Overview:

Twist and shout the night away in the city that was home to The Beatles but has become so much more. Developing out of a scruffy, unpopular kid of British cities, Liverpool has been recognised recently, and rightly so, as the cultural centre that it is. This accreditation being seen in 2008 as the European capital of culture. Liverpool is the 4th largest city in the UK and is rich in history having celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007. The city has a number of university institutions that provide a buzz to the midweek nightlife that never really struggled before the students arrived!

Getting Around:

Liverpool is a large populous that is not the easiest city to get around. Buses run regularly from Paradise St, and north/east from Queen Square. A £3.30 Saveaway travel pass gets you unlimited travel for a day throughout a central city and surrounding areas zone.  For a bit more you can get an All-zone Saveaway and travel throughout the whole Merseyside area. Despite being nick-named MerseyFail by locals at one point, the train service is quite reliable these days. Main centre city stops include Central, Lime Street, Moorfields and James Street. 

Nightlife

As befitting a city of its size and heritage, the range of nightlife in Liverpool is wide and the chances of an unforgettable night are almost guaranteed. There are two absolute can't-miss places on the clubbing circuit, even if only to say you've been there.  The first being the Cavern Club – though not the original venue the Beatles played at, it has been pretty faithfully recreated and offers great fun and with a 60s vibe. The other is Cream, at Nation, if you're lucky enough to be in town on one of the four nights a year the club night is held. Another notable night-haunt is the Philharmonic Pub for its ornate interior – and its heritage-listed men’s toilets (ladies must ask to be shown in at the bar).  In the shabby-chic of Magnet, there's something for everyone; upstairs is a dive bar replete with red vinyl booths and rock 'n' roll feel, while downstairs, patrons dance to the beats of top DJs. A location that offers a little bit for everyone’s taste with music calibre oozing out of its ears. Tease is Liverpool’s high quality lap dancing club that will take you and the stag to the Alladin’s cave of experiences. So buckle up - its going to be eye opening.

Must See / Do:

• Any of Liverpool's many fantastic – and free – museums.
• The Magical Mystery Tour of Beatles-related sites.
• Soak up the Beatles atmosphere in The Cavern Quarter
• Catch a Liverpool FC home game.
• The six-day Mathew Street music festival, one of the largest in England. Last week of August.
• View modern art at the Tate Liverpool modern art gallery.
• Day-trip out to the beaches of Southport

History and Culture:

Like Manchester, its main rival, Liverpool was at the heart of the industrial revolution.  By the start of the 19th Century, 40% of the world's trade passed through its port. It also received heavy bombing during the Second World War and, like other similarly hit cities, the reconstruction that occurred in the immediate aftermath was neither aesthetically pleasing nor well-planned. In the 60s Liverpool was at the centre of the 'Merseybeat', the most famous example being The Beatles. They might not seem like it, but Scousers are a cultured lot and in recognition the city was awarded European Capital of Culture in 2008. After all, it is home to the world's oldest still-running professional symphony orchestra and one of the best-known dance music festivals, Creamfields. And for art appreciators, there's the Tate Liverpool – sister to the famous Tate Modern in London – not to mention that most of the city's museums are free.

Eating & Drinking

With every type of ethnicity and cuisine for every budget represented, it's hard knowing where to start – or where to stop! There's a Taste of Liverpool programme which regularly rates certain restaurants and consistently top scoring ones include the Italian Il Forno, gastropub The Monro. Lark Lane, south of the city centre, is has some great picks for eating out, including Keith's Wine Bar and Green Days Cafe for vegetarian, or Esteban for tapas. The biggest cluster of restaurants is in the city centre.  Try Alma de Cuba, housed in a converted church, for amazing food, mojitos and ambience, or Colin's Bridewell, inside old prison cells which has a certain atmosphere not to be missed.