Liverpool: City guide

By Linnie Rawlinson for CNN

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See

Kick off with vertigo-inducing vistas -- choose between the mighty Anglican Cathedral, the largest in Britain, with 100m high panoramic views over the city, or the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, affectionately nicknamed "Paddy's Wigwam" by the locals, with its kaleidoscopic stained glass windows and Lutyens crypt.

Off the beaten track, visit the Williamson tunnels, a network of 19th century secret underground passages built by an eccentric philanthropist known as the 'King of Edge Hill'- was he simply providing employment in a time of hardship or was he looking for something mysterious?

Get your Beatles fix on a tour of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's childhood homes, 20 Forthlin Road and Mendips, then head to the Albert Dock. Here, amongst the Merseybeat memorabilia, you'll see the city's renaissance in action - the docks form the heart of Liverpool's resurgence. Once dirty and derelict, they're now buzzing with new bars, restaurants, shops and luxury developments. While you're there, marvel at Merseyside's former magnificence with a walk along the World Heritage waterfront at Pier Head.

Arts and culture

Take a wander around the city's cultural quarter, presided over by St George's Hall, a neoclassical masterpiece. Its gem is the Walker Art Gallery - revel in its blowsy collection of Pre-Raphaelites. Tate Liverpool (Albert Dock) caters to those with more modernist tastes, while film buffs and wannabe digeratis should head to FACT (Wood Street) for hip independent flicks and electronic art.

Don't miss the city's favorite sculpture -- Superlambanana, a cute canary-yellow alert to the dangers of genetic modification by artist Taro Chiezo. (Also look out for the Beatles' yellow submarine, currently crash-landed outside Liverpool John Lennon Airport.) If you're a fan of the boards, Liverpool cultivates a thriving theatre scene - catch a cutting edge homegrown production at the Everyman.

Be seen

Shopping-wise, if you've got cash to splash, get your designer fix at the new Met Quarter development on Whitechapel. For quirky buys and cool cafe society, head to Bold Street -- check out Utility for home wares and Microzine for clothing.

If it's pub culture you're seeking, tuck yourself away in a Victorian snug at the Philharmonic (also renowned for its elaborate listed toilets) or drop into the Roscoe Head or the Fly in the Loaf for a pint of really good real ale.

Later on, see the beautiful people sling back mojitos and tapas in old-style glamour at Alma de Cuba or join the hip studenty crowd for some iPod dueling at retro-chic Korova, then party into the small hours with the house heads at Chibuku, join the electro trashers at Evol for punk and funk or head to Le Bateau for alternative sounds.

Eat

At the top of the tree, Paul Heathcote's Simply Heathcote's sets the bar with sophisticated seasonal fare, while the reassuringly expensive 60 Hope Street and the classy, glassy London Carriage Works battle it out in the university quarter.

Further out, Lark Lane is treasured by the locals for its chilled out, bohemian restaurants and bars. Check out the Zutons' favorites, Keith's and Marantos.

In the Financial Quarter, try Ziba at the Racquet Club for cool cocktails and modern British cuisine in plush surroundings. For smaller wallets, the Everyman Bistro offers fast, fresh, home cooked food for the creative crowd, while The Monro serves up great British pub grub.

As befits a city that boasts the oldest Chinese community in Europe, Liverpool's eastern cuisine shines. Head to Chinatown for traditional lunchtime dim sum at the Far East, or dine on the best crispy duck in town at the Yuet Ben -- don't be put off by the dingy surroundings and ask for a window table so you can watch the sun set behind the Chinese Arch.

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