Your guide to Liverpool / Landmarks: Liverpool
Top Liverpool's landmarks
When you're planning a trip to Liverpool, England, you'll want to make sure you have a few attractions and landmarks on your itinerary. Each offers unique insights into the history of the city, as well as what makes it famous.
Royal Liver Building
Canada Blvd., Liverpool L3 1HU, UK
The Royal Liver Building is one of the most famous landmarks in Liverpool. It sits on the waterfront and has been part of the city's skyline since it opened in 1911. For the first time in the building's history, it is now unlocked and open to the public for an immersive experience. Visitors have only been able to tour it since the start of 2019.
During a tour, which you will need to book in advance, you'll start on the ground level and learn more about the construction process and the purpose of the structure. From there, you'll be led on a guided tour where you can see some of the secret spots and hear anecdotes. The final stop is on the building's 15th floor, which offers incredible views of the city below. If you don't want to take the full tour, you can enjoy the visitor's center, which offers free admission and exhibits focused on the structure.
The Cavern Club
10 Matthew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE, UK
Fans of The Beatles will recognize the name of the Cavern Club, which served as the birthplace of this world-famous musical group. It's still a popular live music venue, showcasing the talents of local and worldwide bands, groups and performers. Within the club are two stages, where you can listen to performances from musicians starting daily at 11:15 a.m. Admission to the Cavern Club is generally free, although a door charge does apply on Thursday evenings and weekends. If you attend a specific performance, you'll need to purchase a ticket.
St. George's Hall
St. George's Place, Liverpool L1 1JJ, UK
St. George's Hall features unique architecture and is often used for concerts and other live music performances. From the outside, you'll see Corinthian columns and impressive statues, including a statue of a massive lion out front. As the city of Liverpool developed rapidly during the 17th and 18th centuries, it needed a venue to host music festivals and courts. The council assigned to the task decided to combine the needs, creating St. George's Hall. Harvey Lonsdale Elmes envisioned the hall, drawing inspiration from the architecture of the Greek and Roman empires. The result was a neoclassical Greek-Romano building, which is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can tour the building to take in the architecture or attend a performance at the venue.
Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB, UK
The Tate is known as one of the premier art institutions in not only Britain, but the whole world. While you're in Liverpool, then, you need to visit Tate Liverpool to see this world-class collection of British and international modern and contemporary art. It's not just a quiet space to stare at the walls, either — Tate Liverpool regularly schedules Rise and Shine Yoga, creative studio time, and curator's talks to keep you engaged with the creativity around you. If you want to stay nearby, the Holiday Inn Express Liverpool - Royal Albert Dock is your best bet, since Tate Liverpool is right there.
Speke Hall
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD, UK
Located just outside the city center, Speke Hall is a Tudor manor home that sits on a large plot of land. It is one of the top surviving structures in this style, drawing visitors who love classic architecture. Construction on the hall began in 1530, although it has been altered and added to over the past few centuries. In addition to the building, this site includes beautiful gardens and a sculptural sound installation with more than 300 ceramic mushroom-shaped bells.
Liverpool Philharmonic
Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP, UK
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall opened in 1849, when it became a vital part of the cultural life for locals in the city. Unfortunately, that hall was destroyed by a fire nearly a century after it opened. In the following few years, architect Herbert Rowse designed the current Liverpool Philharmonic location in an art deco style. It opened in 1939 on the same site and has been open since, delighting audiences with its unique styling and exciting live performances. The venue hosts over 250 events each year, 70 of which are presented by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Although it's called the Liverpool Philharmonic, this spot draws top names from contemporary music as well, including the genres of rock, folk, jazz and roots, along with traditional classical performers. The Beatles, Buddy Holly and The Rolling Stones have all performed there during their careers. Additional aspects of this venue include a rising cinema screen showing current and classic films and an informal and intimate Music Room for unplugged gigs.
Williamson's Tunnels
The Old Stableyard, Smithdown Ln., Liverpool L7 3EE, UK
The Williamson Tunnels are a set of underground tunnels that were built between 1810 and 1840. The purpose of these tunnels is still unclear, although Liverpool's history shows that Joseph Williamson directed their construction. Some believe he wanted to provide employment opportunities to locals, while others think the purpose of the tunnels was quarrying. In 1995, they were excavated to remove refuse and rubble, and are now open to the public as a heritage center.
Radio City Tower
St. John's Beacon, 1 Houghton Street, Liverpool L1 1RL, UK
Radio City Tower, also known as St. John's Beacon, is a viewing tower that offers incredible views of the city below. It's another one of the top Liverpool attractions. Within the viewing gallery of the tower, you can see 360-degree panoramic views of North Wales, Merseyside and the Wirral. On clear days, you may be able to see as far as the Cumbrian Hills. When you get to the top, you can stay as long as you'd like to enjoy the premier viewing gallery. Admission prices depend on age and include a full-color souvenir booklet. If you're thinking you want to stay nearby and have easy access to everything in the heart of the city, there's the Holiday Inn Liverpool - City Centre just minutes away to make it easier to get around.
Liverpool Cathedral
St. James Mt., Liverpool L1 7AZ, UK
The Liverpool Cathedral is the country's largest cathedral, showcasing incredible architecture and cultural influences. You can take a tour of the cathedral, where you'll see the highest and widest Gothic arches in the world, a thought-provoking sculpture from artist Tracey Emin, the largest organ in the U.K. and a tower that provides panoramic views of the city from the top. The construction of the cathedral took 78 years and it opened in 1978. Throughout the years, it has survived periods of recession and hardship, as well as two world wars. The cathedral does host daily services at various times during the day, as well as special events and services that take place throughout the year. It's open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and admission is free.
As you visit Liverpool, you can learn more about the historical significance of the city and how it has grown over the centuries at these fascinating attractions.