One of England’s major cities, Liverpool, used to be the second best port in the British Empire, and it was far from being provincial. On the contrary, in the 19th century it enjoyed the image of a world city. Now a World Heritage Site, Liverpool no longer has the economic glamour of the past, but it definitely has the great looks of history and culture, that make it one of the main tourist sights in England. Visitors cherish the unique atmosphere and the many opportunities the city offers for exploration.
Tourism gained much from the popularity that the Beatles brought to the area and tourism is now a dominant factor in Liverpool’s economy. For instance, Liverpool has one of the oldest established orchestras in the United Kingdom. Regardless of whether you’re a classical music fan or not, the Philharmonic Hall is a great sight for any visitor to Liverpool. If you take some time to go to one of the concerts, you’ll learn what “fine acoustics” really are.
Typical Beatles Style Guitar
For all, you, art lovers, Liverpool houses one of the biggest collections in UK, after London. The Walker is often termed the “The National Gallery of the North”. Designed by a local architect, it was finished in 1877, and it now includes works by Rembrandt or Degas, as well as a huge collection of Victorian paintings and lots of Pre-Raphaelite works. The Walker also houses some very fine sculpture works too.
Remember that when you say Liverpool you also imply waterfront. Liverpool’s waterfront was declared part of the world heritage, due to its crucial importance in the development of the world’s trading system and dock technology. Tourists who visit Liverpool take this as a landmark of the city, and they couldn’t be closer to the truth. These docks included the first enclosed dock warehouse system in the world.
The Albert Dock Area Liverpool
Since you are in the neighbourhood, you may wish to visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool House. There, you’ll get an insight not only of the relics of the dock system, but of the past trading and shipping tradition that was Liverpool. Moreover, the Port of Liverpool Building is considered one of the “three graces” of Liverpool, as it represents a symbol of the city together with the Royal Liver Building and Cunard Shipping.
The trading past makes Liverpool a place where diversity is at home. This puzzle of cultures delights modern day tourists who are eager to see the cultural manifestation of this mixture of beliefs. They find it best reflected in the religious buildings; there are two enormous cathedrals: the Anglican Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, one Greek Orthodox church, the Swedish Seamen Church, a mosque and a synagogue.
The Royal Liver Building
A boom in the entertainment life of Liverpool is the Biennial Festival, held in September, every other year. Lasting for ten full weeks, the Biennial festival is one of the largest contemporary art manifestations in the United Kingdom, organized in collaboration with visual art foundations. Should you happen to be in Liverpool at the time, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent displays of mastery. Though, generally rich and diverse, Liverpool’s nightlife really comes alive at this time of year. Have fun!