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I had passed through Liverpool on several occasions but had never had the chance to actually stop and explore it. However, I was keen to see the International Horse Show Event at the Liverpool Arena, so we decided to make a weekend of it and stay for a couple of days so we could really get the opportunity to explore the city. Liverpool has an interesting history due to the large amount of trade that passed through its docks. However, its more recent claim to fame is the English rock band the Beatles. If you haven’t heard of them, then jump on to your favourite music streaming service and listen to their music, as they are one of the most influential bands in history.
The people of Liverpool are referred as ‘Liverpudlians’, but most often as ‘Scousers’. This is a reference to ‘scouse’ which is a form of stew, however, the word ‘Scouse’ has also become synonymous with the distinct Liverpool accent and dialect.
How to Get to Liverpool
We drove to Liverpool, but you can fly into the city airport called John Lennon Airport. There is also a larger airport in the neighbouring city of Manchester and you can travel by train between them.
Shopping
It was Boxing day when we arrived and we had to wait a few hours before checking into our apartment, so we found ourselves caught up in the boxing day shopping madness. Liverpool has a really good inner city shopping area with all of the major shops, including the luxury and the budget, in the one large sprawling area. There is the Liverpool ONE open air mall, the Metquarter, and Clayton Square with the high street shops. There was too many shops to fit into one afternoon, so we came back and did a little more shopping the following day.
Pier Head
On our way down to the docks, we walked past the grand buildings of The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Royal Albert Docks
The Royal Albert Docks is a popular tourist spot and a chance to explore this interesting area. It consists of brick warehouses and buildings that are now full of apartments, museums, galleries, cafe’s, restaurants and interesting statues and old boats.
Superlambanana
What the heck is a Superlambanana? It is a large yellow sculpture that’s a cross between a lamb and a banana and was designed by New York based Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. What the heck is it all about? It is meant to be a comment on the dangers of genetic engineering and is heavily influenced by the history of Liverpool as both sheep and bananas were historically common cargo in the city’s docks. Now there are lots of them around the city in different designs and colours.
Tate Liverpool
(Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB – Most exhibitions are free, but some have an entry fee)
If you enjoy modern art, then Liverpool has a Tate gallery that showcases both British and international modern and contemporary art. Most of the exhibitions are free. I enjoyed Vivian Suter’s immersive installation of hanging paintings inspired by the tropical landscape of Guatemala and the dizzying optical art exhibition.
Museum of Liverpool
(Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG – Entry is free)
Visiting the Museum of Liverpool gave me an opportunity to learn more about Liverpool’s interesting history as a port city. It was a tough life for those living and working here. It attracted a diverse population from around the world and I was surprised to learn that Liverpool is home to the oldest black community in the UK and the oldest Chinese community in Europe. However, there is a sad exhibit of how following WWII, the British Government sent the Chinese sailors back to Shanghai without warning. They left wives and children who thought that they had deserted them. The museum is well laid out and they have managed to pack a lot into the space.
The Beatles
If you are a big fan of the Beatles and want to learn more about how their career took off, then head to The Beatles Story (Britannia Vaults Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD) a museum that tells the Beatles history. You can also visit the Cavern Club (10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE) where the Beatles once played in the brick vaulted cellars. You might not be able get a photo with the real Beatles, but head over to the Pier to get a photo with the Beatles Statue (Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1BY).
You can also visit the homes of John and Paul to see where they grew up. These suburban homes are now available to visit on a tour which is run by the National Trust. We are National Trust members and I had hoped to join a tour, but they were not running them over the holiday period when we visited. Please note that although National Trust sites are usually free for members, members will need to pay for the tour, but the prices are heavily reduced for members. More information is here on the National Trust Beatles tour website.
If you love British music, then the British Music Experience (British Music Music Experience, Cunard Building, Liverpool L3 1DS) is located in the impressive Cunard building which was built in 1917. Its design is based on the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.
Liverpool Arena
If you are heading to Liverpool then it is worth seeing if there are any events playing at the arena that interests you. We had bought tickets to the annual International Horse Show and I thought it was a great space. Although be aware that you can’t take any food or water into the building and the food and drink there is limited and expensive, so have a meal before going to your event.
Crosby Beach
The weather was very mild for December, so we headed out for a walk on Crosby Beach which is located just north of the city. It took us about 20 minutes to drive out there, but you can also get there by train or bus from the city. We parked on Marine Cres opposite Marine Lake, but there are several car parks along this stretch as well as street parking.
The beach is a permanent home to the ‘Another Place’ sculptures by artist, Antony Gormley. There are 100 cast iron figures along three kilometres of the beach and as the tide comes in they are temporarily engulfed by the sea. The figures all face the sea and rise out of the sand. It really is a wonderful sight as you walk along the beach. There is also an esplanade that you can walk along if the tide is in. We had planned to find a pub to eat at, but the weather was so pleasant that we ended up buying some food from the food van parked at Crosby Beach North. There are toilets at this car park as well.
Where We Ate and Drank
I didn’t take any photos of the tapas or cocktail bar as we were having a romantic night out and trying not to look at our phones. I only ended up taking a photo at the pizza place.
Five Guys
Former R&P, Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH or The Terrace, P3/P4, 14 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 8JF
Ok, so Five Guys may not be particularly exciting, but we don’t currently live near one, so when we get near one we tend to descend upon it. If you have never been to a Five Guys before, they make delicious burgers, but they are on the pricey side. However, you can help yourself to free peanuts and they are very generous with the delicious chips. I like how they write on the blackboard which farm the potatoes are from.
Rococo
61 Lord St, Liverpool L2 6PB
Rococo is upstairs of a building on the high street. It was like entering a home as it is but it sprawls through various rooms. Finding a seat was a challenge as it was very busy. I enjoyed a salmon and cream cheese bagel and my husband had the panini. It’s a nice cafe to visit if you are out and about shopping and the prices were very reasonable.
Salt House Tapas
Church House, 1 Hanover St, Liverpool L1 3DW
We booked a table for dinner at the Salt House Tapas based on a recommendation from a friend. It did not disappoint. Highlights for me was the deep fried Monte Enebro cheese with the pickled cantaloupe melon, and the braised ox cheek. We managed to fit in dessert as well and enjoyed the churros and the chocolate brownie. This place is popular for a good reason, so make sure you reserve a table in advance.
Petit Café Du Coin
60 Berry St, Liverpool L1 4JQ
After our meal at Salt House Tapas, we were keen to continue our evening with some cocktails, so ended up at Petit Café Du Coin. It was as if we were transported to Paris. This little candlelit cafe was packed to the brim with barely enough room to squeeze through the door. This place has an intimate vibe with a great wine and cocktail menu and a brilliant band playing. The staff were excellent too. It was the perfect place to spend a romantic evening. I highly recommend this place.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza – Castle Street
3-7 Castle St, Liverpool L2 4SW
My husband loves pizza and I always feel bad that we don’t have it more as I really only like the really gourmet kind that can be difficult to find. Thankfully we found Rudy’s which is extremely popular for a good reason. They squeezed us in at the bar where we got to see the pizza’s being made fresh in front of us. They serve traditional pizza with a few star toppings and beautifully fresh dough hand stretched then cooked in a wood fired oven.
Accommodation Options in Liverpool City Centre
Search available accommodation in Liverpool
Budget
Moderate
- Dream Apartments Liverpool – we stayed here
- Pembroke Studios
- Seel Street Hotel by EPIC
Luxury
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Liverpool – luxury suites available
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool – deluxe rooms and suites available
- Quest Liverpool City Centre – Apartment hotel
Practical Tips for Visiting Liverpool
- How long should I visit York for? You can squeeze the major attractions into a day, but if you wanted to explore more then stay for a weekend.
- How to Get to Liverpool: We drove to Liverpool, but you can fly into the city airport called John Lennon Airport. There is also the larger Manchester airport which is the neighbouring city and you can travel by train or bus. If you are travelling within Britain, then you can use the intercity rail.
- Tours: There are lots of great tours in Liverpool, check them out here. Here are a selection of them.
- Currency: British pound.
- Language: English
- Currency: British pound. There is no cash machine/ATM in the village. However, shops typically take card.
- Tipping: Not required, but people usually round up.
- Electricity: The electrical current is 230 volts AC. Wall outlets take a three pronged plug only used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, you are better off purchasing a worldwide adaptor that can be used in the United Kingdom as well other countries. At least then you can potentially get some further use out of it on future vacations. If you’re taking a number of electronics with you, then I would recommend purchasing a couple of these adaptors.
- Driving: In the UK they drive on the left hand side of the road with speed signs in miles per hour (mph).
- Navigating: We used Google’s free Offline Maps. Google Offline Maps allows you to access free maps for navigating that can be used offline i.e. you don’t need WIFI, data, or roaming to be able to use them. Follow my detailed guide on how to use Googles Offline Maps.
- Using your phone as a GPS will drain your battery quickly, so use a portable battery charger which you can use to charge your phone and any other USB chargeable devices.
- If you prefer a paper map, then purchase a road map before you go. At least it’s reliable and won’t run out of battery or malfunction like the electronic options!
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