City Guide – Liverpool

Having lived in Liverpool for over a decade, I can honestly say it’s a city like no other. What started off as somewhere to go to university, quickly developed into a full on love affair with a place I’m proud to call my home. It’s got that full on city vibe but with a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes it hard to leave and exciting to return. Famous for The Beatles, football, the accent and of course the Liver Building, it’s the perfect tourist hotspot. However, if you delve a little deeper, it has even more to offer, so check out the hotels in Liverpool, book that holiday and come explore my amazing city.

Things to Do

If you don’t visit the Albert Docks when you’re here, did you even visit Liverpool? Take a stroll along the Pier Head, catch an exhibition at the Tate and walk along the cobbled walkways taking in all the historical sights.

If you’re looking for something a little more group/family orientated or if the weather is just plain horrible, get yourself booked into Breakout. Locked in a room for sixty minutes, just find the clues and solve the puzzles to escape. Yeah ok, it’s not quite as simple as that but it’s an absolute tonne of fun. I’ve done several of the rooms and they’re all great but I highly recommend The Vacancy, even though it’s the only room I’ve never escaped! I won’t reveal any of the answers but it’s a real toughie and extremely addictive, you won’t be able to just stop at one.

After a must needed brunch at Barley and Beans on Hatton Garden, who serve a seriously tasty coffee blend unique to this cafe with a shot of M&Ms on the side, a trip to the World Museum and Walker Art Gallery are a must. The Walker Art Gallery is a particular favourite of mine, especially when the John Moore’s Exhibition is on show. A display of all the latest paintings from JMU students, it has the added fun of a price list. I love to go round, guessing how much each one is worth and picking my favourite and least favourite (sorry!) piece.

If you fancy a bit more fresh air and a seaside stroll, why not take a day trip to Southport. Just pop on the train at Central Station and head up north along the coast. Staying in Liverpool makes it easy for you to visit the surrounding area and make the most of your visit.

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Things to See

Did you know Hope Street in Liverpool is the only street in the world that has a cathedral either end?! The Metropolitan and Anglican Cathedrals have very different architecture but are both absolutely spectacular and for less than a fiver you can go all the way to the top of the Anglican Cathedral for a breathtaking view across the whole city. After a quick refreshment pitstop at the famous Philharmonic Dining Hall/pub, where you must get a quick sneak peak of the men’s grade I listed toilets (swanky I know!), it’s time for you to head down Hardman Street, grab the 82 bus for a little trip outside the city centre. A day ticket will cost you less than £5 and the bus drivers are always friendly enough to let you know when you’ve reached your next destination, Lark Lane.

Lark Lane is a hub of unique and very instagrammable places to eat and shop. With many cafes offering vegan and veggie options, there’s a place suitable for everyone. Alison Appleton tea house has the most amazing selection of teas you’ll be spoilt for choice, or if you fancy something a little stronger, the famous Keith’s wine bar is the other end of the lane near to Milo Lounge who serve the best mac n’ cheese I’ve ever tried.

A stroll through the beautiful Sefton Park and out the other side you’ll be a couple minutes walk from THE Penny Lane. Made famous by The Beatles, the former meeting place of John Lennon and Paul McCartney is now so much more than a sign at the end of the road. Make sure to try out Penny Lane Wine Bar which offer a fab range of yeah you guessed it, wine or grab some traditional pub grub and a pint at the Dovedale Towers. There’s award-winning breakfast and brunch at The Tavern Company as well as many more fantastic restaurants along Allerton Road (Portland Street 358, Neon Jamon, Maray to name a few). A little further along and you’ll find yourself on Smithdown Road, with the former Handyman Supermarket now turned microbrewery and bar, as well as Tiny Rick’s cafe for crazy cereal combinations and board game fun. 

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Independent Liverpool

Back on to one of the many buses heading into town (75, 80, 80A, 86 and 86A) you’ll want to make your way towards China Town. Liverpool has the largest Chinese Arch outside of China and marks the edge of the Baltic Triangle. 

 In addition to several independent cafes (big shoutout to my fave Coffee & Fandisha), the Baltic Triangle is home to Cain’s Brewery Village. With so many exciting venues, including a Peaky Blinders bar, a Home Alone themed bar, vintage clothes shops and Ghetto Golf (18+ yrs), you’ll want to spend every evening of your visit here. Plus the real piece de resistance is the Baltic Market run by the Independent Liverpool Company. One room with many stalls, full to the brim with delicious eats from all the places that make Liverpool truly individual. Salt and pepper halloumi fries with sweet filled bubble waffles for pud? Yes Please!

Liverpool really is the definition of unique. No matter where you go, what street you’re on, there’s must-see places throughout the whole city. The people are warm and friendly and trust me when I say you might just end up wanting to stay for good. B x

Photos taken by Emma from Owls and Stags and two really good friends. x

*The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own.