You just can’t escape them in Liverpool: The Beatles. They are omnipresent, you can see and hear them everywhere. The success story of the British rock band formed in 1960 in Liverpool continues there. And on and on and on it goes …
«Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes …» – definiely my travel melody for Liverpool. And it should not leave me for an entire weekend. Upon arrival in Liverpool, the song got stuck in my head and the city did nothing for me to get rid of it again. Neiher did I. I have always liked he Beatles› music, but did not know too much of it, even though my Dad has always been a huge fan of them. I once saw a cover band at a local fair when I was a child. And I still remember the catchy tunes that introduced me to their music. When I went to Liverpool, it wasn’t because of the Beatles. But it turned out to be a weekend, where there was no chance to escape them.
If you don’t like the Beatles –
think about visiting Liverpool
You hear their songs in the hotels, in the bars, pubs and restaurants, you find their names on many buildings to commemorate their achievements and even bus drivers are whistling their songs throughout the day. You just can’t escape them. So why don’t you t
ake a look at the Beatles Story?
The Beatles Story is the life time museum of the rock band depicting every step of their career, from all night underground gigs in the Cavern Club in Liverpool’s Mathew Street until their break up in 1970. Yes, they «only» lasted for 10 years as a band, but their success continued throughout the world. If you have ever wanted to wear glasses like John Lennon, make sure you get pair of them at the souvenir shop – available in every colour … 🙂
On the banks of the river Mersey, the Albert Dock is part of the UNESCO world heritage s
ite. It is surrounded by cafés, little shops and museums, as well as a Mermaid House as part of he Merseyside Maritime Museum. Be prepared to meet many tourists there, but also take a look at the peculiar souvenirs dominated by … of course … the Beatles, the Union Jack, Liverpool’s football team and the Queen. You can buy little yellow submarines, guitar picks with «Abbey Road» on it (one of the world’s famous recording studios where the Beatles recorded, too) and street signs of Penny Lane. However, Albert Dock does not only offer «the Beatles». It also offers magnificent views over the harbour. There, modernity meets old British brick buildings of the old harbour. Just enjoy the view and if you want, you can leave your personalised padlock at he waterside.
Meet modern art alongisde British brick buildings at the docks
On the banks of the river Mersey, the Albert Dock is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. It is surrounded by cafés, little shops and museums, as well as a Mermaid House as part of he Merseyside Maritime Museum. Be prepared to meet many tourists there, but also take a look at the peculiar souvenirs dominated by … of course … the Beatles, the Union Jack, Liverpool’s football team and the Queen. You can buy little yellow submarines, guitar picks with «Abbey Road» on it (one of the world’s famous recording studios where the Beatles recorded, too) and street signs of Penny Lane. However, Albert Dock does not only offer «the Beatles». It also offers magnificent views over the harbour. There, modernity meets old British brick buildings of the old harbour. Just enjoy the view and if you want, you can leave your personalised padlock at he waterside.
Not so sure about it – Mathew Street
To be fair, Liverpool has a name for excellent night life and clubbing. Mathew Street is THE place to be. Apparently. What might be a busy street with pubs during the day, turns to a flashing and loud place as soon as the sun sets. I was very curious about this legendary street which was the home of the original Cavern club, where the Beatles started their career, and today hosts a replica of the club as well as a pub with the same name. However, I tried to walk quickly through it, and tried not to be jostled or run down by one of the numous drunk people by 8 pm. People were shouting at each other, waitresses in tiny robes tried to lure people into their pubs and clubs, flashlights and loud music did not stay inside and people were sitting down in the middle of the street, simply because they were not able to walk anymore. This is not my picture of an ideal party night and I did not stay there. I am sure, that the pubs in this street are very much fun to go out to but the picture Mathew Street presented me that evening, was not was I expected…
If you are in the area, make sure to visit Liverpool. It is a lovely city at the water side which a nice historical center and the docks. If you are thinking about making a trip to England just to visit Liverpool, you might want to think about it, if you are not an absolute Beatles fan. I promise, you will not get these songs out of your head for your entire stay 🙂
Here are a couple of impressions of the city, I will always remember … «in my ears and in my eyes»…
