There are a billion reasons why we believe Liverpool is the best place on Earth; however, we haven’t got time to write all that, so we’ve narrowed it down into specific categories to celebrate everything wonderful about our magnificent city.

Now we couldn’t possibly rank the city’s best features, so, in no particular order, check out our 32 reasons to love Liverpool…

1. History

source: www.thehistorypress.co.uk

Liverpool’s history can be traced as far back as 1190, when it was known simply as ‘Liuerpul’. However, it wasn’t until 1715 when Liverpool began to expand into a major city, following the opening of the town’s first wet dock. However, it was during the 19th and 20th century that the city’s history was defined, as the city’s maritime heritage was defined in the 1800s and 1900s.

Thanks to the city’s dock and the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, the city grew exponentially, with one quarter of Liverpool’s population being Irish born by 1851. Before long, Liverpool was heralded as “the second city of the Empire”, and became integral to the Battle of the Atlantic, which was fought and won in our city. Liverpool’s role in the Second World War resulted in the Liverpool blitz, which caused significant destruction across the town.

Due to the development of modern ships, Liverpool’s docks could no longer accommodate trade into the city, resulting in the Albert Dock closing its doors in the 1960s, until its regeneration in the 1980s. Liverpool’s maritime legacy had come to an end, but her achievements are embedded in the city’s culture, buildings and history.

The city had its fair share of high points in the 60s, such as The Beatles rise to fame and Liverpool FC winning the 1965 FA Cup Final, thanks to the leadership of manager Bill Shankly. However, there were plenty of low points along the way, too, such as the 1981 Toxteth Riots, whilst unemployment rose to an all-time high. However, good news came in 2008 when Liverpool was awarded European Capital of Culture, which led to significant investment, resulting in the beautiful city we know and love today.

2. People

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

We’re probably a little biased, but we think you can’t find better people than us loveable Scousers. You can rely on locals to offer a helping hand to lost tourists in the street, or for us all to turn out to stand up for justice or against fascist group. We’re also not afraid to have a little chat in the bus stop, or to just have a dance in the city centre streets with a bunch of amazing strangers. So, no matter what’s happening in the city or the world, we can take heart that we live in a city full character that’s complemented by a big bunch of colourful characters, too.

3. Architecture

Whether you live in the city or have arrived by bus, train or car, you cannot miss the beautiful buildings dotted across Liverpool. From the neo-classical St George’s Hall to the famous Three Graces, you will fall in love with the architecture that is steeped in history.

Located on the corner of James Street and The Strand is 30 James Street, which was formerly known as Albion House, and now serves as the Titanic themed hotel 30 James Street – Home of the Titanic. Not only does it have an intriguing history, as it was RMS Titanic’s port of registry, but it was constructed in 1896, inspired by the architect’s earlier work of the former New Scotland Yard building in London.

One of the most striking buildings in Liverpool has to be the Town Hall, which was built in 1754 and rebuilt in 1802 following a fire. Both the interior and exterior are simply breathtaking, with the ground floor featuring encaustic tiles with depictions of the arms of Liverpool and the Liver Bird.

4. Diverse Cultures

source: thecityofliverpool.wordpress.com

Liverpool is one of the most important sites in the history of multiculturalism in the UK. The city is now the home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, as many of the first residents of Liverpool’s Chinatown arrived as seamen in the 19th century. It is also home to the oldest black community, which dates back to 1730s, which allows some black Liverpudlians to trace their ancestors in the city by ten generations. Early black settlers included freed slaves, seamen, and the children of traders sent to Liverpool for an education.

The Scouse accent has also been heavily influenced by the Irish and Welsh dialect, as it is historically recognised for its large Irish and Welsh population. Approximately 50% of the Liverpool population are therefore believed to have Irish ancestry. Liverpool is also home to the largest UK Latin American community outside of London, as well as other nationalities.

5. Restaurants

source: shanklyhotel.com

You can’t walk down a Liverpool street without spotting a new restaurant, which are often flanked by more established eating places that are just as good. The city is growing every day, leading to so many restaurants popping up left, right and city centre. Grab an award-winning burger from The Bastion Bar & Restaurant, tuck into some BBQ at Slim Pork Chop Express or see why everyone is raving over jerk chicken at Turtle Bay. The city rejoiced this year when American Pizza Slice opened a restaurant on Bold Street, whilst it seems the whole world and her husband are heading to Matou to enjoy delicious Thai dishes and picturesque views of Liverpool’s waterfront.

6. Shopping

source: www.cultureliverpool.co.uk

Whether you love splashing the cash in Harvey Nichols, shopping ’til you drop on the high street or browsing independent boutiques for some hidden gems, Liverpool has it all! We’re one of the most stylish cities in the UK, if we do say so ourselves, as Liverpool ladies and lads make every high street look like a catwalk.

Doll yourself up in designer at the MetQuarter that features stores such as Armani and Hugo Boss; whilst high street big names will have you suited and booted for every season. Head into Liverpool One and you’ll be spoilt for choice with a selection of popular stores, before heading up stairs for a trip to the Odeon or a meal in one of their restaurants. The perfect retail experience!

7. Loyalty

source: www.the-liver-bird.co.uk

As we stated a little earlier, Scousers are some of the best people around. The people of Liverpool have been seeking justice for the 96 people who tragically lost their lives at Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989. The community has continually shown their support to the victims’ family and friends, in a bid to ensure justice is finally done and so they can learn exactly what happened that unfortunate day.

Just last year, Scousers came together once again to prevent a National Action march from taking place in Liverpool city centre. Hundreds of people turned out to thwart the white supremacist group’s protest. Outnumbered, the Neo Nazi protest group cancelled their march.

8. Bars

source: www.rackanddollar.com

Liverpool is the epitome of cool right now – which is backed up by the city’s wide selection of bars. You can try your fair share of craft beer at BrewDog, grab a stein and brine at Salt Dog Slims whilst watching the match, or take yourself along to Bar Signature for delicious 2-4-£10 cocktails. If you want to watch some sport with a can of American beer and a game of pool, Rack & Dollar is just the ticket – just remember to book a table in advance because this place is becoming increasingly popular.

9. Music

source: www.rivercool.co.uk

Liverpool was declared the “City of Pop” by the Guinness World Records in 2001, as more number one records have came from Liverpool than any other city. One of the most popular scouse acts has to be The Beatles, of course. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’re bound to appreciate the musical legacy the Fab Four bestowed onto Liverpool, as well as the rest of the world. There are so many destinations where The Beatles played during the start of their career, but none are more famous than The Cavern Club, where the rock ‘n’ roll band made a total of 292 appearances.

Other famous bands to hail from the city include Echo & the Bunnymen, A Flock of Seagulls, The Farm, Cast, The Zutons, The Wombats, The Coral, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Dead or Alive and Gerry and the Pacemakers, plus so many more.

The Mathew Street Festival was once one of the most popular events on the city’s calendar, but was soon swapped for the more organised Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), which features local, national and international superstars. This year Maverick Sabre, Sigma, Ms Dynamite and The Wombats will take to the Sefton Park stage to offer a long weekend of fantastic music. LIMF will take place from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th July 2016.

You can also attend some fantastic performances at the Echo Arena Liverpool, which offers concerts from some of the most famous international superstars. For more intimate music venues, we recommend taking yourself along to the O2 Academy.

10. Nightlife

People from across the UK flock into Liverpool every night to experience the buzz of the city’s nightlife. Who can blame them, either, because there are so many amazing nightclubs to choose from, such as Mansion and Kingdom. For a night of fantastic music and an atmosphere to match, drop into Level that offers three floors and a great selection of drinks. With taxis located within the city centre, and plenty of great hotels to book, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a brilliant night in town.

11. Entertainment

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

You could never be bored in Liverpool, because it’s full of all sorts of entertainment. Book a ticket on the Wheel of Liverpool to catch a glimpse of our stunning city. There are also so many ways to give your belly a good old laugh at the Green Rooms, with actor Ricky Tomlinson often hosting nights that are full of laughter, great music and impeccable service.

For bingo with a twist, join Bongo’s Bingo at Camp and Furnace, which was recently hosted by none other than The Hoff himself. Constellations also offers all things to all people, as it’s not only a pretty cool bar, but they regularly host numerous music and artistic events. You can also pop along to the rooftop Secret Garden Cinema above Queen’s Square Car Park, as you can sit on a deck chair with your friends and watch some classic movies.

12. Events

source: www.littletimemachine.com

You must have been living in a box if you missed out on some of Liverpool’s recent events. The Giants brought a smile to everyone’s faces back in 2012 to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of RMS Titanic, only to return in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of World War I.

Just last year, the city witnessed The Three Queens dock into Liverpool, re-enacting Cunard Line’s first transatlantic passage, which was in honour of the liner’s 175th anniversary.

Another hotly anticipated event comes in the form of the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival at Sefton Park, which brings together the best restaurants, bars and producers to offer a street food extravaganza. With events such as Africa Oyé, Liverpool LightNight, Brazilica and Liverpool Biennial, we defy you to ever feel bored.

To see what 2016 has in store for the city, simply click here for the best Liverpool events on the calendar.

13. Theatre

source: www.thehouseshop.com

We’re a little bit in love with Liverpool Theatre at the moment – and how could we not be? There are so many theatres to choose from that offer a variety of theatrical productions. One of the oldest theatres in the city is the Liverpool Playhouse, which opened in 1866 as a music hall but now offers local and touring productions. The Liverpool Playhouse’s sister theatre, the Everyman Theatre, has also launched the careers of some of the finest thespians from the UK, including Pete Postlethwaite, Julie Walters, Bill Nighy, Alison Steadman and Jonathan Pryce, to name but a few. The Everyman Theatre was rebuilt between 2011 to 2014, offering a modern theatre that has maintained the building’s character and intimate atmosphere.

To catch some of the finest touring theatres from the UK, take a look at what’s on at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, which hosts everything from musicals, variety shows, plays, pop concerts and comedy events. Other theatre venues that are most definitely worth a visit include The Lantern Theatre, Unity Theatre, Epstein Theatre and the recently revamped Royal Court Theatre.

14. Museums & Galleries

source: www.telegraph.co.uk

For a fun and educational day out that won’t cost you a penny, it’s time to grab the kids, your partner, friends, or all three and take a trip one or ten of the museums and galleries in Liverpool. The Merseyside Maritime Museum is ideal for those who want to learn about Liverpool’s extensive maritime history, as you can view original RMS Titanic artefacts and can learn more about the Battle of the Atlantic.

Located on the 3rd floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, you’ll find the International Slavery Museum – which is the only museum of its kind to look at contemporary and historical slavery. Here you can explore the story and culture of West Africa, which was central to the transatlantic slavery story, or can find out more about the brutality enslaved Africans suffered.

For a museum that celebrates everything to do with the city, visit the Museum of Liverpool that offers The Beatles related items, Viking silver, vehicles spanning several centuries, and archaeological finds, plus more. If you want to explore history outside of Liverpool, take a trip to the World Museum which offers artefact collections from the Americas, Asia, Egypt and more.

15. Boxing

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

The city has some pretty amazing boxers right now. Tony Bellew, the Smith Brothers, Rocky Fielding, David Price and Derry Matthews have put the city on the map in terms of sport – with Bellew even starring in the critically-acclaimed movie Creed. Proving, when it comes to the sport, Liverpool knows how to pack one hell of a punch!

16. Notable Achievements

source: whc.unesco.org

Liverpool has received numerous achievements during its history. One of the city’s most notable accomplishments has to be when Liverpool’s waterfront became a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site in 2004 – putting it on par with the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. Six areas of the Maritime Mercantile City are part of the World Heritage Site: the Pier Head, Albert Dock, William Brown Street, the Stanley Dock Conservation Area, Duke Street Conservation Area/Ropewalks, and The Commercial Quarter/Castle Street Conservation Area. Each area is related to a different time and component in Liverpool’s maritime history.

Thanks to Liverpool’s diverse culture and history, the city was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008 – a year after celebrating the city’s 800th anniversary. Liverpool is also the home to the UK’s oldest surviving classical orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – and the oldest surviving repertory theatre, Liverpool Playhouse. Oh, and orthopaedic surgery was also pioneered in the city by Hugh Owen Thomas. Yeah, we’re proper boss, like.

17. Transport Links

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Liverpool provides one of the busiest and most extensive local rail networks in the country, with services operated by Merseyrail and Northern Rail. Liverpool offers an extensive range of transport links, which includes trains, buses and ferries.

You can connect to and from Liverpool by car on the M62 motorway, A41 road and A562 road. For soemthing a little more local, hop on one of the many buses that will take you across the city, with the main terminals at Queens Square Bus Station and Paradise Street Bus Interchange. However, if you’re heading over to the other side of the water, you could always take the more scenic option of the Mersey Ferry, which allows you to enjoy the iconic Liverpool waterfront as you travel from Liverpool to Birkenhead and Wallasey. The CityBike hire scheme also offers a fun, efficient and healthy way to travel, as you can rent a bike for a day for your travel to work or a trip around the park with all the family.

However, if you want to take to the air for a holiday or business adventure, Liverpool John Lennon airport is one of the best ways to do just that. The major airport handles over 5.3 million passengers per year, offering services to 68 destinations every single day – that’s a lot of holidays! So, if for some reason you want to wave goodbye to lovely Liverpool for a few days, weeks or months, you could be just a plane ride away from cities such as Barcelona, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Lanzarote or Berlin.

18. Arts

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

We’re a city of art lovers here in Liverpool. We’re full to the brim of galleries and museums – offering more than any other city outside of London. We are also the home to one of three Tate galleries in the UK. The FACT also offers the finest multimedia exhibitions, and even welcomed Shia Labeouf in December 2015 for a the four day Touch My Soul installation.

Head to the Walker Art Gallery to view permanent pre-Raphaelite art, or head to the beautiful Sudley House to take a look at their pre-20th century art collection. If you haven’t done so already, visit Liverpool University’s Victoria Building to see their display of the university’s artwork, as well as historical collections. One of the most exciting annual arts events has to be Liverpool Biennial, of course, which runs from mid-September to late November.

19. Language

We might read the Queen’s English, but we talk scouse. It’s not Asda, it’s “The Asda”. We make things shorter, which allows us to talk even quicker, and we’re not afraid to tell you when you’re being a blert or a wool. We also have one of the friendliest dialects in the world, which is synonymous with our outgoing personalities.

20. Film Productions

source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

We told you a little earlier how Liverpool is planning a massive new film studio – and we’re about to prove why. Just some of the movies filmed in Liverpool in recent years include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Sherlock Holmes, Captain America: The First Avenger, Florence Foster Jenkins and the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastical Beasts and Where to Find Them. TV shows shot in the city include Peaky Blinders, Worried About the Boy and Good Cop. And we cannot wait to see that list pile up even further within the coming years.

21. Two Cathedrals

source: scotphoto.photoshelter.com

We don’t do things by halves – which is why we offer not one but two beautiful cathedrals. What can we say, Liverpool is a city that just keeps on giving! You’ll find two of the largest cathedrals constructed during the 20th century in for the form of the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is one of the world’s tallest non-spired churches, and the Grade I listed building is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool. The Metropolitan Cathedral, known to us scousers as Paddy’s Wigwan, serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and is one of the city’s many Grade II* listed buildings.

22. World Firsts

Liverpool doesn’t follow trends, we set them. We are a city of firsts, changing the course of a history one act at a time. For example, Liverpool offered the first commercial wet dock, the first UK provincial airport, the first integrated sewer system, the first railway tunnels and the first lending library. That’s pretty good, isn’t it?

Wait, we haven’t finished! Our beautiful city also created the first arts centre, the first public art conservation centre, the world’s first electrified railway, and we were the first city to name an airport after an individual.

The School of Tropical Medicine is the first school of its kind – and the first ever British Nobel Prize was awarded to Ronald Ross, a professor at that school, in 1902.

Shall we continue? You get the jist.

23. Crabbie’s Grand National

source: www.thinkdestinations.com

One of the oldest and biggest sporting events has to be the Crabbie’s Grand National Festival, which offers a long weekend of racing, fashion and socialising. People from across the world tune in to watch the event brought to you straight from Aintree Racecourse.

The historic horse racing event first took place at Aintree Racecourse in 1839, offering 30 fences over just two laps. The course now offers much larger fences and is the most valuable jump race in Europe, offering a prize fund of £1 million.

24. Breathtaking Views

There are some places in Liverpool that must be experienced. If you are looking for a place to go to just appreciate our fair city or just life in general, you will be spoilt for options. One of the most beautiful destinations you can visit has to be Crosby Beach to breath in the beauty of Antony Gormley’s Another Place – the perfect place to visit, day or night.

Liverpool’s waterfront is also a must for both locals and tourists, showcasing some of the city’s most beautiful buildings and the famous River Mersey. You can see the waterfront on a Mersey Ferry, the Wheel of Liverpool or can book a table at one of the many stylish restaurants facing the Liverpool skyline, including 30 James Street, Panoramic 34, Oh Me Oh My or Matou.

To see the city in all its glory, we suggest standing at the top of Everton Park to see all the buildings and bright lights that make up our city. A novel way to see Liverpool is to head up to the top of Liverpool Cathedral!

25. Beautiful Parks

Speaking of beautiful places, Liverpool has ten listed parks and cemeteries – two of which are grade I listed and five are grade II* listed – which is more than any other city in England outside of London. In fact, the English Heritage National Register of Historic Parks has gone as far as to say that Merseyside’s Victorian Parks are, collectively, the “most important in the country”. Add all of Liverpool’s parks together and that is a combined open space of over 2,500 acres.

26. Bright Future

The future is bright for Liverpool. Mayor Joe Anderson’s Invest to Earn strategy is helping to generate £3 million per year for the city, with the money being reinvested into essential services. There’s also an £8 million improvement plan to improve the city’s roads, and plans to upgrade Liverpool Lime Street to boost tourism and improve flexibility.

The city has witnessed a surge of investment within the last few years, and the city seems to be unstoppable right now in terms of growth. With new restaurants, bars and stores popping up in the city, and more businesses establishing themselves in Liverpool, you can guarantee we will continue to be an attractive option for companies across the world.

27. Plenty of Pubs

You didn’t think we’d forget about the great British boozer, did you? Because Liverpool is practically bursting at the seams with them. From the striking interior of The Philharmonic Dining Rooms to the wide selection of ales and continental beers at The Ship & Mitre, there will be a drinking haunt for you. Embrace everything music at the Cavern Pub, enjoy award winning fish and chips at The Sefton Arms or try the selection of microbrewery beers at the Georgian boozer The Belvedere Arms. There are just so many drinking dens for you to try both inside and outside the city centre, with many steeped in history or wonderful Scouse characters.

28. Host of Hotels

Liverpool is one of the best cities in the world – so it makes sense that many people across the globe want to experience everything we have to offer. And when it comes to accommodation, we’re pretty sure you will be spoilt for options. Just last year, BDO announced Liverpool was achieving the best hotel industry growth rates in the UK,

29. The Mersey Ferry

source: www.liverpoolguild.org

Gerry & The Pacemakers made the Mersey Ferry synonymous with our great city, when they released the hit song Ferry Across the Mersey in 1965. Ever since, people from all over have travelled to our maritime city to step aboard this amazing mode of transport, which offers a unique way to see Liverpool’s many sights before you even step back onto land.

30. Football

source: www.101greatgoals.com

Liverpool is a city of sport lovers. So much so that it has even determined the colour of our rubbish bins. If you didn’t know already, the reason why your bin is the colour purple is because it’s a mixture of Liverpool red and Everton blue. So yeah, we’re pretty big on football.

Locals enjoy a spot of friendly football rivalry when it comes to clubs Everton FC and Liverpool FC. Whether you’re a blue or a red, you can guarantee the atmosphere will be electric at both Goodison Park and Anfield Stadium.

31. Literature

source: www.bloodbrothersmusical.com

A number of famous writers were born and raised in Liverpool, including fiction writer Dame Beryl Bainbridge, screenwriter Jimmy McGovern and poet Roger McGough. One of the most well-know Liverpool writers has to be playwright Willy Russell, who wrote Blood Brothers, Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita.

Liverpool was also the inspiration behind many notable works, with Charles Dickens saying at a banquet in his honour at St George’s Hall: “That Liverpool had never failed him when he had asked the help of her citizens in the cause of literature and benevolence, and that her response has been spontaneous, open-handed and munificent.”

It wasn’t just Charles Dickens who feel in love with the town. Writer Daniel Defoe said, “Liverpool is one of the wonders of Britain. In a word, there is no town in England, London excepted, that can equal for the fineness of the streets, and the beauty of the buildings.”

32. Famous Attractions Landmarks

You will never be short of things to do in Liverpool. With so many attractions and landmarks to see, you will need more than a week just to fit it all in – whether you’re a local or a tourist. For example, you can head up to the Radio City Tower, go on a Beatles Tour of the Fab Four’s childhood homes, or you can enjoy a wild day out at Knowsley Safari Park.

One of the most popular places in Liverpool has to be Bold Street. So, if you’re looking for a delicious bite to eat in the city centre, check out the 10 best cheap eats nearby.