Discover the north of England, one of the UK’s most multicultural cities? Here’s where to stay in Liverpool!
The sixth-largest city in the UK and the fourth-largest in England, Liverpool boasts a history of just 800 years, but it has always been a city that has shone, as much for its industrial and commercial hub as for the cultural diversity and artists it has produced. We’re talking about Liverpool, with its 445,200 inhabitants (816,216 in the urban area), on Merseyside. Liverpool was founded in 1207 and became a major city in the 19th century: a port city of the British Empire (concentrating 40% of British trade), Liverpool is the second city in the country with the most museums after London. Formerly a working-class, port and industrial city, it became a stronghold for the Beatles’ music before gentrifying and becoming a tourist destination.
Thanks to its popular past, Liverpool attracts a clientele that comes for work as much as for vacation. The city’s wide range of accommodation is among the cheapest in the North West of England. The city is divided into a dozen districts, and here is an overview of the best places to stay in Liverpool.
Cavern Quarter
Photo credit: Flickr – Spaztacular
Here’s an iconic part of the city, located in the heart of the city center. The area around Mathew Street is a lively, bustling district, home to music and a cornerstone of the Beatles’ story. Numerous restaurants, bars and pubs are concentrated here, especially around Victoria Street. Staying in Cavern Quarter is a truly central location for exploring Liverpool.
Liverpool Waterfront
Photo credit: Flickr -Tracie Ivy
Fancy a stroll along one of the world’s most beautiful waterfronts? Numerous sites of major tourist interest are scattered on either side of the lanes: Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, Museum of Liverpool, Titanic Memorial, Pier Head Village, etc. Go to Castle Street to find the area’s restaurants and bars. If, on the other hand, you have a boat to catch to the Isle of Man or Northern Ireland, this is the place to stay in Liverpool.
Saint George
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Tony Hisgett
Here’s a mecca for cultural tourism in Liverpool, with numerous neoclassical monuments: Saint George Hall, the World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery, the Central Library and, among others, Liverpool Lime Street Station. Not far away, the National Museums is home to a number of museums and art galleries with free access, and an exhibition of over a million objects and works of art.
Liverpool ONE
Photo credit: Flickr – Liverpool School of English
If you want to get a feel for the city’s vibrant shopping soul, head for Liverpool ONE, the city’s most commercial district: over 160 stores, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés galore around Hanover Street and, not far away, Liverpool Central Station. There are plenty of hotels as well as homestays, and you’re sure to find a cheap place to stay by checking out Airbnb, for example.
Chinatown
Photo credit: Flickr – Cattan 2011
Considered one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in the Western world, stroll through the largest Chinese park outside China and sample the delights of Asian cuisine at the many Chinese markets and restaurants. Still a great place to stay in Liverpool.
Ropewalks
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Андрей Бобровский
How can you talk about accommodation in Liverpool without mentioning Ropewalks? Ropewalks is Liverpool’s bohemian district, adjacent to Central Station, where new is made of old: the city’s old luxury buildings have been converted into trendy boutiques and cultural venues. Here too, the streets are dotted with pubs, discotheques – ideal for partying – restaurants, art galleries and the gardens of Saint Luke’s Church. Probably one of the best places to stay in Liverpool.
Main photo credit: Pixabay – wakeyfan
Map of hotels and accommodation – Liverpool,gb