The port-town of Liverpool is a booming, bustling, vibrant modern city.
Its rich cultural heritage and the sheer range of things to do there means its fast becoming one of the UK's top tourist attractions; to truly do the city justice you really need to experience it for yourself, but for those who can't here is a quick guide to what's on in Liverpool.
Liverpool's status as a trading hub means it is exceptionally well connected in terms of travel options.
The Liverpool John Lennon airport runs regular flights all over Europe and the UK; the fact it is primarily served by budget airlines like EasyJet also means it's often possible to get great deals on flights from or to here.
The city itself is served by a good bus system and two separate rail networks; congestion also isn't too serious a problem here so it is surprisingly easy to get around by car.
The range of hotel options in Liverpool is everything you'd expect from a major city.
For those who are sticking to a budget hostels like the friendly Hatter's hostel or the Nightingale Lodge provide cheap, clean, centrally located accommodation.
If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious though it might be an idea to check-out one of the city's boutique hotels; Hope Street hotel for example has a number of truly luxurious rooms.
The nickname for Liverpudlians, 'scouser', comes from a local stew called 'scouse'.
If you're looking to try some traditional food this stew is a great place to start, most places have their own variations on it too so you won't get bored.
If this isn't your thing Liverpool's multiculturalism means you can find a restaurant to suit whatever your taste for that evening is, it also has the usual range of international food chains.
One of Liverpool's most famous exports is the Beatles, and there are lots of guided tours and attractions available for fans of the band.
The Beatles Story is a special exhibition on Albert Dock which uses photographs and memorabilia to take your through the history of the Beatles.
Avid fans should also check out the Cavern Club where the Beatles first made their name.
The city was also recently voted the European Capital of Culture; this status shows in the sheer range of delights the city has to offer.
Aside from London, Liverpool has more art galleries than any other place in the UK: the Tate Liverpool gallery and the Walker Art Gallery are particularly recommended.
Liverpool's culture is also felt in the quality of its music: many pubs and bars in the city have music nights where you can go and see local bands perform.
If dance music is more your thing then Liverpool also has a great clubbing scene, Garlands has a great range of music (and is LGBT friendly) and the smaller venue The Masque is well-suited for those looking for a more intimate atmosphere.
If you're looking to get away from the stresses of urban life for a bit Liverpool can also cater to this need, it has ten city parks looking to meet that need.
St John's Gardens lies in the heart of the city and is great to pop into if you're just looking for a little break; to truly get away from it all however Walton Hall Park is ideal.