City Centre, Liverpool

Creative Tourist

Here’s the thing. Liverpool dates back to the 13th century but, in the city centre, you’ll struggle to find anything much older than 200 years. The creative hub that is the Bluecoat, a former school dating back to 1716, is one exception. Alongside an excellent gallery, café and courtyard garden, the complex boasts independent craft shops and the rated Bluecoat Display Centre. Another architectural OAP is the Town Hall, which dates to 1754 and stands at the centre of the seven streets that made up medieval Liverpool. Keep an eye out for the other beautiful structures in the area, including the Grade I listed Bank of England building, The Royal Insurance Building and the immense glass panes of Oriel Chambers.

Aside from architecture, the main attractions here are eating, shopping and theatre. Our top picks include Delifonseca, which boasts good food, fine wines and locally-brewed beer, the hard-to-find Jenny’s Bar, hidden beneath what appears to be a fish restaurant, and the Liverpool Playhouse, sister to the Everyman theatre on Hope Street.

Our top picks

Boxpark Liverpool

Boxpark Liverpool, Boxpark Liverpool, The Canning Hall, Baltic Triangle, L8 5RE - Visit now

Sitting in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle district at Cains Brewery Village, Boxpark Liverpool brings together forward-thinking street food, drinks and entertainment under one roof, championing local businesses and creators in the community.

The British Music Experience

The British Music Experience, Cunard Building, Liverpool, L1 3DS - Visit now

Tucked away inside the iconic Cunard building  on the world heritage site of the Pier Head is the British Music Experience, the UK’s museum of popular music, a place where you can relive the moments that helped put British music on the map. The BME also hosts special events throughout the year, past events including Everything – The Real Thing Story with Chris Amoo, ‘In Conversation With’ musician, DJ and author Mark Radcliffe, and a series of classic 80s films.

A music master: David Bowie memorabilia at the British Music Experience

LJMU Exhibition Research Lab

LJMU Exhibition Research Lab, Duckinfield Street, Liverpool, L3 5RD - Visit now

LJMU Exhibition Research Lab is the first academic centre and art gallery in the UK dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of exhibitions and curatorial knowledge.

O2 Academy Liverpool

O2 Academy Liverpool, 11-13 Hotham Street, Liverpool, L3 5UF - Visit now

O2 Academy Liverpool boasts two performance areas that host live music and clubnights. The main room has seen the likes of Blondie, Arcade Fire, Primal Scream, The Killers, Biffy Clyro, Arctic Monkeys and the Wombats. O2 Academy Liverpool also has a long history of some of Liverpool’s best indie and rock club nights. A modern space with great sound, a must visit spot for music fanatics.

O2 Academy music venue in Liverpool.

LEAF on Bold Street

LEAF on Bold Street, 65-67 Bold Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 4EZ - Visit now

Keeping Bold Street a hub of creativity, LEAF is more than a tearoom, it’s also a bar and thriving event space with a packed schedule of upcoming happenings.

Bluecoat

Bluecoat, Bluecoat Chambers, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX - Visit now

The Bluecoat is the oldest building in Liverpool city centre, dating back to 1716. Once a school, it’s now one of the city’s liveliest arts hubs, an art gallery showing work by major national and international artists that also stages regular performances, readings and more.

BAM BOO

BAM BOO, 108 Bold St , Liverpool, L1 4HY - Visit now

BAM BOO delivers a slice of paradise in the form of brunch right in Liverpool city centre, with indulgent meals and delicious cocktails.

food and drink
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Everyman Liverpool

Everyman Liverpool, Metquarter, 35 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L1 6DA - Visit now

Liverpool’s most plush cinema that feels like stepping into the 1920s. It has has luxury, comfort and an excellent programme – all that you need to fall in love with going to the cinema all over again. Not to be confused with the equally fabulous Everyman Theatre.

Where to go in Liverpool

Bridge Cottage
Port Sunlight
Gallery
Bridge Cottage

Bridge Cottage is one of Port Sunlight’s most charming and architecturally distinctive Arts & Crafts homes. Often hold art Exhibitions and Tours.

The Engine Room Notice Board
Southport
Event venue
The Engine Room

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Picante
Liverpool
Restaurant
Picante

Picante is a sun-soaked Mexican restaurant at the trailblazing Cains Brewery Village in Liverpool.

Maldron Hotel Liverpool
Baltic Triangle
Hotel
Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

hotel4
Liverpool
Hotel
The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
Shop
Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

cafe
Lark Lane
Café or Coffee Shop
Press Bros

Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Manifest

Manifest is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar in the Baltic Triangle, serving seasonal dishes and delicious wines from small scale producers.

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Coffee Shops in Liverpool

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Vegan Food in Liverpool
Vegan Food in Liverpool

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Croxteth Hall and Country Park
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Casual dining in Liverpool

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Image by Jonathan Schofield.
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