1) History. I remember reading Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island (highly recommended), published in 1992, and being surprised when the acid-tongued American named Liverpool as his favourite UK city. In the aftermath of the 80s, Liverpool was in the midst of recession and living in the shadow of the Hillsborough disaster yet Bryson nonetheless commented that, "in Liverpool you really feel that you're somewhere".
2) Pubs. Nowhere does an alehouse like Liverpool and step into a Scouse watering hole and nostalgia wraps you in its warm, musty embrace. Take your pick from the extensive selection in town but don't miss the Philharmonic on Hope Street; one of the fanciest pubs in England!
The Beehive and the Grapes are also worth a look for your old-style drinking session:
3) The Liverpool girls. Sassy, individual and glamorous, they have a style all of their own. No jeans and flats for these women on a Saturday night! And don't expect heads to turn if you walk down the street in a leopard-print leotard. In Liverpool, anything goes.
4) Regeneration.
Since being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture for 2008,
the city has been given a new lease of life. From the buzzing Liverpool
One shopping and leisure space linking the city centre to the Docks and
the Echo concert arena, to the renovations taking place throughout the
city, there is a real feeling of rejuvenation in the air. Like a phoenix
rising from the ashes, Liverpool is back on form and there's no better
time to visit!
5) Football.
Whether it's Red or Blue running through your veins, football is a
religion in Liverpool and no trip to the city is complete without a
football match.
As
a die-hard Liverpool fan it's impossible for me to be unbiased on this
topic but I can honestly say that when I have attended big games at
Anfield, there is nowhere else I would have rather been in the world for
those 90 minutes. Listening to the roar of the crowd and the endless
repertoire of songs is an experience for anyone (football fan or
otherwise) and the one-liners from members of the crowd will keep you
amused throughout the game.
But
mention must also go to our blue-nosed friends over the park (Everton)
who are also up there with the most successful teams in the country.
Tickets
for matches at Anfield can be difficult to come by but contrary to
popular opinion, it is possible if you organise well in advance! And if
you have friends in high places, get your mitts on a ticket for the
Merseyside Derby or Liverpool - Manchester Utd to see the fans on top
form! If you do miss out, Goodison Park tends to have more availability
and both teams have museums and offer stadium tours. But whatever you
do, don't leave Liverpool without diving into the football heritage
of the city.
6) Culture. With more listed buildings and museums than anywhere outside
of London, a rich maritime history, two cathedrals, the biggest horse race in the world, two successful football
teams and a world-famous musical heritage, Liverpool is a culture vulture’s
paradise. Don’t miss the Albert Dock, a Unesco World Heritage Site, St. George’s
Hall, a colossal pillared building reminiscent of Ancient Rome, or the numerous
free museums throughout the city, including the Tate Liverpool.
7) Language.
Scousers often claim that Liverpool is not a city but
a Republic and you could be forgiven for believing them if the accent is
anything to go by. Unlike any other in the country or indeed the world,
the colourful Liverpudlian dialect is also home to numerous words and
phrases unique to the city.
8) Music.
After Liverpool Football Club, the Beatles are the biggest tourist
attraction in the city and no list of reasons to visit Liverpool is
complete without music. The Beatles Story at the Albert Dock offers an
interactive insight into the history of the band and the Magical Mystery
Tour visits key Beatles locations in the city such as Penny Lane and
the houses of the band members. Other Beatles-related sites are
scattered around the city such as a statue of Eleanor Rigby and the
Cavern Pub and Cavern Club bars on Mathew Street aim to recreate the
atmosphere of the original Cavern which has been demolished.
But
if the Beatles are not your thing, Liverpool still has an enviable
musical heritage, having achieved more number ones than any other city.
It hosts the yearly Summer Pops and Mathew Street festivals and international acts at the recently-built Echo Arena.
9) Value for money.
Like many cities in northern England, Liverpool offers great value for
money with pints to be had for £1, free museums galore (The Tate, Walker Art Gallery, World Museum,...), free entry to the cathedrals and
affordable tickets for the football. Good, cheap food can be found in
many of the pubs and even high-end restaurants will not break the bank.
For a swish, affordable night out, eat at Il Forno, followed by drinks
and dancing at Alma de Cuba. This converted church oozes with class and
character and while more expensive than many of the bars in Liverpool,
it is still considerably kinder on the wallet than most other cities in
the country. Good deals can also be found in the boutique hotels in the
city (Hard Day's Night Hotel, Hope Street Hotel, etc.) so be sure to
check their websites for details.
Alma de Cuba
The John Lennon suite at the Hard Day's Night Hotel
http://www.hopestreethotel.co.uk/
http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com/
10) Humour. Last but not least, the famous Liverpudlian humour. Scousers are said by many to be born comedians and their dry sarcastic wit is legendary. Be on your guard though. Liverpudlians are never off duty and a razor-sharp one liner can come your way when you least expect it!
Typical Liverpool wit on a Liverpool FC fan banner during the 1976/77 season.
For more information visit http://www.visitliverpool.com/
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