Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Amanda Stancati

Liverpool Music Scene

Liverpool is in northwest England where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea – that sounds like a song! It has recently been designated a UNESCO City of Music, and for a good reason. This is the birthplace of The Beatles plus there are so many great venues and music festivals, including ‘Liverpool International Music Festival’ and ‘International Beatleweek.’ This rock’n city also has an impressive Maritime Heritage; the waterfront became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Live Music Venues

Echo Arena – Resting on the former King’s Dock in Liverpool, this arena has a capacity of 11,000 and 22 luxurious hospitality boxes. Echo’s smaller sister ‘Echo Two’ lets you get a little more, up-front-and-personal, having a capacity of 4,000. The Echo, despite its size, has a relaxed atmosphere with comfy seats and great acoustics. Both the Liverpool Lime Rail Station and the central bus station is just a 20 minute walk away. Located at Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP 

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall – This grandiose concert hall (with 2 performance spaces) is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. They host classical music as well as other genres, comedy acts and plays, in all, averaging 250 events every year and recently hosting stars like Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello. There are 7 hotels within a mile of the Hall, including Hilton Liverpool, Adagio Liverpool and Novotel Liverpool Centre. Located in Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP 

Leaf Tea Shop and Bar – Originally built as an opera house with a tearoom, it’s now a cozy shabby-chic tea room with a fantastic selection of loose teas. You can get a great meal any time and catch some live music in the evenings when it morphs into a fully-licensed bar and gig venue, with art exhibitions and late night DJs. Tuesday nights are open-mic nights. Located at 65-67 Bold St., Liverpool L1 4EZ

Tip: If visiting during the day, sample their in-house blended teas with a pastry, freshly baked in the wee hours of each day.

The Jacaranda Club – The Jacaranda, or the Jac as it’s popularly known, is an iconic Liverpool pub and the first venue to host The Beatles. The bar originally opened in 1958 by Allan Williams, who struck a deal with John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe, allowing them to use the space to rehearse in exchange for painting murals in the basement. The ‘Jac’ was closed for a while to reinvent itself and is now back with the beloved open-mic nights every Thursday and Sunday, with more local artists looking for their big break. Bonus – it also has a vinyl shop. Located at 21-23 Slater St., Liverpool L1 4BW

The Cavern Club – The Cavern, originally a Paris inspired jazz club, became the cradle of British pop music. It all started with ‘The Quarrymen’ (John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison), who broke the mold and, instead of jazz, served up ‘rock and roll.’ The club, highly popular with tourists, is now known as a ‘world famous music venue’ mainly due to The Beatles nearly 300 appearances. Located at 10 Mathew St., Liverpool L2 6RE

Tip: While you’re in Liverpool put British Music Experience museum on your list to see the latest exhibits; popular British Music will open at Liverpool’s Cunard Building, February 2017.

Vinyl Shops

Probe Records is a tiny cult music shop, worth a visit, because you will often find little gems that aren’t available in mainstream shops. Located at 1, The Bluecoat, School Ln., Liverpool L1 3BX

Jacaranda Record Shop is a 50’s style vinyl shop, upstairs over the Jacaranda Club. They have incredible booths, custom designed so you can sit with friends and listen to some of their records or ones you purchased. Located at 21-23 Slater St., Liverpool L1 4BW

When you go, don’t miss:

Magical Mystery Tour – This really is Magical – a guided tour on a psychedelic tour-bus that starts at the Albert Dock and stops at world-famous Beatles sites like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field as well as their childhood homes and schools. During the trip you’re entertained with Fab Four tunes and professional Beatles Guides. The tour is run by the Cavern Club.

Casbah Coffee Club – This is a suburban cellar club where you can slip back in time with a tour of Beatles memorabilia, posters, news clippings and the stage where they appeared, even before the legendary Cavern. The Casbah is owned and run by the Pete Best (former Beatle) family – and they’re your tour guides. Located at 8 Haymans Green, Liverpool L12 7JG

Where to Stay

Hard Day’s Night hotel – the only Beatles-inspired hotel in the world. Each room is decorated tastefully with Beatles-inspired artwork. The rooms are modern and spacious, some with private balconies.

Getting Around

Liverpool is a compact city, it’s easy to walk between all sights of interest.

By Rail – Merseyrail trains run frequently throughout the day, with 4 city centre underground stations – Lime Street lower level, Liverpool Central, Moorfields and James Street.

By Bus – Merseytravel runs a bus schedule around town. It’s a convenient, green, cost-effective way to explore the city. The two main city centre bus terminals are  Liverpool ONE and Queen Square.

By Ferry – Take the world-famous ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ with Mersey Ferries, managed by Merseytravel. It’s a good way to see Liverpool’s picturesque waterfront and all the historic buildings.