LIVERPOOL
In 1207, King John founded the borough of Liverpool, and despite not being a large city for much of its history, the city truly took off in the 17th century when it became a commercial center that has remained that way for much of its history. Most people outside of the United Kingdom are familiar with Liverpool as the birthplace of one of the world’s most gifted bands, The Beatles. However, the city is more than just one band, and there are many intriguing things to do in the city if you come. We’ve listed our top ten favorites, some of which you can see during a Free Walking Tour of Liverpool!
1. Liverpool Cathedral
Every city has great churches, but few have as many different designs as Liverpool’s cathedrals. The Liverpool Cathedral is an Anglican church that was completed in almost 75 years, from 1904 to 1978, and is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (also known as Paddy’s Wigwam) is as eye-catching on the interior as it is on the outside, being one of the only cathedrals in the round!
2. The Albert Dock
The Albert Dock, like the Maritime Museum, is one of the things you must see. The former port and warehouse complexes are now filled with Grade I listed buildings and constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This de facto city center is now serving as a multi-use area that is both a tribute to its history and a major tourist magnet, with everything from museums to comedy clubs to restaurants.
3. The Cavern Club/The Beatles Story
Let’s face it: if you’re visiting Liverpool, you’re either a fan of The Reds or The Beatles. When it comes to the latter, the city is rightly proud of its hometown heroes, and this museum takes you through their history, recreations of iconic clubs where they performed, and the influence of Liverpool on their music. If you want to see a real place, the Cavern Club in Liverpool still functions as a music venue, so check out the schedule and select an act you want to watch. Who knows where they’re going to wind up?
4. Museum of Liverpool
The museum of a city is one of the best venues to learn about its history and culture, and Liverpool is no exception. The Museum of Liverpool features exhibitions on the city’s LGBTQ community, women’s suffrage efforts in Liverpool, and even John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s connection. Every facet of Liverpool is represented in the museum’s halls and exhibitions, making it a veritable treasure mine of the city’s culture.
5. Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Gallery houses a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works. It’s all here, whether you want to see the French Masters or the great Romantic British artists. One of the most impressive current displays is a collection of John Moores’s prizewinners from the last 60 years, which is awarded biannually to the best contemporary painting in the UK.
6. The World Museum
The World Museum, one of England’s great natural history museums, houses everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to space-crossing meteorites. Special displays include one on China’s first emperor and the Terracotta Warriors, a hands-on experience with “Escape from the Mummy’s Tomb,” and the Planetarium. The World Museum has something for everyone, no matter what their interests are.
7. The Merseyside Maritime Museum
Liverpool, as a port city, has a rich nautical history, which is brought together at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, from the city’s oldest trading activity to its connections with the infamous Titanic. Some of the most interesting exhibits here include the history of the city’s black sailors, such as Joseph Johnson, whose great sailing hat inspired a hands-on activity in which children may make their own multicolored hats. The International Slavery Museum, which recognizes the city’s role in the slave trade, can be located on the third floor, not shying away from the more infamous portions of its own past.
8. Chinatown
Liverpool’s Chinatown is the largest outside of San Francisco and the oldest in Europe. The neighborhood’s gateway arch is the largest of its kind outside of China, and once through it, you’ll discover an extraordinarily dynamic culture that extends beyond eateries to a wide range of businesses, community groups, and cultural events. You may study the history of Chinese immigration in Liverpool and how they changed the city’s face.
9. The Tate Liverpool
The Tate Museum was founded in 1897 when Henry Tate decided to open his personal art collection to the public, and it has subsequently extended throughout the United Kingdom. Tate Liverpool, which was established in the 1980s in one of the historic warehouses of the Albert Dock, features a magnificent collection of modern art.
10. Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium
Liverpool FC, or “The Reds” as they are informally called, is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular attractions. Anfield, like most football stadiums in the UK, bears witness to the history of a club that has been a part of the city from its inception in 1892. LFC’s greatest players, managers, and moments are commemorated with benches, photographs, statues, and other mementos. You may also join the stadium tour, which includes a visit to the Liverpool FC museum, to discover more about the 126-year history of one of Britain’s most successful sports clubs.
Explore Liverpool on a Free Tour
Explore The World in One City on foot with an expert tour guide.
You’ll get to see all the best spots, from Williamson Square to the Cunard Building and the streets and taverns where The Beatles played their first hits.
Experience The Pool your way and book the Free Walking Tour of Liverpool!
