Introduction

Liverpool is a compelling, fascinating city with a compact central area that provides good transport links to the rest of the region. If you are fanatical about sports or fancy a sporting chance at the races, if you want some culture or prefer to go clubbing, explore some heritage sites or experience some musical delights, this is the place to be! A visually spectacular city that guarantees visitors a warm and friendly welcome.

Aigburth The artsy student quarter otherwise known as Lark Lane is a very trendy and bohemian area with fabulous bars and restaurants. Enjoy a slap up Sunday breakfast at Keith's Wine bar, and walk it off in nearby Sefton Park. Alternatively head in the opposite direction to Otterspool Promenade, where you can watch the world and the ships sail by.

Aintree Famous for top quality horse racing and of course the Grand National. A new attraction at Aintree is the Grand National Experience - an interactive all year round display offering historical tours and simulator rides. Aintree offers a motor racing circuit, archery, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and golf. Shopaholics do not despair, there is a huge retail site a short distance from the racecourse.

Allerton Mainly a residential area, this pleasant leafy suburb has, in recent years, become a very popular eating quarter. The main stretch of Allerton Road has a fine selection of shops and is a good alternative to visiting the city center. Entertainment is plentiful, a cinema, lively bars and excellent restaurants are all situated in the area. The district attracts tourists who come to visit the infamous Penny Lane and 20 Forthlin Road—former home of Paul McCartney—which is now open for guided tours. If landscaped spaces are more appealing, visit Calderstones Park, a beautifully maintained expanse of green fields, exotic greenhouses, Chinese gardens and huge play area.

Anfield Strictly one for Liverpool Football supporters; apart from the stadium and Stanley Park there is not much else to see. Nevertheless, football supporters will be in their element with the museum and tour center.

Childwall A quiet neighborhood, well worth a visit due to the friendly pubs and exceptional food that can be found in Owens restaurant. The area has two beauty spots, Black Woods and Childwall Woods, both of which are perfect for a relaxing stroll or taking the children on a nature trail. The Church of all Saints in the conservation area is Liverpool's only remaining medieval church.

Chinatown On the outskirts of the city center sits a spectacular gateway to Europe's oldest Chinatown. The magnificent 44ft high arch—the largest in Europe—was erected by a team of Shanghai workers to mark the Chinese New Year celebrations in February 2000; the staggering cost of 220,000 pounds gives you some idea of how magnificent it looks. The area has a mass of good restaurants and supermarkets.

City Center Great for a shopping expedition, lots of variety but compact enough to see what's on offer in one day. The main pedestrian area and two indoor shopping centers—Cavern Walks and Clayton Square—have a wide range of stores and specialized designer outlets. Nightlife in the city center is buzzing, and the choice of venues can be overwhelming. The Cavern Quarter around Mathew Street has some great pubs and excellent restaurants. If you want to eat out the only problem is what to choose: Russian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Chinese or Portuguese, there is something to suit every palate.

An abundance of fine architecture and culture are visible throughout the city center. The grandeur of St Georges Hall, two Cathedrals, the Museum and the Bluecoat Center, are just a few examples. Theaters, music venues and comedy clubs are all within walking distance. Albert Dock, a major attraction on the waterfront, can be found on the outskirts of the central shopping area, along with the Mersey Ferries and the tunnels.

Edge Hill Not much to see on the surface, but underneath lies a totally different story. Around 1820 Joseph Williamson—the mole of Edge Hill—built a kingdom of underground tunnels and caverns. The tunnels are believed to include complete houses and an 80ft long banqueting suite. Robert Stephenson, the great railway engineer came across the incredible sight while extending Lime Street station.

Speke This is a busy commercial area of the city and home to Liverpool Airport. Just seven miles from the city center, this is the U.K.'s fastest growing regional airport and offers excellent facilities. Not far away is the New Mersey Retail Park that contains a wide range of superstores and high street shops such as Next, Boots and PC World. Also in the area is one of England's great historic houses, Speke Hall (1490); set in its own glorious grounds, this popular attraction offers an insight into several eras and has the added bonus of lovely woodland walks.

Toxteth Once inhabited by wealthy shipping merchants, it lapsed into a rather run down neighborhood in later years. Today, regeneration projects are making vast improvements to this multi-cultural district and the true magnificence of the buildings is visible once again. Europe's best example of Moorish revival architecture can be seen at the Princes Road Synagogue.

Walton This is the home of Everton Football Club, which can be found at Goodison Park. Sign up for a stadium tour or just enjoy the game. If you are feeling brave enough, wander down to County Road after the match and savor a pint in one of the many pubs teeming with the football masses. Reef Revellers Diving Center is located here.

Woolton This quaint village has retained its original style and is awash with listed buildings. It houses a small but busy shopping area and has a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The fabulous Woolton Redbourne Hotel is situated on the outskirts of the village. A popular attraction for children is Clarke's Gardens, where you can find a quiet park complete with ponies, goats, geese and rabbits; the parkland also houses Allerton Hall, a listed building that has been converted to a charming pub and restaurant.