Liverpool, It's People & Places
the world in one city

Everyone thinks they know Liverpool, even those who've never been here. But Liverpool's not just about the Beatles, football or wisecracks. It's all these things - and none of them. It's about being one of the most vibrant, life-affirming and creative cities in the UK.

The Liverpool of today is a changed city. It's emerging as one of the UK's leading centres for learning, culture, entertainment, sport and endeavour. The award of European Capital of Culture 2008 has confirmed this - and the people are right at the heart of it all.

Shopping ranges from high street names to independent stalls, boutiques and high fashion. Places to eat and drink are plentiful, and there's something for everyone's taste and budget - Chinese, Indian, Italian, African, French, Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Mexican, Greek and more.

Going out in Liverpool is not expensive, and the Liverpool crowds are lively and friendly, from the chain pubs to the smaller, independent pubs and bars. Down at the Albert Dock are more exclusive bars and restaurants, where local footballers and soap stars hang out.

Clubs around the city offer an ever-changing mix of music and style. Though Cream's Saturday night is no longer, Chibuku, Society and Garlands have clubbers queuing round the block every weekend. Countless other clubs offer sounds from RnB to indie. Liverpool's live music scene is eclectic and exhaustive, too. From big names playing big venues, like Goldfrapp, Coldplay and Oasis, to alternative bands and up-and-coming acts, Liverpool caters to all genres of music.

If you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle, the city's parks are ideal places to spend lazy Sundays. There are nature reserves up the coast at Formby and stately homes at Speke and Croxteth. Sandy beaches on the Wirral and the beautiful countryside of North Wales are within easy reach. Travelling to the coast and countryside is cheap and easy.

As an attraction for sports fans, Liverpool remains hard to beat. Aside from Liverpool and Everton football clubs there is racing at Aintree as well as golf, cricket, tennis, water sports and rugby league all on Merseyside. And if you want to be more than a spectator, there are hundreds of local teams for every type of sport.

There are more museums, theatres and galleries on Merseyside than in any other region outside London. World-class exhibitions at Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, the Walker and the Bluecoat are complemented by original plays and major productions hosted at the Everyman and the Playhouse. The Unity Theatre is great for contemporary drama and the Liverpool Empire hosts many musicals after their West End runs.

Film fans can enjoy the recently opened FACT Centre (Film, Art and Creative Technology) as well as a plethora of multiplexes, including the fantastic 1940s Plaza cinema in Waterloo. Liverpool also hosts a major European Arts Biennial and Brouhaha, an annual international street festival.

Liverpool offers endless possibilities for everyone - so whatever you're into, you can be certain that you'll enjoy life to the full at the very heart of our city.