Discover Liverpool: 6 reasons to visit

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Liverpool (9-11 May). But there’s a lot more to this city than this annual music competition; it’s now regarded as a thriving cultural hub. Discover Liverpool with our handy guide

 

1. It has music pulsing through its veins

 

It’s appropriate that the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s most famous music events, is taking place in Liverpool this year from 9-11 May. When it comes to music royalty,  this city is the crème de la crème. Not only is it the birthplace of The Beatles, but it has also been crowned as a UNESCO City of Music.

But its musical heritage doesn’t just extend to the Fab Four. Gerry and the Pacemakers, Elvis Costello, The Lightening Seeds and Mel C, amongst many others, all hail from Liverpool. And its thriving music scene is still going strong, with an array of fantastic festivals such as Africa Oyé, Arab Arts Festival and Sound City being just some of the highlights.  As for the nightlife, Liverpool is home to some of the UK’s most famous clubs – including Chibuku and Circus.

When it comes to live music, there are a plethora of options. Jimmy’s has a bar, restaurant and live music venue all under one roof. Gigs play there every day of the week. Other highlights include Cavern Club, 24 Kitchen Street, Leaf, the O2 Academy, Birdies Live and The Zanzibar. Williamson Tunnels, meanwhile, were built between 1810 and 1840 and it’s still a mystery what their purpose was. Aside from being open for tours, they also serve as a fantastic music venue.

 

2. It has great open spaces

 

Liverpool has plenty of green spaces. Sefton Park provides 235 acres of verdant green landscape, in addition to the stunning glass Palm House, a boating lake, cafe and many lovely flowers.

Birkenhead Park, which opened in 1847, was the first publicly funded park in the world. It famously influenced the design of New York’s Central Park. Expect elegant architecture, an adventure playground, tennis courts, bowling greens and football pitches. Other notable parks and green spaces in or close to Liverpool include Everton Park, which has great views over the city, St Helens (featuring the famous ‘Dream’ sculpture) and the historic Croxteth Country Park.

Aside from the numerous green spaces, you can also get some beach action! Just hop on the train for 20 minutes and head to Crosby Beach, which features a haunting installation of Anthony Gormley’s figure sculptures, cafes and stretches of sandy shore. Other great beaches not too far away include Thurstaston, Formby and New Brighton.

3. There are galleries galore

 

Liverpool houses more museums and galleries than anywhere else in the UK apart from London.

The Walker Art Gallery houses works from the 13th century up to the present day and it’s considered to be one of the finest galleries in Europe. Expect sculpture, painting, fashion and decorative art. While you’re in the area, pop into the Central Library. Its Picton Reading Room is worth a visit alone, while the rooftop views are gorgeous.

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you can’t beat the Tate. Located in the Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool has been home to established modern artists for more than 30 years. Check out the JMW Turner exhibition (to 24 Sep); the artist’s beautiful, brooding works will be accompanied by an immersive sound environment created by musician Lamin Fofana. The Liverpool Biennial is taking place this year (from 10 Jun) and will be exhibited at the Tate, among many other galleries and green spaces in the city. The Biennial commissions artists to make and present work in the context of Liverpool.

Another place to feast your eyes on some modern art is The Bluecoat. The contemporary arts centre features a variety of exhibitions and events, a cafe and a bistro.

 

4. It has magnificent museums

 

You can’t go to Liverpool without visiting the Liverpool Beatles Museum. You’ll witness more than 1,000 pieces of memorabilia across three floors, charting the band’s early days in Liverpool and Hamburg through to their rise to worldwide fame and their studio years. Look out for original guitars, never-before-seen letters, and Paul McCartney’s bass amp and many other exciting items.

Over at the spectacular waterfront Museum of Liverpool, explore the city’s diverse history through the temporary and permanent displays. Learn all about the history of the Titanic, or stop off at the World Museum to check out Return of the Gods exhibition (from 28 Apr).

 

5. There’s a thriving food scene

 

In addition to a thriving bar scene (for example Berry & Rye bar and Goodness Gracious bar), Liverpool also boasts some fantastic places to eat.

Buyers Club is a popular choice with locals and visitors alike for its laid-back atmosphere and decor (it has cheerful yellow walls and greenery hanging from the ceiling). But the real selling point is the food: Lovingly-created Italian small plates, pizza and pasta (think n’duja, sausage & spaghetti) take centre stage.

There’s a big Chinese community in Liverpool, it dates back to when sailors worldwide flocked to the city’s docks. As such, there are many fantastic Chinese restaurants. One of the most celebrated is Xiao Long Bao. You’ll find them at the supermarket eJoy Asian Foods. Tuck into soupy wontons, steamed spicy beef buns or ginger and minced pork dumplings. Oh, and don’t forget the eponymous pork-and-crab-soup dumplings.

For a varied choice of casual places to eat, Duke Street Market is just the ticket. The award-winning market in the heart of the city offers a relaxed spot in which to sit on the communal tables. Choose from one of the many food stalls, including Kelp (top-notch fish and chips), Cahita (Cuban and South American street food), or some juicy steaks at Bone & Block.

Once a derelict building, Wreckfish is now a 90-cover restaurant in the centre of Liverpool. It’s the result of award-winning chef Gary Usher’s crowdfunding campaign, one of Kickstarter UK’s biggest at the time.  Feast on seasonal dishes such as Maple-cured salmon and Squid stuffed with smoked bacon and mushroom in the paired-back space.

 

6. You can shop ’til you drop

 

The UK’s largest shopping centre, Liverpool ONE, has a whopping 170 shops, bars and restaurants including high-street names and independent boutiques. You could even make a day of it – why not rest your weary legs with a pit stop at one of the many restaurants, cafes or bars?

For something with a little more character, head to one of the many vintage shops in the city. 69A is filled to the rafters with the most beguiling clothing and antiques, while COW is an ethical vintage clothes shop on trendy Bold Street – check it out for cool vinyl, homeware or organic food and drink.

News from Nowhere is the go-to place for books and magazines that veer away from the mainstream. It was established un 1974 and to this day it is run by a women’s cooperative.

If it’s antiques and bric-a-brac you’re after, a trip to Red Brick Market is a must. The eclectic collection of stalls also includes artisan cakes and homemade cosmetics.

 

Please like, share and comment below and see if we have anything else to inspire your next visit to London.