Tours

Travellers have a choice of walking or purchasing an economical one-day ticket, valid on buses, trains and ferries. Queen Square, in the heart of the city centre is a good place to start. It's a brand-new complex dominated by the Marriott City Centre hotel and has an amazing variety of modern and high-tech designer watering holes and eateries. Have your breakfast on the piazza or roof terrace of the Rat & Parrot, and survey the scene. Take a moment to consider the evening dining possibilities, perhaps La Tasca Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Squares, De Alto Mediterranean restaurant, Ask and many more. Close by is the Royal Court Theatre hosting a wide range of concerts. For those on the culture trail follow the signs to St Georges Hall, which is one of the finest Neo-classical buildings in the world. After gazing in awe, you can stroll across to the Walker Art Gallery and view the collection of old Masters. Next door is the Liverpool Museum and Planetarium. Children will love the outstanding displays from the natural world and the inner mysteries of outer space. Spaced-out? Then you could indulge in some light refreshment at the museum or gallery. If you have time, you could pop down the road to Rumford Street and visit the Western Approaches Museum. Here you can search the underground labyrinth of rooms that were once the top-secret nerve centre in 1940s wartime Britain.

Enjoy a pleasant stroll back to Mathew Street and Cavern Walks. For those who support the reds, about-turn to Williamson Square as the Liverpool Football Club shop supplies the lot, from LFC hallmarked baby bottles to home and away kits. Fancy a bargain? Call at St John's Market, sharp left and you're there. Or are you a high street groupie? If so carry on down Tarleton Street, past John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, to find what used to be the main pedestrian shopping area. Never fear, however, as the shops are only a side street away. Discover the chain shops you know and love so well, whilst squeezing past the street market stalls that sell everything from handbags to hotdogs.

Serious shoppers will not be disappointed. Clayton Square shopping centre offers a wide selection of stores including Disney Shop, Virgin, Boots The Body Shop and Oasis. Walking out of the Square opposite Central Station, to your left is the huge Lewis's building with its "statue exceedingly bare". To your right, you will see Bold Street, well-known in the 50s and 60s for its posh frock shops. Now pedestrianised, you can find a more contemporary selection of stores including Monsoon, Karen Millen, Warehouse, Kookai and Dune.

If you are already weak at the knees from shop overkill, then visit one of the many cafe bars further along the same street. All new, Bijou, Coffee Union, Cafe D'oro, XS and more.

Walk back through Church Street, past Top Shop, WH Smiths, and Next; you will now be back in Mathew Street, otherwise known as the Cavern Quarter and have at last reached the infamous Cavern Club.... Ah! Those heady days of the 60s with stone walls, dripping excitement and sounds of the Beatles, the Searchers, and the Swinging Blue Jeans. If you want to know more, The Magical Mystery Tour will take you there.

Time for lunch now and just around the corner you can find Casa Italia and Casa Bella, or try De Coubertini's an exciting themed sports bar serving delicious light meals. For the afternoon's delights head towards the Pier Head, the River Mersey, and Albert Dock. Walk or ride on one of the circular mini buses that run from the city centre to Albert Dock at regular intervals. Once there you can enjoy a 50-minute cruise on the Ferry across the Mersey and view the spectacular sights of the famous waterfront; The Royal Liver Building complete with mythical Liver Birds, the Cunard and Port of Liverpool Buildings are all magnificent in grandeur and an architectural vision.

Back on dry land, take a pleasant stroll to the Museum of Liverpool Life. A footstep away is the renovated Albert Dock complex offering a haven of goodies. Shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs are in abundance and don't forget a visit to the Tate Gallery. Within the gallery, the Taste cafe bar with its boat-shaped mezzanine level is well worth a visit. After a light snack you could visit four floors of displays that make up the largest modern art collection in the North of England. Back among the Colonnades, there are plenty of souvenirs, jewellery, sweets, books and toys to buy. Children can examine Fred the Weatherman's Island and perhaps take a trip on the ship that sails around the dock throughout the day.

Situated within the complex, The Beatles Story awaits, so take a walk through time and re-visit the 60s Merseybeat era; George Michael's recent purchase of John Lennon's piano is hopefully due to return here later in the year. During peak holiday periods you will often find a fairground geared towards young children in the vicinity. You may now be feeling exhausted and ravenous, seek no more.... sustenance is close at hand; What's Cooking, Blue Bar & Grill, Bar Monaco and Est Est Est all offer exceptional cuisine and a warm welcome. Enjoy the break as the evening has only just begun.