The Pier Head, officially known as George’s Pier Head, is a prominent riverside location in Liverpool’s city center. Formerly part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site (2004–2021), the Pier Head is celebrated for its iconic architecture, public spaces, and historical significance as a landing site for passenger ships.

Originally the site of George’s Dock, constructed in 1771, the area became obsolete by the 1890s due to its inadequate size for modern commercial vessels. After prolonged negotiations between the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and Liverpool Corporation, the dock was purchased in 1898 for redevelopment. This paved the way for the construction of landmark buildings and new public spaces, transforming the area into the architectural centerpiece it is today.

The Pier Head features the iconic "Three Graces": the Royal Liver Building (1911), England’s first skyscraper; the Cunard Building (1917), inspired by Italian palaces; and the Port of Liverpool Building (1907), a neo-baroque symbol of the city’s maritime legacy.

In 2002, the Pier Head was the focus of the controversial "Fourth Grace" project, which aimed to add a bold architectural statement to the waterfront. The winning design, “The Cloud” by Will Alsop, was abandoned in 2004 but plans for redevelopment continued.

In 2011, the Museum of Liverpool opened at the Pier Head, housing a rich collection that celebrates the city’s history and culture. Additionally, a canal link connecting the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the South Docks was completed in 2009, enhancing the area’s accessibility and recreational appeal.

Although the Pier Head lost its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2021 due to modern developments that altered its historic landscape, it remains a testament to Liverpool’s evolution as a maritime and cultural hub. With its blend of historic grandeur and contemporary vibrancy, the Pier Head continues to draw locals and visitors alike to its storied waterfront.

The Beatles Statue is an iconic monument located at Liverpool's Pier Head, near the intersection of Brunswick Street and Canada Boulevard. Designed by sculptor Andy Edwards, this striking bronze tribute to Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon was unveiled on December 4, 2015. The ceremony, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' last Liverpool concert, was attended by Ann O'Byrne, the city’s deputy mayor, and Julia Baird, John Lennon's sister. The statue was generously donated to the city by The Cavern Club, the legendary music venue closely linked to the band’s early days.

The monument depicts the four Beatles walking together in a larger-than-life composition based on a 1963 photograph taken in Liverpool. Each figure features personal and symbolic details that celebrate the individuality of the band members. McCartney is seen holding a camera close to his chest, a nod to his late wife Linda McCartney, a photographer. Harrison's belt bears a Sanskrit inscription, symbolizing his spiritual interests. Starr’s right shoe has a card with the postal code "L8," referencing his childhood neighborhood in the Welsh Streets. He is positioned slightly behind the others, reflecting his placement as the drummer on stage. Lennon carries two acorns in his hand, referencing his and Yoko Ono’s 1968 acorn-planting gesture for world peace.

Standing prominently in front of the Liver Building, the statue has become a favorite photo stop for visitors and Beatles fans worldwide. Each small, thoughtful detail in the sculpture enriches the narrative of the Beatles' legacy, making it one of Liverpool’s most cherished attractions.

Mathew Street is an unassuming side road in Liverpool city centre that houses a world famous musical attraction – the Cavern Club, the city’s most famous music venue and a place forever associated with the Beatles. The Liverpudlian four piece, considered by many to be the world’s greatest ever band, played at the venue several times in their early years. As a result, the street is visited by thousands of tourists each year, and is the centre of the Cavern Quarter, a bohemian area of arcades filled with must see attractions for Beatles fans.

In addition to the Cavern Club, which is still a hugely popular night-time venue, the street hosts a music festival each August. The largest free festival in Europe, the Mathew Street Festival plays host to dozens of tribute bands – with a Beatles act usually headlining. The street is also notable for the Grapes pub, often frequented by the Fab Four, and an unusual statue by Arthur Dooley, depicting the four band members in a religious pose. The statue, built into the wall on Mathew Street, bears the inscription ‘Four Lads who Shook the World’. The street was also believed to be visited by renowned philosopher Carl Jung; a plaster statue of the great Swiss thinker also stands on the street.

Opened on 16 January 1957 as a jazz club and later becoming a center of Liverpool's rock-and-roll scene in the early 1960s, the Cavern Club became closely associated with the Merseybeat music genre and, famously, regularly played host to The Beatles in their early years, initially as part of the weekday "beat sessions" at lunchtime.

The Beatles made their first appearance at the club after returning to Liverpool from Hamburg, Germany where they had been playing at the Indra and the Kaiserkeller clubs. There and then, on Tuesday, February 9, 1961, they were signed up as the club's resident lunchtime group, working in alternation with Gerry and the Pacemakers. Narrow, cobbled, uneventful Mathew Street thus began to lead an unexpected new life in daylight hours. At noon, Mondays to Fridays, a four-abreast line would begin to form at the Cavern's hatchlike entrance, growing by the minute until it stretched back past the warehouses and delivery trucks and piled-up fruit crates, eighty-odd yards to the junction with Whitechapel. Inside, there was no "security" whatsoever, and no alcohol was sold either at lunchtimes or at night, only coffee and soft drinks.

From 1961 to 1963, the Beatles made 292 appearances at The Cavern. By summer of 1963, "Beatlemania" was sprouting across England, and with girls demanding to see the Beatles and screaming just to get a glimpse of them, the group had to hide or sneak into concerts, and the small club could no longer satisfy audience demand. So on 3 August 1963, the Beatles made their final appearance at The Cavern.

In the decade that followed, a wide variety of popular acts appeared at the club, including The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Hollies, The Kinks, Elton John, Black Sabbath, Queen, The Who, and John Lee Hooker.

Even if you're not that bothered about the Beatles, The Cavern is a must-visit experience when in Liverpool. The live music is still brilliant, and the door charge of £2.50 per person after noon is not much to pay for such a historic place.

Why You Should Visit:
To check out the most legendary cellar club on the planet that has been the beating heart of Liverpool’s iconic music scene for over seven decades, visited by millions of people from all over the world passing down its famous stairway.

Established in 1851, Liverpool’s World Museum is a treasure trove of global knowledge and history, housed in an imposing Neoclassical building on William Brown Street. Originally founded as the Derby Museum to showcase the 13th Earl of Derby's natural history collection, the museum has evolved significantly over the years. Today, it is part of the National Museums Liverpool, offering free entry and a range of exhibits spanning archaeology, ethnology, natural sciences, and physical sciences.

The museum's diverse offerings include a planetarium-the first outside London, opened in 1970-featuring shows on space science and exploration, attracting around 90,000 visitors annually. Another major draw is the Natural World area, which hosts live insect colonies, interactive displays in the Clore Natural History Centre, and exhibits on zoology and botany.

A key attraction is the museum's Egyptology collection, boasting well-preserved mummies and ancient artifacts. The World Cultures gallery showcases treasures such as a full set of ancient Samurai armor and objects from Asia and beyond. British archaeology enthusiasts can marvel at items like the Anglo-Saxon Kingston brooch and Liudhard medalet, part of the Canterbury-St Martin's hoard.

The physical sciences collection is notable for its specialized instruments, including artifacts from CERN and early planetary calculators. Visitors can also explore the museum's meteorite from Mars, which landed in Nigeria in the 1960s, underscoring its interplanetary reach.

Initially sharing space with a library on Duke Street, the museum quickly outgrew its premises due to its immense popularity. A purpose-built structure was erected in 1860 on land donated by Sir William Brown. Over the decades, the museum expanded, survived significant wartime damage during the Blitz, and underwent a refurbishment in 2005. This transformation introduced a central atrium, new galleries, and increased display spaces, earning it the name World Museum to reflect its global focus.

From the live creepy crawlies in the Bug House to the cutting-edge planetarium and the award-winning interactive history centers, the museum offers something for all ages. Whether exploring ancient treasures, marveling at meteorites, or delving into the mysteries of the universe, the World Museum remains a must-visit destination that captures Liverpool’s vibrant spirit and global connections.

Why You Should Visit:
Floors and floors of things to see; it's a mix of exhibits so there should be something to interest everyone.
You could easily spend all day here if you bought your picnic (the cafe is to be avoided) and went to the planetarium.

Tip:
If you're on a budget and need to take kids out and keep them entertained, this is the place to take them!
Just make sure you book well in advance – online booking is very easy and you can just show tickets on the phone.
Also, consider combining your visit with a trip to the Walker Art Gallery (a 2-minute walk away) and discover a diverse range of world-class art.

Saint George's Hall is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and stands proudly in the heart of Liverpool. Widely regarded as one of the finest examples of neo-Grecian design worldwide, this Grade I listed building showcases a majestic Greek-columned façade that commands attention. The hall serves as a hub for cultural and social events, including live music performances, and remains open for visitors free of charge.

The main entrance, located at the center of the east façade, is accessible via an elegant flight of steps. A portico featuring 16 Corinthian columns dominates the front, flanked by a series of square pillars adorned with reliefs, which were added between 1882 and 1901. Inside, the roof’s tunnel vault is supported by polished red granite columns and decorated with intricate plasterwork depicting allegorical figures representing Virtues, Science, and Arts. Statues placed in wall niches further accentuate the grandeur of the interior.

One of the hall's most striking features is its exquisite floor, composed of 30,000 Minton tiles. These tiles, often covered to preserve their beauty, occasionally make public appearances, much to the delight of visitors. Other notable elements include bronze doors with openwork panels featuring the letters "SPQL" (a nod to ancient Rome's "Senate and People"), an impressive organ positioned at the north end, and a round arch at the south end that leads directly into the Crown Court.

Saint George's Hall also holds a fascinating claim to innovation: it houses the world’s first Victorian-era air-conditioning system. Combining artistic excellence with engineering ingenuity, the hall remains a testament to Liverpool’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Whether marveling at its neoclassical details or enjoying a musical performance, visitors will find their time at Saint George's Hall truly memorable.

Why You Should Visit:
Wonderful architecture from a time when bureaucracy knew that, if they were going to keep you waiting half an hour to fill in a form, then it may as well be somewhere nice!

Tip:
Try and find out when the original tile flooring is on show, as that is a perfect time to go (doesn't happen very often).
Don't miss the coffee shop on the ground floor – superb value and quite reasonably priced and atmospheric.

The Beatles Story is a world-renowned museum located at the historic Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, the birthplace of the Fab Four. Opened on May 1, 1990, the museum was conceived by husband-and-wife team Mike and Bernadette Byrne, whose deep personal connections to The Beatles helped shape an attraction that has welcomed millions of visitors worldwide. Now owned by Mersey Ferries, part of Merseytravel, this award-winning museum celebrates the legacy of ‘the world’s greatest band’ through immersive experiences and rare memorabilia.

The Beatles Story invites visitors to embark on a journey through key moments of the band's history. Walk through meticulous recreations of iconic locations like The Casbah Coffee Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. Highlights include personal artifacts like John Lennon’s iconic spectacles, George Harrison’s first guitar, and Ringo Starr’s drum kit. Exhibits also delve into the British Invasion, the band members’ solo careers, and their cultural impact.

Visitors can enjoy an audio guide, narrated by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, available in 12 languages. This multimedia experience includes rare insights, video interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and interactive displays like the White Room and replica Cavern Club, making the journey unforgettable.

The Beatles Story offers more than just a nostalgic trip for music fans-it’s a vital part of Liverpool’s cultural and economic landscape, having contributed over £300 million to the local economy since its inception. The museum also boasts educational initiatives like the Discovery Zone, as well as Beatles-themed Fab4 Cafes and Fab4 Stores.

A must-see attraction, The Beatles Story continues to evolve, celebrating milestones such as Ringo Starr’s 80th birthday and adding exciting exhibits for its 30th anniversary in 2020. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Beatlemania, this immersive experience promises to captivate visitors of all ages.

Why You Should Visit:
However expensive, the place is tastefully laid out and very well organized, and the admission fee does include a multi-lingual headset which adds quality to the visit.

Tip:
It can be difficult to get tickets on the day, so if you are planning to go then it would really be worthwhile booking online (that way, you also avoid queueing). Cheaper tickets are available if you search the web for discounts/vouchers.

Albert Dock, a historic complex of docks and warehouses on the banks of the Mersey river, is Liverpool’s biggest tourist draw, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. It was built in the 1840s and designed by local architects Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick. The new dock was ground-breaking in two ways – one of the first dock complexes to allow direct unloading of cargo into warehouses, it was also the first UK development not to use wood in its construction. The complex was crucial to Liverpool’s rapid development as a global trade port, with ivory, sugar, silk and tobacco stored in its five vast warehouses.

The dock ceased to function for trade purposes after the outbreak of WWII, instead becoming a base for Royal Navy ships. In the post-war era, Albert Dock fell into disuse, before a redevelopment plan was drawn up in the 1980s. The dock itself was regenerated and hosted the Tall Ships Race in 1983, bringing a million tourists into the city. Gradually, the historic warehouses around the water were renovated and used for a wide range of new attractions. They now host a Maritime Museum, the world’s only dedicated Beatles museum, and Liverpool’s Tate Gallery.

Albert Dock houses the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK and is the jewel of Liverpool’s historic waterfront area. Immediately west of the dock, you will find the Pier Head, a peninsula jutting into the river which houses the Three Graces – three of Liverpool’s most famous buildings, including the Royal Liver building. The ornamental birds on the Liver building have become a symbol for the city’s university, council, and eponymous football team, Liverpool FC.

Why You Should Visit:
Industrial heritage, museums (some are free entry), art galleries, countless shops, bars & restaurants – a focal point of Liverpool.
The only problem with this place is, it is too big to discover in a single day.

The city of Liverpool, and the surrounding county of Merseyside, both have a proud maritime museum. The region’s name comes from the River Mersey, a wide inlet from the Irish Sea which adjoins Liverpool. Access to the sea along the river allowed the city to become one of the world’s great trading ports during the Industrial Revolution. The Merseyside Maritime Museum is a celebration of Liverpool’s shipping history. It is located on Albert Dock, at the heart of Liverpool’s Mercantile Maritime City, an area of historic docklands that have been made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ground floor of the museum houses an exhibition on the shipping lines and companies that made Liverpool a global maritime trade centre. Other exhibitions show life in a port city in the modern day, including an interactive feature on Customs and Border Control, as well as a poignant tribute to the Titanic, the ocean liner which bore the city’s name on her doomed maiden voyage.

The museum also offers a range of child-friendly, nautically themed events throughout the year, as well as a guided tour of Liverpool’s Old Dock, which lies close to the building.

Why You Should Visit:
Engaging for both kids and adults with lots of interactive exhibits; a fantastic place to learn about Liverpool's maritime history.
Even if you view the ocean as little more than a scary, jellyfish-packed beach-separator, a visit to this nautical relic-fest is advised.

Tip:
On the ground floor, there are lockers to put belongings in to save you carrying bags and coats about.
If you find you have a spare hour, get booked in for an entertaining and informative guided tour.
Afterward, you can go to the top floor café (opens around noon), grab a drink or a bite and look out at the fantastic views of the docks and liver birds.

The Museum of Liverpool, the latest addition to the National Museums Liverpool group, opened its doors in 2011 as a modern replacement for the former Museum of Liverpool Life. Strategically located on Mann Island at the iconic Pier Head, this purpose-built venue was designed to narrate the story of Liverpool, its people, and its global significance.

The museum’s exhibits draw from the vast collections of National Museums Liverpool, showcasing an array of items that span costume and decorative arts, social and urban history, entomology, botany, archaeology, oral testimonies, and photographic archives. The displays are thoughtfully divided into four core themes: The Great Port, Global City, People’s Republic, and Wondrous Place.

In addition to these main galleries, the museum offers unique spaces such as Little Liverpool, a hands-on gallery tailored for children under six; History Detectives, an interactive resource center for history and archaeology enthusiasts; City Soldiers Gallery, dedicated to the story of the King’s Regiment; and a 180-seat theatre hosting community events and multimedia performances.

The Museum of Liverpool also serves as a dynamic cultural hub. Notable among its exhibitions was the Liverpool Love display, held from September to November 2012. This event brought together the creative expressions of prominent figures like Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, and Noel Fielding to celebrate Liverpool's vibrant identity.

Whether exploring its rich urban history or engaging with its interactive features, the Museum of Liverpool offers a comprehensive and engaging tribute to the city’s enduring legacy.

Why You Should Visit:
Not only an outstanding piece of modernist design but also an amazing waterfront location, not to mention a surprising amount to learn about Liverpool's history.
Plus – helpful and friendly staff, a gift shop, clean toilets on every floor, a large affordable café, and even a separate room to use for indoor picnics when the weather is poor.

Tip:
Use the lockers on the ground floor to save you from having to carry any bags, then get the lift to the top floor so you can work your way down and not have to keep climbing stairs.
On the top floor, get into the exhibition room and walk straight till the end – there's a glass wall to enjoy the view of River Mersey and the Liver Building. The restrooms there have less of a queue, too.