Things to do in the city - Liverpool

I have been to Liverpool twice and I plan to go a lot more. My first trek to this wonderful city was about a year ago. It was a stag weekend and, as one can imagine, the focus was mainly on pubs, sleeping, waking up and then going to pubs again. I had a great time and I have great memories of my first time there, but I didn't get to see all the other interesting things Liverpool has to offer. However, I have just come back from another great weekend in this city. This time it was different. I went with my wife and I seen a lot more of what the city has to offer.

Depending what you look for in a weekend away I think Liverpool has it covered.

Culture

If it's culture you're looking for then there's definitely plenty of it. Just by putting one foot in front of the other Liverpool displays excellent buildings such as the Royal Liver Building near the Albert Dock. This impressive building has two statues of six metre high Liver birds on the top and legend has it that if these two birds where to ever fly away then Liverpool would meet its demise. And let's not forget about the Albert Dock. Flooded by tourists all year round Liverpool's most famous dock is very impressive and in a way it would be hard to picture it being used for its original purpose. Full of bars and restaurants its a far cry from the burly men of yesteryear heaving crates of bananas (one of Liverpool's main exports at one time) onto ships. There is also a maritime museum in the dock which even displays recovered relics from the ill-fated Titanic. If your into art then there's no shortage of odd, but endearing sculptures such as the Super Lamb Banana created by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. These peculiar structures, half lamb and half banana, are doted around the city centre in unassuming places.

Shopping

There is plenty of shops in Liverpool and one shopping mall to remember is Liverpool One. We've all been to a shopping centre before, but not many of them are sans ceiling. The designers have had the gumption to build one without a roof and it's in the UK to boot. It has to be said, though, that this works really well, especially when we are blessed with the suns presence on the odd occasion. It also blends into the street as you walk through it from the upper floor. This might need more explanation, but just go and see it for yourself.

Drink

So let's now move up from the Merseyside to where the action is. Two words – Matthew Street. There is three ways to enter this street, but it doesn't matter which way you enter as you will still be in for a shock. When you enter the street it is as if someone has flicked a switch from street to street party. It's not the longest of streets, but it's full of pubs and live music and if you haven't heard of it then you're not a fan of The Beatles. But don't worry. If you're not a fan just now by the time you're finished with your short stay in Liverpool you probably will be. Matthew Street is also home to the famous Cavern Club. The club promotes itself as the most famous club in the world as this is where The Beatles where first discovered. When you visit this club you'll be caught up in the atmosphere that the Fab Four has left behind and if you weren't a fan before you will be by the end of the night. Live bands play throughout the day and well into the night. In fact, as you walk around the city centre you will see the effect that The Beatles have had on this great city. Walk into a pub and there is a 50/50 chance that Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, John Lennon or George Harrison is in a photo on the wall. You can even stay in the Hard Days Night Hotel – no joking. At night time, especially, and while in Matthew Street it can sometimes feel like Liverpool was, and is, all there to worship The Beatles.

I have only mentioned a small amount of the lure of Liverpool here as I haven't had the privilage to see it all. All that's left to say is - if you don't like Liverpool you just haven't been yet.