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Liverpool exploded into life in the 18th century, rapidly turning from a small town into one of the world’s most important port cities. For 200 years, it eclipsed most of Europe in the trading stakes – nationally and internationally – Liverpool was where it was at.
What does that mean for the visitor today? You’ve only to look up: a skyline that’s part of a World Heritage Site, a waterfront that never fails to impress, and Georgian streets that are as graceful as they are grand. It is these architectural cheekbones that, along with the grand sweep of the River Mersey, make Liverpool such a visual treat. Sure, the city was for years on its uppers, its post-industrial decline as swift as it was comprehensive. But Liverpool has reinvented itself, from being the UK Capital of Culture in 2008 to attracting the world’s gaze while hosting both the Turner Prize and the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 and 2023. It’s also home the largest festival of contemporary visual art in the UK: Liverpool Biennial, where new creative futures are written.
Step straight out of Lime Street Station and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the bustling St George’s Quarter. Together with the World Museum, is the Walker Art Gallery, housing a collection of historic and contemporary art. The Liverpool Empire, Royal Court and the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre are close by too. With two stunning cathedrals that sit on either side of Hope Street in the Georgian Quarter, the area is also home to the Everyman Theatre and some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city: The London Carriage Works, Pen Factory and the architecturally marvellous Philharmonic Dining Rooms are among our favourites.
Head to Liverpool Waterfront for a world-class visual arts offering alongside important historic exhibitions. Aside from an abundance of independent shops and eateries, the Dock is home to Tate Liverpool and its collection of contemporary art and changing exhibitions (recently including the aforementioned Turner Prize); the Merseyside Maritime Museum exploring Liverpool’s long nautical heritage and the uniquely important International Slavery Museum, examining Liverpool’s part in the Transatlantic slave trade.
Like the Liver Birds sitting atop the city’s most famous building, one turned to the sea, one turned to home, Liverpool is a city with a world view, yet a place with a personal, personable one too.
Don’t miss this super theatre festival packed with live outdoor performances featuring musical theatre, drama, comedy, cabaret, opera, and children’s shows.
The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.
The 12th edition of the UK’s oldest and largest festival of contemporary visual art is back this year, bringing with it art focusing on ancestral knowledge, wisdom and healing.
A Lovely Word is a regular on the Liverpool live lit scene, bringing poetry and spoken word to the Everyman stage for nearly a decade.
Every Thursday morning you’re invited to join the Poetry Walk with The Reader in Calderstones Park. Get into the great outdoors and escape the everyday, while exploring poetry and making the most of the beautiful surroundings in a safe and socially distanced way.
Liverpool’s One In The Woods hosts a serotonin-tickling selection of underground house, techno and drum and bass artists in a magical woodland location this July.
Bursting with brilliant original music inspired by the British pop scene, buckle up and follow Alice as she tumbles into Wonderland. A super show for the whole family.
A busy and brilliant season – expect contemporary takes on the classics, world premiere adaptations of bestsellers and fantastical family shows. There’s plenty to enjoy in Liverpool’s theatres this spring.
Get ready for the drama and grandeur of the ancient world in ‘Return of the Gods’ at Liverpool’s World Museum.
‘LuYang Arcade Liverpool’ at FACT takes viewers on an immersive, interactive journey across the world of games, digital identities and spirituality.
A little way out of Liverpool City Centre, and a short and leafy walk from…
As city centre districts go, this one is relatively small: a cluster of buildings along…
Our guide to Liverpool’s waterfront, an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a glimpse into the city’s historical grandeur.
The Ropewalks is a part of Liverpool that combines old and new. Once crowded with…
Our guide to Hope Street, one of Liverpool’s most graceful quarters, where religious heritage meets forward-thinking culture.