Hotels in Liverpool

A city whose energy you will feel once you catch a whiff of its sea breeze, Liverpool is one for the books. The birthplace of The Beatles, this dynamic city offers something new and different for every person. From fashion, sports, and music, you will surely get to know Liverpool’s distinct and magnetic personality. In addition, it’s a beachside city, so you get to enjoy all of this along with scenic views.

Saying that heading to Liverpool will be a packed trip would be an understatement. Its culture, amazing nightlife, and delicious food, you will not run out of things to see and do.

How to Get There

Getting to the city is easy with two airports at its doorstep. The first would be the Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJL) which is only 14 kilometres away from the city centre. This is ideal if you are coming from other European countries since it hosts a lot of budget airlines. The second option is Manchester Airport which is only 45 minutes away from the centre. From these airports, you have a handful of options to get to the city proper. The first option available would be taking the bus.

The Arriva Bus operate at a regular schedule seven days a week. Your travel time should approximately be 25 minutes, with the bus fare fee at around £3.

Taxis are also available, but these are a lot more expensive compared to a bus with prices going as high as £18. You may book these in advance, but if you haven’t, these are readily available at the terminal entrance.

Taking the train is also an option with the nearest station being the Liverpool South Parkway, situated three kilometres away from the airport. This is accessible via bus or cab. From there, get off at Liverpool Lime Street. The entire trip should take 10 minutes with fares at £3.40.

Getting Around

Liverpool’s local transport system is extremely accessible with guide updates directly at their website. Once you’re there, the train would be the fastest option if you want to make the most out of your stay. For tickets, there are different passes available like the Day Savers if you are traveling alone and the Merseyrail Family Ticket if you are traveling as a group. To make it easier for you, Merseyrail has an app available for download that helps you plan your stops.

Being a compact city, traveling by bike is also an alternative to get around. Most areas, especially tourist destinations, have bike parks nearby and these are shown on the Liverpool Cycle Map. The local government made it easier for locals and visitors to rent bikes via CityBike. You can learn more about this scheme if you go to their website.

Bus travel around the city is also an easy and cost-effective way to see the sights. Liverpool has two main terminals, Liverpool ONE and Queen Square, where you will see quick guides and helpful staff to assist you. The public transport system around the city is readily accessible for all visitors so it makes your visit hassle-free.

Top Things to Do

Kick off your Liverpool trip by going to The Pier Head, a major destination during the 18th-century Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Once you’re here, you will notice its skyline featuring the Three Graces: The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building, and The Port of Liverpool Building. All the structures are a testament to Liverpool’s role in the country’s maritime trade.

By going around this neighbourhood, you will also be able to hang out with The Beatles Statue. A must-see for every fan of the Fab Four. Make sure you also check out The Beatles Story to learn more about the band’s humble beginnings to the height of their fame. Stop and say hello to Penny Lane and drop by the Cavern Club where they started playing.

For an art trip, go to Tate Liverpool, the gallery that is often touted as the one that revived the city. You will be able to see many British and international contemporary art and exhibitions here. Check the website as well since the gallery offers some talks and workshops that will make your stay a lot more memorable. The International Slavery Museum is also a must-see if you want to take a look at the city’s past that it has never denied nor shunned. The exhibit also tackles modern-day slavery and human rights issues.

What to Eat

While going to and from, you would need some good food to keep you going. Thankfully, Liverpool is not short on that because of all the good restaurants and cafes the city has. Hop on to the Georgian Quarter and go to 60 Hope Street for classic British bites such as black pudding and jam sandwich for dessert. HOST is also a good place to get some pan-Asian cuisine with matching 50’s decor to create an amazing ambiance. If you’re vegan, go to Mowgli for some Indian vegan cuisine that is always raved about by the locals.

Nightlife

After your day of exploring, it just makes sense to unwind and grab a drink. Famed for its nightlife, the city offers you a variety of options from pubs and clubs. If you want to party the night away, check out Level, the largest club set over 3 floors. Here, you will get a chance to see Liverpool’s biggest DJs playing house, pop, or hip hop.

For something similar, you can check Mansion too. Take note that the dress code for the club is “dress to impress” so make sure you prepare to party in style. For a Latin inspired night, go to Alma de Cuba a restaurant by day and famous nightclub by night. Locals recommend you head there early since it gets full fast.

In case you are after a quieter night, go to The Baltic Fleet, a must for ale lovers. This bar boasts the only brewery in Liverpool that is underneath the bar itself. Head on to The Grapes if you are a Beatles fan since it’s known to be the place where the band grabbed a drink before and after their gigs at The Cavern Club. Make sure you go to this bar if you want to see the latest in Liverpool’s music scene despite the tourists. Lastly, go to Heebie Jeebies (Heebie’s to the locals) for some live music and the best indie music.

Where to Stay

Understandably, if it’s your first time in the city, you would want to stay right in the middle of it. Travellers recommend looking for a place in the city centre where you are in the epicentre of the city’s heritage and hippest locations.

If you are on a budget, stay in the area of Albert Dock. It is a bit farther from the centre, but it still has its charms since Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool is in the neighbourhood.

To have a taste of the suburbs, stay in the area of Crosby Beach. It’s a coastal town that is 10 kilometres away from the centre. It is pretty far away, but it offers you the quieter side of Liverpool that would not disappoint as well. You will find Anthony Gormley’s sculpture called Another Place and it’s over a hundred cast-iron rods placed at the beach that gets submerged during high tide that adds character to the beachside.

Travel Tips

• Eat at the independent restaurants that locals enjoy.

• Go to the Baltic Circle for quirky stores.

• Explore this on foot. You won’t regret it at all.