Weekend in Liverpool, England, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The maritime city of Liverpool, the hometown of the Beatles, sits at a bend of the River Mersey where it meets the Irish Sea in northwest England. The vibrant waterfront, a designated World Heritage Site, includes Albert Dock, Pier Head with the "Three Graces" (iconic mercantile buildings) to Stanley Dock and to St. George's Quarter. The city has 2,500 buildings of special architectural or historic interest — the largest collection outside London. Don't fret about a little rain on your visit. Liverpool has one of the most impressive collections of museums in Europe.
When dialing direct, use the prefix 011 followed by 44 (country code) + 151 (city code) + the phone number shown below. Trip planning at Visit Liverpool, www.visitliverpool.com.
Getting there: Delta offers nonstop flights to Manchester, a 45-minute rail trip (about $6 one-way), from $1,100. London to Liverpool on the Virgin Trains' Pendolino rail line is just over two hours duration (from $26 one-way). Nonstop to London from $1,200. Air rates based on midweek departures through Dec. 13 or Dec. 24-April 6.
BUDGET
Stay: The Nadler is a contemporary budget hotel housed in a printworks building from the 1850s. Rooms from $64 have kitchenettes; studios and suites have a living area, and the split-level suite has a private garden. Many restaurants and bars are nearby, and the Liverpool One shopping area and Central train station are less than a five-minute walk. 29 Seel St. 705-2626, www.thenadler.com/liverpool.
Eat: Thomas Rigby's is one of Liverpool's oldest pubs with a regionally important interior. Stop in for a lunch or evening meal with a cask ale. Try a bowl of Scouse, a lamb or beef stew served with red cabbage, vegetables and warm crusty bread. $10-$20. 23-25 Dale St. 236-3496.
Experience: Opened in 1846, Albert Dock is today one of the city's most popular areas for shopping, dining, nightlife and museums. The beautifully preserved historic docks and warehouses are home to the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the Liverpool Maritime Museum, the Beatles Story, and the International Slavery Museum. "The Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story" exhibit at the Merseyside Maritime Museum explores Liverpool's central role in the Titanic story. Free. The dining rooms on the museum's fourth floor are recommended for lunch or afternoon tea of cakes and pastries. 22 Edward Pavilion. 907-1057, www.albertdock.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The Titantic Hotel offers the largest and most luxurious guest rooms, spa facilities and fine dining. It's located in a warehouse with views over the historic port through the building's original windows. It's located five minutes from city center. From $120. Stanley Dock, Regent Road. 559-1444, www.titanichotelliverpool.com.
Eat: The Baltic Fleet Pub is in the fast rising Baltic Triangle area, a neighborhood of nautical bars and restaurants about a 10-minute walk from town. The bow-shaped pub has served visitors since the 1850s. Today it's noted for its two smuggler tunnels, three ghosts, cellar-brewed ales, and traditional pub food, $10-$18. Join a lively maritime song and music session on the first Saturday of every month, www.liverpoolseashanty.co.uk. 33A Wapping. 709-3116, www.balticfleetpubliverpool.com.
Experience: Fab Four fans: Hop aboard the Magical Mystery bus, which circles the city to visit places in the lives of the Beatles, from Strawberry Field to Penny Lane. The guided two-hour tour ($20) starts at Albert Dock and ends at the legendary Cavern Club, one of the city's top music venues and where the Beatles played nearly 300 times. Magical Mystery Tour ticket holders enjoy free admission to the front stage of the Cavern on the evening of the tour. Nightly live music includes Beatles tribute bands. Other visitors enter free during the day; $3-$6 weekends and evenings. 10 Mathew St. 236-1965, www.cavernclub.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Shankly Hotel is a tribute to one of the UK's greatest soccer managers, Bill Shankly. Memorabilia can be viewed within the floor, walls and ceiling. This elegant city-center property features a bar and restaurant for cocktails, dinner, afternoon tea or midnight munchies. Spacious guest rooms are handsomely appointed. From $120. 60 Victoria St. 541-0632, http://shanklyhotel.com.
Eat: Enjoy traditional Sunday roast at Hanover Street Social, a modern brasserie. A choice of roast (beef, chicken, pork) is served with the trimmings, $18 for a two-course lunch; $23 for three. Every Monday, two courses with a bottle of wine for each is $25. 16-20 Hanover St. 709-8784, www.hanoverstreetsocial.co.uk.
Experience: RIBA's (Royal Institute of British Architects) two-hour guided city walking tours tell the story of Liverpool past, present and future through the buildings and spaces. Choose from five different themed tours, $10.50, www.architecture.com/liverpoolcitytours. Following the guided tour, quench a thirst. Download a free in-depth RIBA-inspired PDF map for a self-guided tour of the Liverpool Pub Trail, www.architecture.com/RIBA/Contactus/OurUKoffices/NorthWest/Files/CityofCultureLearning&FaithsPubtrail.pdf.
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