Liverpool: the European Capital of Culture

In a continent that boasts cities such as Rome, Athens and Paris, it may be somewhat of a challenge for other European cities to come even close to matching the star-attraction status of these historically important and culturally significant metropolises. However, 2008 is the year that Liverpool takes centre stage as the European capital of culture and becomes one of the top city destinations for those seeking more bang for their bucks.

Indeed, as a major UK city, Liverpool has always been high on the tourist hit-list. But, as the birthplace of perhaps the most famous band the world has ever known, Liverpool will always perhaps be best known as the city that gave the world The Beatles.

Even today, almost fifty years after the Beatles played their first ever gig at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, the venue is still a major focal point on the many Beatles tours that take place throughout the year. And, even for those who are indifferent to the historical significance of the Cavern Club, it is just as relevant to the latest generation of musicians, as it continues to host live bands to this day.

Moreover, as the 2008 European capital of culture, the city has been attracting some major events. The MTV Europe Music Awards, for example, are being held in Liverpool in November 2008, which makes it only the third UK city ever to host the prestigious awards ceremony. The 2008 show will take place in the newly-built Echo Arena and will see top international acts such as the Killers and Kid Rock perform to a global television audience.

But, for those whose interest in music ends at turning on the car radio on the way to work each day, Liverpool has a wealth of activities on offer; and there is something for everyone.

For shopping, dining, sleeping and generally exploring, there is the newly-opened ‘Liverpool One’, a leisure district that encompasses 160 shops, cafes and restaurants, two hotels, a cinema and 600 apartments. Overlooking Chavasse Park – a city centre green oasis – ‘Liverpool One’ is the benchmark for 21st century leisure and retail centres; it has to be seen to be believed.

Furthermore, in keeping with the ‘capital of culture’ theme, Liverpool has a staggering eight national galleries and museums, making it second only to London in terms of the abundance of cultural and artistic buildings that are open to visitors.

However, no visit to Liverpool would be complete without a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Albert Dock. Opened in 1846, the site is essentially a complex of dock buildings and warehouses that is now home to a multitude of museums, hotels, bars and restaurants and is the most visited multi-use attraction in the UK outside of London.

And, with so much on offer, it is perhaps not surprising that Liverpool hotels are always in great demand. From major music events and leisure districts, to galleries, museums and a world heritage site, Liverpool truly has something for everyone, making it a worthy holder of the ‘2008 European Capital of Culture’ title.

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.