Everything you need to know about seeing Liverpool
Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England (ISO 800, 300 mm, f/9, 1/500 s)
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When traveling to the UK, you’ll mostly likely fly into Heathrow or one of the other 5 total airports that access the city of London. You can easily spend an entire week in London and still not have seen close to all that it has to offer. Aside from London, there are plenty of other great cities in the UK that are worth visiting like Bath, Manchester, York, Oxford, Cambridge, just to name a few. One I would highly suggest is Liverpool.
What do you think about when you hear Liverpool? The Beatles quite obviously, or maybe even the Titanic too? Well both have strong ties to this city, but after living here for the past few years, you realize there is so much more to it. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post.
Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, England (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/2.8, 1/40 s)
The city has experienced a transformation after being crowned the European Capital of Culture back in 2008. Massive investment has followed has resulted in a renaissance in city development. Now the city boasts large shopping centers like LiverpoolONE and heaps of independent restaurants and bars all to compliment landmarks that have already existed in the city, like the tallest Chinatown arch in Europe, the fifth tallest cathedral in the world, and one of the best football clubs around. Superlatives aside, these places are wonderful to see and experience in this great city.
A train here from London takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, where you will arrive at Liverpool Lime St. station. One thing you will notice is how small the city is, but is packed full of things to do and see. A small walk from Lime St. is The Cavern Club, made famous by regularly hosting The Beatles in their formative years. The is live music all day everyday here from influential and up and coming talents.
Liverpool Lime Street Station, Liverpool, England (ISO 100, 10 mm, f/14, 20 s)
Since the brits are known for afternoon tea, why not book a proper tea experience at Oh Me Oh My. This is a classy, intimiate atmosphere to enjoy afternoon tea with family and friends. If the weather is nice out, you can venture up to their rooftop garden (Goodness Gracious) and enjoy the spectacular views of Albert Dock and the Royal Liver Building.
While in the area, head down to the Albert Dock to enjoy some of the museums on offer (Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, etc) and make sure you pass by the Beatles statue on the way. The Albert Dock also has an array of restaurants and bars to check out and even a pop-up cinema in the summer. I find that it’s best to photograph around sunset and night time to take advantage of the mirrored reflection from the water.
You may also come across lamb-like sculptures with odd tails. These are called 'lambananas’ and were first designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. As Liverpool has such a rich history as a famous dock and port, the lambanana was made to reflect the most common cargos Liverpool had in its dock, sheep and bananas. Now you can find many of these around the city, where no two are alike.
Lambanana on Liverpool Docks, Liverpool, England (ISO 800, 18 mm, f/13, 1/30 s)
For those looking for a variety of food in a buzzing atmosphere, head to Liverpool’s street food market called Baltic Market which houses food stalls of city restaurants and a bar adorned with community picnic tables.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of cityscapes including Liverpool, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames).
The Tate and Echo Wheel, Liverpool, England (ISO 100, 10 mm, f/13, 25 s)
If you’d like the same vibe and are looking for a chill and classy place to get drinks later in the night (like a speakeasy), go to 81LTD. This is a bar within a bar where you have to make a reservation beforehand. Here’s what you do: 1) make a reservation by calling or texting the number of their website with your name, how many are you, and time, 2) head to Salt Dog Slims on Seel St., 3) walk up the stairs in the bar to the next level where you will see a metal door, 4) punch in the four digit code that was given to you by staff after making your reservation, 5) pick any seat you want and order my favorite, an old fashioned.
Victoria Building, Liverpool, England (ISO 100, 10 mm, f/4.5, 14 s)
There are a few noteworthy churches to check out while here. One is the Bombed Out Church, otherwise known as the church of St. Luke. This church has no roof, which was destroyed in 1942 during the Liverpool Blitz but still stands as a testament to the resiliency of the people in that time. Here they host concerts, weddings, exhibitions, and transforms into the occasional biergarden as well. Be sure to check out their schedule and book tickets in advance.
You can also see the Liverpool Cathedral or the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. You will often find that people like one and despise the other, just a matter of preference. The Liverpool Cathedral is the fifth largest cathedral in the world by volume and is a Grade I listed building. Admission is free and during some days in the summer, you can go up to the roof to get a great view of the city (for a fee).
Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool, England (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/2.8, 1/20 s)