A great city on a great river, Liverpool was once a thriving home for industry and commerce before the post-war decline set in. Now, with a rejuvenated waterfront and a soundtrack provided by the greatest band of all time, the city's friendly character gives an extra touch of warmth to its wealth of unique attractions.
From the splendour of Pier Head and Sefton Park to the passion of its two famous football teams and the rhythm of the famous Cavern Club, Liverpool is a thrilling and joyful city that doesn't take itself too seriously.
If you're looking for a place to stay that is in close proximity to the city's major attractions, check out some of the rated hotels at tophotels.com.
There is no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than staying at the famous Hotel Anfield Liverpool, which is in the heart of the city and within walking distance to many popular spots.
Here are just a few reasons why Liverpool is one of the best places to visit in England.
Another wonderful place to stay that’s just a short trip from Liverpool is the Pontins Sands Holiday Park at http://pontins-sands-holiday-park.hotels-wales.com/en/. An ideal location for those wishing to explore both Liverpool and the surrounding Welsh coast.
Cross the Mersey in the best possible way
You've probably heard the song (and yes, it does play briefly on board), but if you want to see Liverpool's famous skyline in all its glory, there's no better introduction than taking the ferry across the Mersey. Choose the River Explorer cruise and, as well as the superb views, you'll also hear expert commentary throughout the 50-minute journey highlighting less heralded sights such as the multi-faced Victoria Tower and the imposing Wallasey Town Hall.
Enjoy 360-degree views from the city's most famous building
Topped by its two iconic Liver Birds and with clock faces bigger than Big Ben, the majestic Royal Liver Building on Pier Head is perhaps Liverpool's most iconic sight.
Built in 1911, the Edwardian building rises to a height of 322 feet and it's now possible to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city from its wind-whipped summit by taking the RLB360 tour. Don't forget to hold on to your hats, as the strong gusts blowing off the Mersey take no prisoners.
Discover Liverpool's past
Despite its centuries-old and continuing impact on humanity, few museums tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade. Liverpool's International Slavery Museum, however, depicts the horrors of the slave trade and recognises Liverpool's important role as a port city at the time.
Spread over three large rooms within the Merseyside Maritime Museum, there is also a dedicated exhibition exploring the stories of the harrowing transatlantic crossings. You won't fully appreciate the history of Liverpool (or Britain) without a visit.
Marvel at the size and beauty of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Britain's largest religious building © Getty Images
Visit two very different cathedrals
Words like yawn and cavernous don't really do justice to the scale of Liverpool Cathedral, Britain's largest religious building. Built between 1904 and 1978 in a neo-Gothic style, you have to visit it to appreciate its grandeur. And don't miss the magnificent Lady Chapel in the south-east corner of the main building.
Just a 10-minute walk north is Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, built for the city's large Catholic community in the 1960s and one of Liverpool's most distinctive buildings. The exterior may catch the eye because of its conical shape, but it's also worth a visit inside. The colourful interior is striking, while below, the mysterious Lutyens Crypt tells the fascinating story of how it almost became the second largest cathedral in the world.
Get up close and personal with an iconic stadium
Stadium tours can often be a routine affair, but Anfield is home to a wealth of fascinating stories, iconic scenes and original artefacts that go beyond most such visits.
Home to Liverpool Football Club since 1892, its passionate tour guides (especially season ticket holder Terry) will take you near the famous Kop End and into the teams' changing rooms. You'll also learn why there's an SS Great Eastern mast in one corner of the stadium and how the split with fierce rivals Everton came about, splitting the city in two.
Discover Liverpool's best local creatives
Set inside an elegant Victorian red-brick building on the fringes of the vast 17-hectare Liverpool ONE shopping complex, MerseyMade is the charming antithesis of those familiar global brands.
This friendly space is packed with work by local artists and designers, often proudly using Liverpool's distinct iconography. They even have resident artists upstairs exhibiting their work; many are happy to chat and show you their studios. The Gordon Smith Cafe downstairs is a lovely place for a coffee and cake too.
Reflect on Liverpool's love of the Beatles, the city is proud of its famous sons © chrisdorney / Shutterstock
Discover the best of the Beatles
Whatever your musical tastes, you can't come to Liverpool and ignore the Beatles. Embrace the city's most famous threads and discover the sites and venues that formed and inspired the Fab Four.
While the history of the Beatles is a good start for any fan, an evening at the legendary Cavern Club or visiting Penny Lane on the Magical Mystery Tour is where the fun really begins. Better still, take a tour of the basement Casbah Coffee Club to see where the Beatles played their very first gig in 1959.
Escape the city buzz at Sefton Park
Sandwiched between the boroughs of Toxteth and Aigburth, Sefton Park is a vast 235-acre green space (one of many in Liverpool) that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Flat as a cricket pitch in some parts, while rising and falling around charming lakes and woodland in others, it's perfect for a morning or late afternoon stroll. And don't forget to visit the impressive Grade II listed Palm House and the bronze and marble statues of explorers of the natural world such as Charles Darwin and Carl Linnaeus.
Eating out on Lark Lane
If you're strolling through the leafy climes of Sefton Park, there's no better way to enjoy a post-walk refreshment than to end up amidst the bright pubs, cafes and restaurants of Lark Lane.
In fact, you don't really need an excuse to head to this lively Aigburth street. Whether it's eating a Turkish barbecue at Elif or just relaxing with a pint at the traditional pub The Albert, Lark Lane is one of Liverpool's liveliest neighbourhoods.
The Grapes is one of Liverpool's many historic pubs with character © rightclickstudios / Shutterstock
Visit the historic pubs of the Georgian Quarter
Speaking of neighbourhoods, the city's Georgian Quarter is a well-preserved window on the past that is now one of Liverpool's most enjoyable areas. With its handsome townhouses evoking the richness of its status as a thriving port city, these charming streets invite you to stroll.
Visit some of its historic pubs, such as the ornate Peter Kavanagh's or The Grapes on Roscoe Street. Just off Hope Street, Ye Cracke was a favourite of John Lennon during his art school days.
Be clever in the Baltic Triangle
As well as being the proud owner of some of the UK's most ornate Victorian pubs, Liverpool hasn't been afraid to move with the times, now offering a number of superb craft beer bars.
In the heart of the Baltic Triangle's industrial chic, the tastes of Brasserie Love Lane and Brasserie de la loge noire are home to cool, airy spaces and fine craft beer. Although the pick of the bunch has to be the weird and wonderful Hobo Kiosk on Jamaica Street. With its quirky decor and gregarious owners, this downstairs hideaway guarantees a good time.
Bring out your radical side at News from Nowhere
With book genres such as 'anti-capitalism', 'radical futures' and 'gender questioning', you know that News from Now here isn't your average Waterstones. Offering the best in alternative literature since 1974, this not-for-profit community bookshop fits right in with Bold Street's independent shops and businesses.
As well as books, they also sell equally radical t-shirts, postcards and mugs if you want to display your beliefs and read about them.
Antony Gormley's bizarre 'Another Place' statues are now a permanent feature of Crosby Beach © Peter is Shaw 1991 / Shutterstock
Feel the wind at Crosby Beach
If you want to escape the city for the day, perhaps head to the soft sands of Crosby Beach for some of the UK's most interesting scenery. Overlooking the Irish Sea, it's particularly stunning at sunset, although the beach is more famous for another reason.
Marked by Antony Gormley's 100 cast-iron figures as part of his Another Place sculptures, Gormley's work makes the view of Crosby Beach both striking and beautiful.
Explore the Bluecoat
Not only is Liverpool's oldest building one of its most beautiful, The Bluecoat is also a quirky contemporary arts centre with several independent shops, a lively café and a peaceful garden at the back.
Located on School Lane in Liverpool's bustling shopping heart and dating back to 1716, it's a good place to escape the hustle and bustle and discover unusual finds like Kernaghan Books. A rustic bookshop in the pleasant courtyard, its tempting old shelves are full of out-of-print and second-hand books.
You can't miss the iconic 'Three Graces' comprising the Liver Building, the Cunard and the Port Authority © GordonBellPhotography / Getty Images
Admire incredible architecture
Just behind London for having the UK's most listed buildings, one of the most striking things about a walk through Liverpool is the grandeur of its architecture. With the city's well-documented economic struggles in the 1970s and 1980s, it's easy to forget just how powerful Liverpool once was.
While the 'Three Graces' on Pier Head (Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) catch the eye, check out some of the neoclassical architecture around Lime Street Station (itself impressive) such as the World Museum and St George's Hall.
