When someone mentions London, you might immediately think of Big Ben, the Royal Family or the British flag. However, when you think of Liverpool, you may not have as much to associate with the city beyond the Beatles or the popular soccer team.
But for someone who has spent time in both these amazing cities, I can tell you they both have so much more to offer. Especially in Liverpool, there are some amazing opportunities to explore British culture. If you have the chance to visit Liverpool, here are some cool spots you can't miss.
Hang Out at Albert Dock
During my stay in Liverpool, between seeing other parts of the city, I always found myself down at Albert Dock. Packed with restaurants, gift shops and museums, it's easy to spend hours hanging out at the dock.
One of my favorite activities is to take a ride on the Wheel of Liverpool, which is located just a short distance from Albert Dock. It's a great first activity when arriving in Liverpool because it gives you a bird's eye view of the layout of the city.
My travel buddy and I happened to ride the wheel on our first day in Liverpool, which helped us figure out where all the spots we wanted to visit were located throughout the area.
Explore Churches
What took me by surprise when arriving in Liverpool is that it's home to some incredible churches. Liverpool is a very walkable city, and exploring the churches can be a great way to stretch your legs while seeing the sights.
One you can't miss is Church of St Luke. The church built in the 1800s was bombed during World War II but the outer structure still remains - which is why it's now called the "Bombed Out Church." You can wander around the property to get better views (and pictures!) of what's left of the building. Some days you can also pay a small fee to walk around within the church's shell too.
Another church I recommend checking out is the Liverpool Cathedral. Built in the 20th century and surviving both World Wars, the massive space is something to see.
While donations are encouraged, the church is free to enter. It's complete with a restaurant, bridge and gift shop-all within the building! Even if you're not religious, this space is worth checking out for its design and view of the city from atop of one of its towers.
Wander Through Liverpool's History
While there are plenty of museums to learn about the Beatles' life and career, there are also some awesome museums on the history of Liverpool itself. Whether you're looking to learn about art, history or the city's seafaring heritage, there's a museum for every interest.
One museum I enjoyed visiting is the Museum of Liverpool. It's one of the first museums in the U.K. dedicated to the history of a city-which you certainly get to know well after spending a few hours wandering through its rooms.
It's a fun interactive experience to learn facts about everything from the city's port to its people. The museum tells a great story of the city I found fascinating. I learned more movies have Liverpool as a backdrop than I would have ever realized!
Take on the Shopping Scene
While Liverpool is a smaller and quieter city than most, there is still plenty of shopping to do. Liverpool One, located near the docks, is a decent sized mall where you can snag some awesome souvenirs - or gifts for yourself! You can also find several restaurants and bars in and around the shopping center to grab a drink or meal.
If you're like me, you probably have never wondered what more Liverpool has to offer beyond soccer and the Beatles. If you get the chance someday, definitely give yourself the chance to explore British culture through the Liverpool lens!
