Liverpool is a major city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in the North West of England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary.

There's much more to Liverpool than The Beatles and football. In 2004 Liverpool's waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city's importance in the development of the world's trading system and dock technology.

The docks are central to Liverpool's history, with the best-known being Albert Dock. Restored in the 1980s it is now home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool Life and the Tate Liverpool as well as a selection of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants.

The business heart of the city is in The Three Graces, three fine buildings at the Pierhead, where commuter ferries cross the River Mersey to the Wirral Peninsular. The retail core has been thoroughly rebuilt in a billion pound project called Paradise Square. The City is watched over by the fine Catholic and Anglican cathedrals which sit on a ridge at opposite ends of Hope Street.

Liverpool's nightlife is legendary world-wide. The heritage of The Beatles is reflected in live music throughout the city's vibrant pubs and clubs. Classical music fans must visit the Philharmonic pub, opposite the Philharmonic Concert Hall near the cathedrals.

Some of Britain's most famous stand-ups and comedy writers come from Liverpool and Liverpool now hosts an annual Comedy Festival in venues all over Liverpool and Merseyside.

Intercity trains to London take just over 2 hours from Lime Street Station on the western side of the city centre. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is at Speke, 7.5 miles (12km) south-east of the city centre, but has no dedicated railway station.