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Student city guide to Liverpool: top 10 things to do

If you’ve chosen Liverpool as your place of study, well done! It has to be one of the proudest, most fashionable and interesting cities in the UK (if not the world).

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
08 Nov 2023

Liverpool is known for being a city of two halves – the Liverpool FC half and the Everton half. But did you know there’s an even bigger rivalry in town and it has nothing to do with football…

It's actually between its two biggest universities: The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. They’ve been sparring with each other for years over who has the best SU bar, best lecturers, and the most intelligent students.

That’s a whole lotta learning going on, but luckily for any students who are thinking of heading to this fantastic city, Liverpool has a lot more to offer...

1) St John’s Beacon

 

Source: www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk

 

Good for: Spectacular views of the city.

What it is: Also affectionately known as the Radio City Tower, this landmark stretches 400 feet in to the Liverpool sky. If you have a head for heights, you can take a lift to the crows nest at the top for £6.00.

Why you should go: For the amazing Instagrammable views, not only of Liverpool, but as far as the mountains of Snowdonia, over in North Wales. 

2) Grand Central Hall

 

Source: baseservicedapartments.co.uk

 

Good for: Foodies.

What it is: A gorgeous, turn-of-the century church that is now home to some of Liverpool’s best creative and alternative food traders.

Why you should go: If you love food, you’ll love Grand Central with independent food vendors and themed bars selling everything from vegan fast food to pizza and gorgeous cupcakes. Once you’re done with stuffing your face, there is an theatre space with regular live music to keep you entertained.

3) Leaf

 

Good for: Music and any flavour tea you can imagine.

What it is: A unique tea shop and bar.

Why you should go: It has a whole menu of teas with unusual names like ‘Fairy Wings’, ‘Silver Needle’ and ‘Dragon Well’. Not forgetting the amazing food they serve, too. If you do think about eating there, though, choose wisely – the portions are big. Especially when you have a sharing platter and then attempt a main (you will have to be rolled out).

4) Tate Liverpool

 

Source: Visit Liverpool

 

Good for: Culture, and (again) a little bit of eating.

What it is: A modern and contemporary art gallery. 

Why you should go: The gallery holds exhibitions from international artists. Whether you’re into your fashion, photography, painting, or you just enjoy nosing at naked drawings, it’s the place to be.

5) Medication

 

Source: Signatures Liverpool

Good for: Letting loose after boring lectures.

What it is: A club popular with students.

Why you should go: There's loads of different themed nights and there are different rooms for different genres of music, so there’s something for everyone.

6)  Liverpool’s Cathedrals

 

Source:Photoshelter.com

Good for: Architecture appreciators

What it is: Yet another great Liverpool rivalry, people have been debating whether Liverpool Cathedral and its modern opponent, the Metropolitan ‘Wigwam’ Cathedral just down the road has the best architecture.

Why you should go: Even if you aren’t religious, both of these buildings are well worth a visit for their stunning architecture. And you might learn a little bit of history while you’re there, which is a bonus.

7) Alma De Cuba

 

Source: Alma Da Cuba

Good for: Cocktails and dinner.

What it is: A renovated church that’s home to a Cuban restaurant and bar.

Why you should go: The interior is beautiful and the architecture is still intact (there are wooden beams and an altar, for crying out loud). The food is delicious and they host regular events and parties.

8) Concert Square

 

Source: Liverpool Echo

Good for: Cheap drinking.

What it is: A square in the city centre surrounded by bars and nightclubs.

Why you should go: It has to be one of the cheapest places known to drink and there are always free vouchers being handed out (it is the hub for all party students, after all). If you want an idea of what it’s like, just think typical chart music, girls in little dresses selling smoking shots, and the occasional Hollyoaks actor.

9) FACT

 

Source: prolificnorth.co.uk

Good for: Indie films.

What it is: A cinema and art gallery which exhibits film art and new media.

Why you should go: They show all types of independent films and if you’re a film student (or you’re just interested in film-making) you can submit your own films, which may even get screened!

10) Sefton Park

 

Source: BQLive.co.uk

Good for: Getting back to nature

What it is: A stunning park, with caves and waterfalls, and the truly stunning Palm House   

Why you should go: If you’re feeling frazzled after a hard week drinking studying this is the perfect place to chill out and destress with your mates. It’s also a very romantic place for a date.

Key info about Liverpool

 

If you’re looking for culture, you couldn’t do much better than Liverpool – not only did UNESCO grant several parts of the city World Heritage Site status in 2004, but it was the first English city to become a European Capital of Culture in 2008. 

Famous as the home of the Beatles, Liverpool has also been named the World Capital City of Pop by the Guinness Book of World Records.  Many visitors are attracted to Liverpool by the historic waterfront, the fantastic shopping and nightlife, and the city’s sporting tradition – the Grand National horse race is held in Liverpool every year, plus it boasts two major league football teams, Liverpool and Everton.

Looking to study in Liverpool? Start searching for courses here.

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