholic Cathedral, +44 151 794-2348. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. The University of Liverpool's museum comprising their art collection and artefacts housed in an amazing Gothic building which coined the term 'red brick university'.
• Williamson's Tunnels, The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, L7 3EE, +44 151 709-6868. Heritage Centre Tu-Su. In 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.
• The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, +44 151 702-5324. Daily 10AM-6PM. The 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. Free.
• FACT, 88 Wood Street, L1 4QD, +44 151 707-4444. Offers 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. Usualy free.

St George's Hall, Lime St (near railway station. A 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). Free.

World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, L3 8EN (near St. George's Hall. This 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. Free.

Liverpool Central Library. This is another fine building, boasting a beautiful circular reading room. Free.

Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, L3 8EL (near St George's Hall, +44 151 478-4199. Daily 10AM-5PM. A nice neoclassical building opened in 1871, which forms an ensemble with the Central Library. Free.

Liverpool Town Hall. Built 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.

Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, L69 3DR (near the Catholic Cathedral, +44 151 794-2348. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. The University of Liverpool's museum comprising their art collection and artefacts housed in an amazing Gothic building which coined the term 'red brick university'.

Williamson's Tunnels, The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, L7 3EE, +44 151 709-6868. Heritage Centre Tu-Su. In 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.

The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, +44 151 702-5324. Daily 10AM-6PM. The 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. Free.

FACT, 88 Wood Street, L1 4QD, +44 151 707-4444. Offers 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. Usualy free.

• Our Lady and St Nicholas church. This is the city's parish church and home to the third Liver Bird (there are in fact three of them, not two).
• Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ, +44 151 709-9222. Catholic. 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! Free.
• Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, L1 7AZ, +44 151 709-6271. It 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. Free.
• Princes Road Synagogue. This 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.
• Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Princess Road, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 1XB, +44 151 724-3500. Dedicated 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.
• St Brides, Percy St, L8 7LT.
• St Philip Neri Church. Byzantine inspired design, built between 1914 and 1920
• The Nordic Church, 138 Park Lane, L1 8HG, +44 151 709-7763.
• St Luke's Church, on the corner of Berry St and Leece St (From the city centre, just walk up Bold St. St 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).

Our Lady and St Nicholas church. This is the city's parish church and home to the third Liver Bird (there are in fact three of them, not two).

Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ, +44 151 709-9222. Catholic. 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! Free.

Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, L1 7AZ, +44 151 709-6271. It 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. Free.

Princes Road Synagogue. This 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.

Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Princess Road, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 1XB, +44 151 724-3500. Dedicated 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.

St Brides, Percy St, L8 7LT.

St Philip Neri Church. Byzantine inspired design, built between 1914 and 1920

The Nordic Church, 138 Park Lane, L1 8HG, +44 151 709-7763.

St Luke's Church, on the corner of Berry St and Leece St (From the city centre, just walk up Bold St. St 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).

• Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD (near John Lennon Airport, +44 151 427-7231. This 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 Park. This 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.
• Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Aigburth. An 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. Free.
• Wavertree Botanic Gardens.

Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD (near John Lennon Airport, +44 151 427-7231. This 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 Park. This 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.

Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Aigburth. An 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. Free.

Wavertree Botanic Gardens.

For those in a hurry there are a number of operators offering guided tours, either using their own transportation or offering their services as "hop-on, hop-off Guides" on your coach or offering guided walks. 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.

• Liverpool Cycle Tours, +44 7986 139 531. They have 4 scheduled tours, all of which run in small groups of no more than 10 people. Discounts may be available by email.
• Shiverpool. This 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.
• The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour, +44 151 601-2111. Offers personal tours that take you back in time to the childhood homes of the Fab Four.

Liverpool Cycle Tours, +44 7986 139 531. They have 4 scheduled tours, all of which run in small groups of no more than 10 people. Discounts may be available by email.

Shiverpool. This 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.

The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour, +44 151 601-2111. Offers personal tours that take you back in time to the childhood homes of the Fab Four.

• The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, +44 151 702-5324. The 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.
• Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP, +44 844 800 0400.

• The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, 36 Hope Street, L1 9BP, +44 151 709-3789. One 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.
• Arts Club, 90 Seel St, L1 4BH, +44 151 559-3773. A concert venue which hosts things like Jazz concerts with well-known artists. Nice size (might accommodate around 400 people; there are no seats). Tickts in the range of ₤20 to 30.
• International Beatleweek, +44 151 236 9091. 21 - 27 August 2019. An 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. Ticketed events £5-£30.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, 36 Hope Street, L1 9BP, +44 151 709-3789. One 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.

Arts Club, 90 Seel St, L1 4BH, +44 151 559-3773. A concert venue which hosts things like Jazz concerts with well-known artists. Nice size (might accommodate around 400 people; there are no seats). Tickts in the range of ₤20 to 30.

International Beatleweek, +44 151 236 9091. 21 - 27 August 2019. An 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. Ticketed events £5-£30.

• Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, L1 1JE, +44 151 702-7320. The 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.
• Playhouse Theatre Liverpool, Williamson Square, L1 1EL, +44 151 709-4776.
• Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Pl, L1 9BG, +44 844 873 2888.
• Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe St, L1 1HL, +44 870 787-1866.

Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, L1 1JE, +44 151 702-7320. The 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.

Playhouse Theatre Liverpool, Williamson Square, L1 1EL, +44 151 709-4776.

Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Pl, L1 9BG, +44 844 873 2888.

Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe St, L1 1HL, +44 870 787-1866.

• 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 which takes place in venues across the city. One event not to be missed is the now legendary Drink up Stand up pub crawls which includes four pubs, four comedians, one compere (host) and a megaphone!
• Comedy, in Birkenhead across the river Mersey, has a stand-up comedy night called Laughter at the Lauries.

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

• Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, L3 4BB, +44 151 702-7400 (information), +44 845 604 7083 (ticket office). A 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. Free (charge for some exhibitions).
• Static Gallery, 23 Roscoe Lane, L1 9JD, +44 151 707-8090.
• RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, L3 1BP, +44 151 703 0107. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Discover more about architecture in the heart of Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront. The centre offers a variety of walking tours around the local area. Free.

Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, L3 4BB, +44 151 702-7400 (information), +44 845 604 7083 (ticket office). A 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. Free (charge for some exhibitions).

Static Gallery, 23 Roscoe Lane, L1 9JD, +44 151 707-8090.

RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, L3 1BP, +44 151 703 0107. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Discover more about architecture in the heart of Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront. The centre offers a variety of walking tours around the local area. Free.

• Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AQ (on the Liverpool waterfront, +44 151 478-4499. Daily 10AM-5PM. Dedicated 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. free.
• International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AX (Within the Merseyside Maritime Museum, +44 151 478-4499. 10AM-5PM. "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 Free.
• Western Approaches, 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ, +44 151 227 2008. 10AM-5PM. A 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. £10.50.
• The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 709-1963. The 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. £14.95 (age 17 and up).

Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AQ (on the Liverpool waterfront, +44 151 478-4499. Daily 10AM-5PM. Dedicated 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. free.

International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AX (Within the Merseyside Maritime Museum, +44 151 478-4499. 10AM-5PM. "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 Free.

Western Approaches, 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ, +44 151 227 2008. 10AM-5PM. A 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. £10.50.

The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 709-1963. The 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. £14.95 (age 17 and up).

• Liverpool FC, Anfield Rd, L4 0TH (2 miles north of centre off A5089 Walton Breck Road, +44 151 260-6677. Liverpool 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.
• Everton FC, Goodison Rd, L4 4EL (Take any bus up Walton Lane or Walton Road, +44 871 663 1878. Everton 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.
• Go to the races at Aintree, Ormskirk Rd L9 5AS (5 miles north of city off A59; trains to Aintree. This 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, Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L19 3QF, +44 7950260165 (mobile). the longest running and largest tennis exhibition in Europe

Liverpool FC, Anfield Rd, L4 0TH (2 miles north of centre off A5089 Walton Breck Road, +44 151 260-6677. Liverpool 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.

Everton FC, Goodison Rd, L4 4EL (Take any bus up Walton Lane or Walton Road, +44 871 663 1878. Everton 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.

Go to the races at Aintree, Ormskirk Rd L9 5AS (5 miles north of city off A59; trains to Aintree. This 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, Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L19 3QF, +44 7950260165 (mobile). the longest running and largest tennis exhibition in Europe

The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, +44 151 702-5324. The 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.

Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP, +44 844 800 0400.

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:

• Gostins Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The small shops inside sell goods ranging from books to tattoos.
• Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw St. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The 40 small shops inside sell goods ranging from alternative clothing to used furniture.
• Liverpool One, Liverpool One, Paradise St. Landmark 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
• MetQuarter, 35 Whitechapel, L1 6DA. This shopping centre focuses on designer-label fashion and has more than 40 stores.
• The Bluecoat. Located 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.
• St John's Shopping Centre, 125 St Georges Way, L1 1LY, +44 151 709-0916.
• Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Great Charlotte St, L1 1QR, +44 151 709-4560.
• Petticoat Lane Arcade, 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.

• News from Nowhere, 96 Bold Street, L1 4HY, +44 151 708-7270. A 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.
• Cavern Walks, Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE (in Liverpool city centre, in the Cavern Quarter: on Mathew street there is also have an entrance off Lord Street on Doran's Lane, you can see the sign, which takes you to the entrance on Harrington Street, +44151 236 9082. The famous Cavern Club is part of the shopping centre
• Brewery Village, Stanhope St, L8 5XJ.

Gostins Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The small shops inside sell goods ranging from books to tattoos.

Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw St. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The 40 small shops inside sell goods ranging from alternative clothing to used furniture.

Liverpool One, Liverpool One, Paradise St. Landmark 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

MetQuarter, 35 Whitechapel, L1 6DA. This shopping centre focuses on designer-label fashion and has more than 40 stores.

The Bluecoat. Located 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.

St John's Shopping Centre, 125 St Georges Way, L1 1LY, +44 151 709-0916.

Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Great Charlotte St, L1 1QR, +44 151 709-4560.

Petticoat Lane Arcade, Petticoat Lane Arcade, 102 Bold Street, L1 4HY.

News from Nowhere, 96 Bold Street, L1 4HY, +44 151 708-7270. A 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.

Cavern Walks, Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE (in Liverpool city centre, in the Cavern Quarter: on Mathew street there is also have an entrance off Lord Street on Doran's Lane, you can see the sign, which takes you to the entrance on Harrington Street, +44151 236 9082. The famous Cavern Club is part of the shopping centre

Brewery Village, Stanhope St, L8 5XJ.

There are various pubs serving food across the city centre and its suburbs. The two main areas are the City Centre and Lark Lane about three miles from the city centre in Aigburth. There are various restaurants on Allerton Road (near Liverpool South Parkway) as well. Expect to spend £10-15 for a meal for two. Check with your hotel first if they allow food delivery. There is also quite a number of places to eat in Liverpool One.

• Upstairs Restaurant Bar, School Ln, +44 151 702-7783. Su M 11:30AM-6PM; Tu-Sa lunch 11:30AM-3PM, afternoon tea 3PM-5:30PM, dinner 6PM-11PM. Offering seasonal food and a great wine list in a creative setting. Also offers a special children's menu (under 12s).
• Espresso Bluecoat, School Ln. 8AM-6PM daily (later when there is an event on). Offering 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.
• Rococo, 61 Lord St, L2 6PB, +44 151 227 4822.

• The Art School Restaurant, 1 Sugnall Street, L7 7DX, +44 151 230-8600. Fine dining.
• Fredericks, 32 Hope St, L1 9BX, +44 151 708-9574. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..
• Everyman Theatre Basement Bistro, 13 Hope St, L1 9BH, +44 151 709-4776. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..
• Free State Kitchen, 1 Maryland St, L1 9DE, +44 151 708-5005. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..
• Kimo's, 38-44 Mt Pleasant, L3 5SD, +44 151 707-8288. Daily 10AM-11PM. Look 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. £5-10..
• Quick Chef, 49 Hardman St, L1 9AS, +44 151 708-8525. Middle Eastern cuisine.
• 92 Degrees Coffee, 24 Hardman St, L1 9AX. Combined coffee shop and micro roastery. One of the better places to drink coffee. Nice toasted bagels for breakfast.
• U-N-I, Renshaw St. Indian 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.

The Art School Restaurant, 1 Sugnall Street, L7 7DX, +44 151 230-8600. Fine dining.

Fredericks, 32 Hope St, L1 9BX, +44 151 708-9574. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..

Everyman Theatre Basement Bistro, 13 Hope St, L1 9BH, +44 151 709-4776. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..

Free State Kitchen, 1 Maryland St, L1 9DE, +44 151 708-5005. Daily 10AM-11PM. £5-10..

Kimo's, 38-44 Mt Pleasant, L3 5SD, +44 151 707-8288. Daily 10AM-11PM. Look 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. £5-10..

Quick Chef, 49 Hardman St, L1 9AS, +44 151 708-8525. Middle Eastern cuisine.

92 Degrees Coffee, 24 Hardman St, L1 9AX. Combined coffee shop and micro roastery. One of the better places to drink coffee. Nice toasted bagels for breakfast.

U-N-I, Renshaw St. Indian 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 St has a nice mixture of independent shops and interesting places to eat.

• Miyagi, 77 Bold Street, +44 151 329-0222. Very 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. You can eat for little more than £10 (if you do not have a drink or order tap water), but there are lots of small treats which probably add up quickly.
• Bretta & Co., 5 Heathfield Street, L1 4AT (Central Village, Unit 5 off Bold Street, +44 151 709-6369. A lovely deli operation and a bar bistro to boot.
• Maggie Mays, 90 Bold St, L1 4HY, +44 151 709-7600. Traditional cafe (but veggie breakfast is no problem) with modest prices. Nice, relaxing and, above all, authentic.
• Raggas, 53 Bold St, L1 4EU, +44 151 708-0482. Daily noon-10PM. Jamaican food which is definitely worth trying. All mains just below £10, small treats much cheaper..
• Leaf, 65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZ, +44 151 707-7747. 10AM-midnight. Large 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.
• Quynny's Quisine, 45 Bold St, +44 151 708-7757. Caribbean food. Easy to miss as the entrance is a yellow door with stairs leading down. Well kept secret.
• The Tea House, 69 Bold St and 62 Mount Pleasant, +44 151 707-2088. A modern Hong Kong-style tea house serving cheap and tasty Chinese meals, snacks and drinks.

Miyagi, 77 Bold Street, +44 151 329-0222. Very 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. You can eat for little more than £10 (if you do not have a drink or order tap water), but there are lots of small treats which probably add up quickly.

Bretta & Co., 5 Heathfield Street, L1 4AT (Central Village, Unit 5 off Bold Street, +44 151 709-6369. A lovely deli operation and a bar bistro to boot.

Maggie Mays, 90 Bold St, L1 4HY, +44 151 709-7600. Traditional cafe (but veggie breakfast is no problem) with modest prices. Nice, relaxing and, above all, authentic.

Raggas, 53 Bold St, L1 4EU, +44 151 708-0482. Daily noon-10PM. Jamaican food which is definitely worth trying. All mains just below £10, small treats much cheaper..

Leaf, 65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZ, +44 151 707-7747. 10AM-midnight. Large 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.

Quynny's Quisine, 45 Bold St, +44 151 708-7757. Caribbean food. Easy to miss as the entrance is a yellow door with stairs leading down. Well kept secret.

The Tea House, 69 Bold St and 62 Mount Pleasant, +44 151 707-2088. A modern Hong Kong-style tea house serving cheap and tasty Chinese meals, snacks and drinks.

Chinatown is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane, Parr Street and Seel Street.

• Sound Food & Drink, 52 Duke Street, L1 5AA.
• Almost Famous, 11-13 Parr St, L1 4JN.
• The Brink, 21 Parr Street, L1 4JN.
• The Attic bar, 33-35 Parr Street, L1 4JN.
• Studio 2, 33-45 Parr St, L1 4JN.
• Rookwood Bar and Cue, 14 Colquitt Street. American steakhouse.
• China Palace, 27-35 Berry Street. Chinese food.
• Il Forno, 132 Duke St, L1 5AG, +44 151 709-4002. Italian cuisine.
• Sapporo, 134 Duke Street, East Village, +44 151 709-4002. Japanese cuisine.
• Savina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 138 Duke Street, L1 5AG, +44 151 708-9095. Mexican.
• The Monro, 92-94 Duke St, +44 151 707-9933. Popular 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.
• MelloMello, 40-42 Slater St (entrance is on Parr St. Offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch & mains daily from 10AM-10PM. Fiercely 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.
• Lucha Libre, 96 Wood Street, L1 4DQ, +44 151 329-0200. Mexican.

Sound Food & Drink, 52 Duke Street, L1 5AA.

Almost Famous, 11-13 Parr St, L1 4JN.

The Brink, 21 Parr Street, L1 4JN.

The Attic bar, 33-35 Parr Street, L1 4JN.

Studio 2, 33-45 Parr St, L1 4JN.

Rookwood Bar and Cue, 14 Colquitt Street. American steakhouse.

China Palace, 27-35 Berry Street. Chinese food.

Il Forno, 132 Duke St, L1 5AG, +44 151 709-4002. Italian cuisine.

Sapporo, 134 Duke Street, East Village, +44 151 709-4002. Japanese cuisine.

Savina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 138 Duke Street, L1 5AG, +44 151 708-9095. Mexican.

The Monro, 92-94 Duke St, +44 151 707-9933. Popular 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.

MelloMello, 40-42 Slater St (entrance is on Parr St. Offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch & mains daily from 10AM-10PM. Fiercely 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.

Lucha Libre, 96 Wood Street, L1 4DQ, +44 151 329-0200. Mexican.

• Yee Rah, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-7897. Thai cuisine
• Wagamama, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 707-2762. Japanese cuisine.
• Chaophraya, Liverpool One, 5/6 Kenyon Steps, L1 3DF (Chavasse Park, +44 151 707-6323. Thai cuisine
• Barburitto, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 708-5085. Mexican cuisine.
• Pesto, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 708-6353. Italian cuisine.
• Cafe Rouge, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-8657. French cuisine.
• Zizzi, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 707-8115.
• Las Iguanas, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-4030. Brazilian cuisine.
• Jamie's Italian Kitchen, 45 Paradise Street, L1 3DN, +44 151 559-9830. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Italian cuisine.
• Lunya, 18-20 College Lane, L1 3DS, +44 151 706-9770. Catalan cuisine.
• Brown's, 5 Wall St, L1 8JQ, +44 151 709-1693. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Classic British cuisine.
• Byron's, Liverpool One, 43 Paradise Street, L1 3EU, +44 151 707-8231. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Burgers.

Yee Rah, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-7897. Thai cuisine

Wagamama, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 707-2762. Japanese cuisine.

Chaophraya, Liverpool One, 5/6 Kenyon Steps, L1 3DF (Chavasse Park, +44 151 707-6323. Thai cuisine

Barburitto, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 708-5085. Mexican cuisine.

Pesto, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 708-6353. Italian cuisine.

Cafe Rouge, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-8657. French cuisine.

Zizzi, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 707-8115.

Las Iguanas, Liverpool One, 14 Paradise Street, L1 8JF, +44 151 709-4030. Brazilian cuisine.

Jamie's Italian Kitchen, 45 Paradise Street, L1 3DN, +44 151 559-9830. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Italian cuisine.

Lunya, 18-20 College Lane, L1 3DS, +44 151 706-9770. Catalan cuisine.

Brown's, 5 Wall St, L1 8JQ, +44 151 709-1693. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Classic British cuisine.

Byron's, Liverpool One, 43 Paradise Street, L1 3EU, +44 151 707-8231. M-Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Burgers.

• Fonseca's, 12 Stanley St, Liverpool L1 6AF (Commercial District, +44 151 559-0555. Choose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.
• The Living Room, 15 Victoria St, +44 870 442 2535.
• Blakes, Central Buildings, 41 North John Street, L2 6RR, +44 151 243-2121.
• La Viña, North House, 17 North John St, +44 151 255-1401.
• Piccolino's, 16 Cook St, +44 151 236-2555. Good Italian food and wines. All served in a friendly warm restaurant. Try to get one of the plush red booths. Booking recommended. Mains £8-15.
• Thomas Rigby's, 23-25 Dale St, +44 151 236-3269. One 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.
• Ziba, The Hargreaves Buildings, 5 Chapel Street, L3 9AG, +44 151 236-6676.
• Panoramic 34, 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook St, +44 151 236-5534.

Fonseca's, 12 Stanley St, Liverpool L1 6AF (Commercial District, +44 151 559-0555. Choose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.

The Living Room, 15 Victoria St, +44 870 442 2535.

Blakes, Central Buildings, 41 North John Street, L2 6RR, +44 151 243-2121.

La Viña, North House, 17 North John St, +44 151 255-1401.

Piccolino's, 16 Cook St, +44 151 236-2555. Good Italian food and wines. All served in a friendly warm restaurant. Try to get one of the plush red booths. Booking recommended. Mains £8-15.

Thomas Rigby's, 23-25 Dale St, +44 151 236-3269. One 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.

Ziba, The Hargreaves Buildings, 5 Chapel Street, L3 9AG, +44 151 236-6676.

Panoramic 34, 34th Floor, West Tower, Brook St, +44 151 236-5534.

Upstairs Restaurant Bar, School Ln, +44 151 702-7783. Su M 11:30AM-6PM; Tu-Sa lunch 11:30AM-3PM, afternoon tea 3PM-5:30PM, dinner 6PM-11PM. Offering seasonal food and a great wine list in a creative setting. Also offers a special children's menu (under 12s).

Espresso Bluecoat, School Ln. 8AM-6PM daily (later when there is an event on). Offering 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.

Rococo, 61 Lord St, L2 6PB, +44 151 227 4822.

• Gusto, +44 151 708-6969.
• Miller & Carter, Atlantic Pavilion and Anchor Hall, Atlantic Dock, L3 4AF, +44 151 707-7877.
• PanAm Bar and Restaurant, 22 Britannia Pavilion, The Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 702-5831.
• The Pump House, Hartley's Quay.
• Circo Bar & 1770 at Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD (Albert Dock, +44 843 504 3874.
• Matou Pan Asian Restaurant, 2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry Terminal Building, Georges Pierhead, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 1BY (Pier Head. Asian
• Delifonsecas Dockside, Brunswick Way, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4BN (Brunswick Dock, +44 151 255 0808. Choose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.
• Brascoe Lounge, 27a Mann Island, Pier Head, L3 1BP, +44 151 236-5085.
• Etsu, 25 The Strand, Central, Liverpool, L2 0XJ.
• The Floating Grace, Berth 1 Salthouse Quay, L3 4AE, +44 7540 373838. Liverpool's only floating restaurant.

Gusto, +44 151 708-6969.

Miller & Carter, Atlantic Pavilion and Anchor Hall, Atlantic Dock, L3 4AF, +44 151 707-7877.

PanAm Bar and Restaurant, 22 Britannia Pavilion, The Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 702-5831.

The Pump House, Hartley's Quay.

Circo Bar & 1770 at Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD (Albert Dock, +44 843 504 3874.

Matou Pan Asian Restaurant, 2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry Terminal Building, Georges Pierhead, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 1BY (Pier Head. Asian

Delifonsecas Dockside, Brunswick Way, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4BN (Brunswick Dock, +44 151 255 0808. Choose from daily lunch, a la carte or table d'hote menu.

Brascoe Lounge, 27a Mann Island, Pier Head, L3 1BP, +44 151 236-5085.

Etsu, 25 The Strand, Central, Liverpool, L2 0XJ.

The Floating Grace, Berth 1 Salthouse Quay, L3 4AE, +44 7540 373838. Liverpool's only floating restaurant.

Lark Lane is about 2.5 miles to the south of the city centre, a very pleasant (and less stressful than the city) place and is one of the better places to eat out. The road, which connects Aigburth Road with Sefton Park, is home to many unique restaurants, cafés and other shops. It is quite isolated, i.e. you will only find residential areas around it, but the street itself is worth the trip. Most pubs and bars serve real ales. Some choice picks include:

• Green Days Cafe, Little Parkfield Road, L17 8US, +44 151 728-8259. Bills 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.
• Milo Lounge, 88-90 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-2285. A modern lounge restuarant.
• The Albert Hotel, 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-3403. Victorian pub serving pub grub at reasonable prices.
• Keith's Wine Bar, 107 Lark Lane, L17 8UR, +44 151 727-4350. Plays an eclectic mix of music, a relaxed atmosphere and family friendly. Good, freshly prepared food. A main is often less than £10.
• The Moon & Pea, 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-3403. Family-run bistro, organic fair trade. Apparently pleasure-oriented: you get pimped-up hot chocolate in about six versions (see for yourself).
• Maranto's, 57-63 Lark La, L17 8UP, +44 151 727-7200.
• Esteban, 40 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-6056.
• Arabesque Bazaar, 56-58 Lark Lane, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-7577. Authentic Moroccan cuisine and ornaments.
• Bistro Noir, 14-16 Lark Lane, L17 8US.
• Et Alia, 380 Aigburth Road, L17 6AE, +44 151 427 1155. Italian.

Green Days Cafe, Little Parkfield Road, L17 8US, +44 151 728-8259. Bills 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.

Milo Lounge, 88-90 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-2285. A modern lounge restuarant.

The Albert Hotel, 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-3403. Victorian pub serving pub grub at reasonable prices.

Keith's Wine Bar, 107 Lark Lane, L17 8UR, +44 151 727-4350. Plays an eclectic mix of music, a relaxed atmosphere and family friendly. Good, freshly prepared food. A main is often less than £10.

The Moon & Pea, 64 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-3403. Family-run bistro, organic fair trade. Apparently pleasure-oriented: you get pimped-up hot chocolate in about six versions (see for yourself).

Maranto's, 57-63 Lark La, L17 8UP, +44 151 727-7200.

Esteban, 40 Lark Ln, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-6056.

Arabesque Bazaar, 56-58 Lark Lane, L17 8UU, +44 151 727-7577. Authentic Moroccan cuisine and ornaments.

Bistro Noir, 14-16 Lark Lane, L17 8US.

Et Alia, 380 Aigburth Road, L17 6AE, +44 151 427 1155. Italian.

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.
• The Globe, 17 Cases St (tucked away, adjacent to Clayton Square shopping centre, opposite the Ranelagh Street entrance of Central Station. A 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.
• The Richard John Blacker, Charlotte Row, Unit 1/3, 53 Great Charlotte St, L1 1HU, +44 151 709-4802.
• The Crown, 43 Lime St. Next 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.
• The Canarvon Castle, 5 Tarleton St. Established 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.
• Peter Kavanagh's, 2-6 Egerton St. An 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, 23 Cumberland St. Most 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.
• The Old Post Office, School Ln. Friendly 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 is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane and Seel Street.

• El Bandito, 41b Slater St, L1 4BX, +44 151 707-8560. W-Su 9PM into the morning. A 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.

• Heebiejeebies. A large, lively, destination venue with live music and open air courtyard. Open until 4AM at weekends. (Photo ID required for entry.)
• Heebies Basement. A 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 Peacock. A 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.

Heebiejeebies. A large, lively, destination venue with live music and open air courtyard. Open until 4AM at weekends. (Photo ID required for entry.)

Heebies Basement. A 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 Peacock. A 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 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.

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.

El Bandito, 41b Slater St, L1 4BX, +44 151 707-8560. W-Su 9PM into the morning. A 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.

An older crowd will drink in this district.

• The Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, L2 6RE, +44 151 236-1965. Although 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.
• The Cavern Pub, 5 Mathew Street, L2 6RE, +44 151 236-4041. Sister pub of the Cavern Club opposite. Similar atmosphere with another stage and memorabilia on the walls.
• The Grapes, 25 Mathew St, L2 6RE, +44 151 255-1525. The 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, 18 Mathew St, +44 151 227-3345.
• The Welkin, 7 Whitechapel, L1 6DS, +44 151 243-1080.
• Hogshead, 18-22 North John St, L2 9RL, +44 151 236-8760.
• The Slug and Lettuce, Watson Prickard Building, North John Street, L2 4SH, +44 151 236-8820.

The Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, L2 6RE, +44 151 236-1965. Although 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.

The Cavern Pub, 5 Mathew Street, L2 6RE, +44 151 236-4041. Sister pub of the Cavern Club opposite. Similar atmosphere with another stage and memorabilia on the walls.

The Grapes, 25 Mathew St, L2 6RE, +44 151 255-1525. The 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, 18 Mathew St, +44 151 227-3345.

The Welkin, 7 Whitechapel, L1 6DS, +44 151 243-1080.

Hogshead, 18-22 North John St, L2 9RL, +44 151 236-8760.

The Slug and Lettuce, Watson Prickard Building, North John Street, L2 4SH, +44 151 236-8820.

Sometimes considered the commercial district and is populated by office workers during the week.

• The Ship and Mitre, 138 Dale St. Consistently 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.
• The Railway Hotel, 18 Tithebarn St. Over 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, 2 Tower Gardens. weekdays only. Secluded 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, 67 Moorfields, L2 2BP, +44 151 236-1734. Excellent pub, particularly for cheeses.
• First National Wine Bar, 2-8 James Street, L2 7PQ, +44 151 236-6194.
• Queens Goose, Derby Square, +44 151 231-6841.

The Ship and Mitre, 138 Dale St. Consistently 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.

The Railway Hotel, 18 Tithebarn St. Over 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, 2 Tower Gardens. weekdays only. Secluded 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, 67 Moorfields, L2 2BP, +44 151 236-1734. Excellent pub, particularly for cheeses.

First National Wine Bar, 2-8 James Street, L2 7PQ, +44 151 236-6194.

Queens Goose, Derby Square, +44 151 231-6841.

A favourite district for tourists.

• Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 709-0470. Bar, cafe and steakhouse.
• The Baltic Fleet, 33 Wapping, +44 151 709-3116. Just 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.
• Vinea.

Circo, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, +44 151 709-0470. Bar, cafe and steakhouse.

The Baltic Fleet, 33 Wapping, +44 151 709-3116. Just 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.

Vinea.

Universities of Liverpool and John Moores students from the student residential areas descend here during term time.

• Korova, 32 Hope Street, L1 9BX, +44 151 709-7097. M-Sa 11AM-late; Su 11AM-midnight. Part 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.
• The Caledonia, Catharine Street, L8 7NH, +44 151 709-5909. Underground, 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.
• Roscoe Head, 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.
• Ye Cracke, 13 Rice St. This 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, 106-108 Seel Street, L1 4BL, +44 151 709-1535. Popular with students especially student doctors.

Korova, 32 Hope Street, L1 9BX, +44 151 709-7097. M-Sa 11AM-late; Su 11AM-midnight. Part 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.

The Caledonia, Catharine Street, L8 7NH, +44 151 709-5909. Underground, 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.

Roscoe Head, 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.

Ye Cracke, 13 Rice St. This 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, 106-108 Seel Street, L1 4BL, +44 151 709-1535. Popular with students especially student doctors.

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.

• Camp and Furnace, 67 Greenland St, L1 0BY, +44 151 708 2890. Home of the legendary Bongo's Bingo nights which are now franchised out all over the UK (must be booked in advance). £££.
• Hobo Kiosk, 9 Bridgewater St, L1 0AR. Hours vary.. Tiny 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.
• Ghetto Golf, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ, +44 345 557 1288 (non geographic). Blacklight-lit, irreverent, junkyard themed indoor mini-golf course and bar (games must be booked in advance).
• Birdie's Bar & BBQ, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Outdoor bar with cocktails and street food vendors.
• Alhambra, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Spanish wine bar.
• Black Pearl. Pirate-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.

Camp and Furnace, 67 Greenland St, L1 0BY, +44 151 708 2890. Home of the legendary Bongo's Bingo nights which are now franchised out all over the UK (must be booked in advance). £££.

Hobo Kiosk, 9 Bridgewater St, L1 0AR. Hours vary.. Tiny 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.

Ghetto Golf, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ, +44 345 557 1288 (non geographic). Blacklight-lit, irreverent, junkyard themed indoor mini-golf course and bar (games must be booked in advance).

Birdie's Bar & BBQ, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Outdoor bar with cocktails and street food vendors.

Alhambra, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Spanish wine bar.

Black Pearl. Pirate-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.

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.

The Globe, 17 Cases St (tucked away, adjacent to Clayton Square shopping centre, opposite the Ranelagh Street entrance of Central Station. A 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.

The Richard John Blacker, Charlotte Row, Unit 1/3, 53 Great Charlotte St, L1 1HU, +44 151 709-4802.

The Crown, 43 Lime St. Next 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.

The Canarvon Castle, 5 Tarleton St. Established 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.

Peter Kavanagh's, 2-6 Egerton St. An 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, 23 Cumberland St. Most 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.

The Old Post Office, School Ln. Friendly 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.

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.

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.

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.