Local Attractions for Liverpool: UNESCO City of Music
The British Music Experience
Comprehensive museum in the Cunard Building, Pier Head, which features original instruments, fashion, and other artifacts owned by famous musicians from 1945 to present day. Some of the major displays include Trad Jazz, Skiffle, early R&R, Merseybeat, UK R&B, Ska, Punk, Britpop, and many artists such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Marc Bolan, The Sex Pistols, Madness, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Oasis, and many more.
Magical Beatles Museum
The history of The Beatles documented through original artifacts owned and collected by Roag Best (brother of Beatles drummer Pete Best and son of Apple head Neil Aspinall). Super rare items include Hamburg-era possessions owned by Pete Best such as his original drums, leather gear, and equipment used by The Beatles as they were starting out. Located on Matthew Street near The Cavern.
Jackie Spencer Tours
Jackie is the premier veteran tour guide in Liverpool. She offers a range of tour options and will take you to many places off the beaten path and deep into Beatles (and Liverpool) history. Extremely knowledgeable and a great host. When possible, her tours can also include meet-and-greets with the John Lennon’s original Quarry Men and Beatles secretary Freda Kelly.
National Trust: Beatles Childhood Homes
Even though you can walk by The Beatles homes via the bus tours, nothing beats going inside and to get the real vibe. You can book via the National Trust to go inside the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Fascinating, moving, and a profound experience. Recommended!
The Casbah Coffee Club
When The Beatles first needed a place to perform, they helped Mona Best (mother of Pete and Roag Best) paint and set up a venue for teens in the cellars of her giant house. The rooms remain largely untouched and it is literally like traveling back into the early 1960s and walking straight into the early days of the band. Do not miss a tour of the Casbah.
Statues
While you explore the Pier Head and Albert Dock areas, don’t miss statues of The Beatles (celebrating their final visit to Liverpool) and of Liverpool rock idol, Billy Fury. Also of note: early UK rocker Tommy Steele installed a statue of Eleanor Rigby near Matthew Street. And on Matthew Street itself you can find statues of singer Cilla Black and John Lennon.
The Jacaranda
The Jacaranda started as a music venue and coffee bar in the late 1950s. Once owned by early Beatles manager, Allan Williams, The Beatles helped to paint and decorate the place, and the group performed there. It’s still a live venue, bar, and the upstairs features a coffee bar and used record store.
The Cavern
Just up Matthew Street from its original location, The Cavern Club continues as a live venue (they have other venues nearby, as well) and it’s fun to pop in to get the vibe of the space. It’s much more commercial than the Casbah or Jac, but one can’t deny the club’s significance in history. It’s worth going to see a Beatles tribute band on Thurs, Fri or Sat (but be ready major crowds and sauna-like conditions).
https://www.cavernclub.com/
Museum of Liverpool
A fantastic museum dedicated to Liverpool history. In 2019 they featured a major exhibition chronicling the life and works of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as a very moving exhibit about Liverpool families during the Blitz. Check their website for current info.
Dawsons
If you fancy looking at some instruments while in Liverpool, check out Dawsons on Williamson Street. They have two floors of guitars, drums, keyboards, etc.
Listening
Check on-line for information about Liverpool’s many music happenings, such as the Liverpool International Music Festival (https://www.limfestival.com/). Record collectors can also check on-line for local shops where you can browse vinyl.
UNESCO
Liverpool is a registered World Heritage site by UNESCO. The city features important cultural sites, as described on the main website- and Liverpool is also designated a UNESCO city of music! Details below:
The Beatles Story
Located at the Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD features special exhibitions, images and sounds. Immersive journey through time.
Yellow Submarine Bar
Located in the Brewery Village at 70 Stanhope St, Liverpool L8 5RF a truly unique bar, bringing the Sixties back with retro vibes to the Baltic Triangle. Beatles inspired cocktails & an atmosphere with a retro decor and 60’s music.
Lark Lane, Liverpool
Located in the Sefton Park area, the Lark lane is the mix of hip and classical style bars, pubs and restaurants. Further from the unsettling central Liverpool Lark lane invites more mature orientated crowd to meet the morning sun.
Hot Water Comedy Club
Located close to city center in knowledge quarter the famous Liverpool comedy club has folds the best comics around with events stretching from Monday to Sunday, all week around you can relax, grab a pint of beer and listen to some good English comedy. You need to register prior your arrival.
St Johns Beacon
Located in the heart of the city the all seeing eye called St Johns Beacon sees all. No this is not Lord of the Rings reference this is actually true what you get when you book a viewing at the tower head. Look upon Liverpool and Birkenhead which is across the Mersey river, the view is amazing and if you are visiting Liverpool for your first time and not afraid of heights its a must.
NQ64 arcades
If you are a fan of old school arcade games, PS1, Atari, SEGA fan arcade bar is just the spot to spend some time in. Inside the arcade will be a game for everyone – retro 80’s lovers can try their luck on Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and the classic Space Invaders. For the 90’s cool kids, consoles such as the N64, Megadrive and SNES come with a range of old school games to take you on a trip down memory lane.