Liverpool was the town that was home to The Beatles and now the town has almost become synonymous with the group. Liverpool had been an extremely wealthy center for shipping in the 19^th century. The imposing buildings are fashioned in neo-classical style with colossal columns, grand entrance ways and ornate exteriors.

Places to visit are the Albert Dock, which houses five-storey ware houses in as many docks as on the Mersey River. The waterfront region which was awarded a Unesco World Heritage Site Status in 2004 is the largest collection of protected buildings in the country. It houses many galleries and museums from the Merseyside Maritime museum and International Slavery Museum to the Tate Liverpool Gallery. Tourists throng to the museums and the fact that entry is free for most adds to the lure.

There is the Beatles Story Museum with an audio guided presentation tracing the journey of the group. The voiceovers are done by Sir Paul McCartney, John Lenon’s Sister, and group’s manager and others. There are anecdotes of how the members met and their memorabilia is on display too, including George Harrison’s first guitar, Abbey Road recording studios and more. You can also opt for the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, a two-hour bus ride from Albert Dock to the Cavern that takes you around the sights related to the Beatles.

Other place to see is the brick tower on Crown Street, a now nondescript road behind some university residences, which opened on 15^th September 1830, and which was the first public railway station in the world. For shopping Go to Liverpool One, one of the largest Shopping centers in the world, spread over sprawling miles and selling almost everything under the sky.

Getting there: Fly to Manchester and it’s a 30 minute drive down to Liverpool.

Where to Stay: Bridge Street Worldwide and serviced Apartments