A guide to Liverpool for students

Liverpool's attracting much international attention right now due to hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, on behalf of Ukraine, but its appeal goes way beyond that.

Liverpool is an incredible city with much to explore, from a vibrant art and culture scene to a unique history and regional identity. Its three universities attract a population of around 70,000 students, and it's one of the UK's most loved (and most budget-friendly) student cities.

Here are our top tips for ways to discover the city of Liverpool:

1. Visit The Cavern Club to discover the city's musical history

First on your stop should be The Cavern Club in Liverpool - one of the most well-known music venues in the world. Founded as a jazz club in 1957, it soon became more popular for hosting rock and roll concerts. In the 1960s, The Beatles started playing there (over 290 times during their career), and their performances helped to establish the venue as one of the key players in the Merseybeat scene. It has since hosted many famous performers from The Rolling Stones, The Who, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Adele, to name a few.

The Cavern Club is known because of its special place in music history and also as it continues to be committed to showcasing new and emerging talent and continues to attract music lovers from all over the world. It is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone interested in finding out more about the history and legacy of Liverpool's music scene.

2. Go for a stroll down Penny Lane

Penny Lane is one of Liverpool's most popular streets, immortalised in The Beatles song of the same name. The street is known for its picturesque buildings and shops, many of which date back to the nineteenth century. Visitors can take a stroll down Penny Lane to see the sights that inspired The Beatles, such as the shelter in the middle of the roundabout, which was mentioned in the song's lyrics.

While on Penny Lane, visitors can take pictures of the street sign, as well as the colourful murals and street art that decorate the buildings. Fans of the Beatles can also visit the nearby Strawberry Field, which was also the name of one of the band's most well-loved songs.

And, it goes without saying, but if you are a big fan of The Beatles, you must visit Liverpool's award-winning The Beatles Story museum - the world's largest permanent museum telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles.

3. Take a ferry across the Mersey for a different perspective

If you feel like doing something slightly different and seeing the city from a different angle, a ferry trip across the River Mersey is a great option. The ferry service, in operation since the twelfth century, is one of the oldest in the world.

Taking the ferry offers you the chance to learn more about maritime heritage and experience the city's ever-evolving waterfront and skyline, as well as iconic landmarks from the Liver Building to the Royal Liver Building and the Cunard Building. You have the option of either taking a round-trip or getting off at the other end in Birkenhead to explore the area before taking the ferry back to Liverpool.

5. Make the most of free gallery entry and see some of the best art in Liverpool

Liverpool is home to some fantastic art galleries, ranging from contemporary spaces to more traditional institutions. The Tate Liverpool, for example, located in the historic Royal Albert Dock, features a collection of modern and contemporary art. The gallery has hosted exhibitions by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Yves Klein. Another popular gallery is the Walker Art Gallery, which houses a large collection of European art from the medieval period to the present day, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Lucian Freud.

In recent years, Liverpool has seen a significant reinjection of funding for the arts, which has helped to support and nurture local talent, as well as attract international artists and exhibitions to the city. As a result, there are now many galleries and cultural spaces offering free entry. Also, make sure to check out the Victoria Gallery & Museum, which is part of the University of Liverpool and features collections of art and artefacts from around the world.

6. Take in some of the most incredible architecture

Whether you're a book lover or not, the Picton Reading Room in Liverpool Central Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in all of the United Kingdom. It was recently restored between 2011 and 2012 and is most well-known for its stunning domed ceiling and expansive bookshelves. Alongside neighbouring parts of the library, the Hornby Library and the Oak Room altogether are home to around 15,000 rare books.

Liverpool Cathedral is also famous for its architecture and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It is a prominent landmark within the city and is visible from miles around. In addition to its size and impressive architecture, Liverpool Cathedral is also known for its stunning stained glass windows, which are some of the most intricate and beautiful in the world. The cathedral's interior also boasts intricate carvings, soaring arches, and a world-famous organ featuring over 10,000 pipes.

7. Walk in the footsteps of some of football's greatest legends at Anfield Stadium

Anfield Stadium is the home of Liverpool Football Club, one of the most successful and beloved football teams in the world. The stadium has a rich history dating back over 130 years, and its 'Kop grandstand' is one of the most sought-after stands as it is (apparently) where the most committed Liverpool fans sit, and the part of the crowd that makes the most noise and most builds the atmosphere at football matches.

The stadium tour provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Liverpool Football Club, as well as the chance to walk in the footsteps of some of football's greatest legends.