Liverpool is a city loved by many for its great history, lively culture, and exciting atmosphere. Even though a lot of tourists go to London first when they visit the UK, Liverpool is a wonderful place to go instead. It has its special mix of friendliness and fun. Here are six good reasons to choose Liverpool over London for your visit:
Table of Contents
1. The Beatles and Music Heritage
Liverpool is known as the hometown of the Beatles, a very famous and important music band. The city has a long history of music. When you go there, you can learn about the Beatles by going to the Beatles Story Exhibition. This place shows you the story of the band’s life and work.
You can also see the Cavern Club, where the Beatles had many of their first shows, and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where Paul McCartney and John Lennon went to school. Liverpool still has a lot of music today, with many places to hear live music and music festivals all year round.
2. Friendly People and Community Spirit
Liverpool is famous for its friendly people and the community feeling. The city loves to celebrate together, which you can see in its many events and festivals like the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool Pride Parade.
There’s always a fun event going on. The people living there love their city and enjoy telling visitors about its past and what makes it special.
You’ll notice that it’s very easy to start talking to someone in Liverpool and make new friends because the people are so nice.
3. Rich History and Architecture
Liverpool has a long and interesting history that started in the 13th century. The buildings in the city show this old history. You can see beautiful old buildings from the Georgian and Victorian times, like the famous Liver Building and St. George’s Hall.
There’s also the Walker Art Gallery where you can see a lot of beautiful art. Plus, Liverpool has many museums, like the Liverpool Museum and the Merseyside Maritime Museum, that tell the story of the city’s past.
4. Football and Sports
Liverpool really enjoys its football, and you can feel this excitement by going to Anfield Stadium, where the Liverpool Football Club plays. Even if you don’t usually watch football, the lively atmosphere at a game can be very thrilling.
Besides football, Liverpool also loves sports like rugby and cricket. You can go see a game at the Liverpool Cricket Club or the Liverpool Rugby Club.
5. Food and Drink
Liverpool has a lot of different foods and drinks to enjoy, no matter what you like or how much you want to spend. There are old-fashioned British pubs that serve big, satisfying meals and new restaurants that make creative and tasty food.
The city is also known for its own kind of food called Scouse cuisine. This includes scouse, a big and warm stew, and the Liverpool tart, a dessert that everyone should try.
6. Affordable and Accessible
Liverpool is a more budget-friendly place to visit than London. It has lots of affordable places to stay and things to do that won’t cost a lot. The city is also easy to travel to and from because it has the Liverpool John Lennon Airport that flies to many places. Getting around Liverpool is easy too. You can use public transport like buses and trains, or you can walk or ride a bike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Liverpool is from April to September. During these months, the weather is usually nice and warm, which is great for going outside and seeing the city’s parks and open spaces. If you want to save money, think about going between March and May or September and November. The weather is still good then, and there are fewer people around.
Popular Attractions / Places Around
Here are some well-known places to visit in Liverpool:
- The Albert Dock: This place used to be where ships would dock, but now it’s a place with stores and fun things to do.
- The Liverpool Cathedral: This is a big and beautiful church that lets you see the city from high up.
- The Sefton Park: A lovely park with a lake, paths to walk on, and the well-known Palm House.
- The Wirral Peninsula: This is a place by the coast with nice beaches and pretty views of the sea.
Top Things to Do in Liverpool
Here are some of the best activities to do in Liverpool:
- Take a Beatles tour: Discover the Beatles’ history in the city and see well-known places like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
- Visit the Liverpool Museum: Find out about Liverpool’s past and culture with hands-on displays and historical items.
- Go shopping at Liverpool One: This is a busy place to shop and have fun, with lots of shops and places to eat.
- Take a ferry across the Mersey: See the city from the water and check out the well-known Liver Building.
Affordable Accommodation Options
Liverpool has many low-cost places to stay. Here are some options:
- Hostels: Places like the Liverpool Hostel or YHA Liverpool have rooms with many beds and shared areas.
- Budget hotels: Hotels like the Ibis Liverpool Centre or the Travelodge Liverpool Central have simple, clean, and comfy rooms.
- Airbnb: You can rent a room or a whole apartment from someone who lives in the city. This can be a nice way to feel like you’re part of the place.
Vegetarian Food Options
Liverpool offers many vegetarian eating places. Here are some choices:
- The Green Room: This is a vegetarian cafe that serves many healthy and tasty meals.
- The Veggie Cafe: A completely vegetarian cafe with a warm setting and various menu items.
- The Liverpool Veggie Market: A market that happens every week where you can buy fresh vegetables and vegetarian food.
- The Leaf Cafe: Another vegetarian cafe that has a variety of food and a welcoming environment.
In summary, Liverpool is a special city with its own mix of historical significance, cultural richness, and fun activities. It stands out as a great choice besides London. The city is known for its welcoming locals, interesting past, and lively cultural scene. Visiting Liverpool is sure to give you unforgettable experiences. So, consider exploring Liverpool and see what the North West of England has to offer!