Liverpool City Centre

A brief history of Liverpool City Centre

Liverpool City Centre might seem like a modern shopping and entertainment precinct today, but it's been around for a very long time. Its history can be traced back to the early 1200s, which is when the town was granted official status. All of the streets that existed then still exist today, but they've been joined by all sorts of other iconic monuments. 

One of the most important historical parts of the area is the UNESCO-designated Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City. It encompasses 6 inner-city districts, going from the grand old port buildings of Pier Head to the former warehouses of the Ropewalks. Together, these parts of the town formed one of the engine rooms of British Empire trade and manufacturing.

You also won't want to miss the Liverpool Town Hall. It dates back to the mid-18^th century, is Grade I-listed and considered one of the finest examples of urban Georgian architecture in the country.

What are the highlights of Liverpool City Centre?

There's just so much going on in the Liverpool City Centre that it's a regular challenge to squash it all into a single trip. For starters, you'll be treading one of the most historically and culturally rich parts of town. Jaunts to the illuminating Museum of Liverpool and the performance halls of the so-called Knowledge Quarter are definite musts if you come with the thinking cap firmly attached.

Alternatively, there's endless gastronomy and dining. Cafes and teahouses serve brunches and single-origin brews from the middle of the morning onwards. At night, noir bars offer mixology cocktails, while the eclectic mix of Turkish shisha lounges and all-American burger houses on Bold Street get busy.

Even later, there's the excellent nightlife that promises to carry on until the early hours. Mosey down to Seel Street and the Ropewalks for that. Latin-infused venues like Alma de Cuba and rocking alt clubs like Zanzibar will pick up the reigns over there.

What are the best places to shop in Liverpool City Centre?

Shoppers won't be disappointed by the Liverpool City Centre. This is one of the top retail meccas not just in the city, but the whole North of England. Altogether, it counts 5 separate arcades, 2 major department stores, and nearly 500 shops. You should be able to buy a whole kaleidoscope of stuff.

The colossal Liverpool One shopping centre is one you simply can't miss. It now dominates the district with its 42 acres of prime till-clinking territory. Expect to find everything from Zara to the official Liverpool Football Club store wedged between John Street and New Manesty's Lane.

The Ropewalks area is also particularly fantastic for shoppers. There, the mainstay brands take a backseat and Liverpool's creatives step up. It's a hodgepodge of vintage clothes outlets and vinyl shops, delicatessen farmer's markets and art galleries.  

Good to know about Liverpool City Centre

Liverpool City Centre is easy to get to but not easy to park in. There are several train stations in and around the district, including Liverpool Lime Street to the east and Liverpool Central. The main Liverpool One Bus Station sits on the south side of the area, right by the main shopping precinct.

Liverpool City Centre is the happening quarter is the liveliest part of the town, so peace and quiet are relatively scarce. That's especially true at night when everywhere, from the Ropewalks to the Waterfront, start pumping with revellers.