I’m back in Liverpool this week and almost ready to start my Christmas shopping! I’m here today to tell you my top 5 reasons to love Liverpool!
Liverpool is a port in the North of England and the city was the UK capital of culture in 2008. Diverse and exciting, it is a city not to be missed, especially if you are a fan of football and the Beatles!
I lived in Liverpool for a year during my 20’s. I love this city because of the shopping, attractions and the lively scouse attitude. The local accent may be difficult to understand if you are not English, but you will certainly meet some friendly and funny people!
Hotels in Liverpool on booking.com
Getting to Liverpool
Getting to Liverpool is easy due to excellent transport connections. Easy Jet fly to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from many European cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon. The train connects you from Liverpool South Parkway (Liverpool John Lennon Airport) to Liverpool Lime Street.
There are several train stations including the main station Liverpool Lime Street. The journey is about an hour from Manchester or just under 3 hours from London Euston (on a direct train).
Tip: Book your trains in advance using a Rail Card.
If you hire a car, the motorway links are good with the M56 to Manchester and the M6 interchange (North to South) not far away.
Here are my top 5 reasons to LOVE Liverpool…
#1 Shopping!
Liverpool was the UK’s capital of culture 2008. Many developments took place during this time, including the creation of the brand new Liverpool ONE shopping complex. Liverpool ONE brings together high street chains, independent retailers, leisure and restaurants. In fact, it hosts of 140 shops, 20 bars and a 14 screen ODEON cinema.
#2 The Beatles
The fame of ‘The Beatles’ also put Liverpool on the worldwide map. You can find out about the group’s history and music at The Beatles Story – the famous Beatles Museum on the Albert Dock (approximately 15 minutes walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station).
I recommend that you get there early to avoid queues, especially in school holidays. If you like audio guides, you can take the recorded tour that talks you through the exhibitions.
The Beatles Story museum is dedicated to the life and times of the ‘Fab Four’. You will find out about their trip to Hamburg, Germany, and how it helped to shape their music careers. You will read the amazing stories about the Beatles spiritual journey in India. Discover the history of John Lennon, his passions and his relationship with Yoko Ono.
#3 Football – Liverpool FC at Anfield
Liverpool is famous worldwide, and much of this fame is thanks to Liverpool Football Club. ‘The Reds’ are a Premier League English football club based at Anfield. Liverpool FC has won seven FA cups, eighteen League titles and eight League Cups. Oh, and I’ve been told by fans to make sure that I don’t fail to mention the 5 European cups!
Visiting Anfield is one of the best things to do in Liverpool. Anfield stadium is very accessible from the city centre by bus or taxi – it is just 2 miles away from Liverpool Lime Street station. The stadium itself now has a seating capacity of over 54,000, making it one of the largest all-seater single stands in European football.
Tickets to LFC matches can be difficult to get hold of. But, if you don’t have a match ticket, worry not – you can still visit for a stadium tour and the Anfield Museum.
#4 Liverpool Museums
The Liverpool World Museum is one of the biggest cultural museums in the UK. Spreading across 5 floors, you can visit their antiquities, botany, ethnography, physical science, geology and zoology sections. The World Museum also has temporary visiting exhibitions.
You will need at least one full day to appreciate the world museum, and it is a good idea to carefully plan the displays that you want to see. For the dedicated scientists and culture enthusiasts among you, you may want to factor in a few days!
If you have kids who love dinosaurs or African animals, head for the fantastic exhibitions on the fourth floor. You can see live bugs in the bug exhibition on the second floor. If you are solar system obsessed, head to floor five for the telescopes and the Planetarium.
My personal favourite sections are antiquities and ethnography – I loved the ancient Egypt and Tibetan Buddhism exhibitions.
I also highly recommend the Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum on the Albert Docks.
#5 Nightlife
So, you love to party? The great news is that scousers are always up for a good night out! My favourite bar is Bar Ca Va and my favourite club is Heebie Jeebies!
If you are a big Beatles fan, you should also drink in the Cavern Club on Matthew Street (The Beatles originally played there in their early days, although this is not the original!) and the Jacaranda (Beatles themed bar).
Expect to pay about £2.50 – £5.00 for a drink in the City Centre. Do keep your belongings safe, as there can be pickpockets in Liverpool (as with any large European city). Also, book taxis in advance on a night out, particularly a Friday or Saturday. If you get a black cab, make sure that you are on the correct tariff.
You might also like to read about visiting Manchester.