Liverpool, United Kingdom

A wise old sage once said that you could tell a lot about a city by its churches and its pubs, and Liverpool is a great example of this theory. The late 20th century saw a great influx of designer bars appearing at the speed of light, this was undoubtedly the biggest area of development in the city.

One of the first of these was the Baa Bar, located as the jewel in the crown of the Liverpool Palace on trendy Slater Street. Its streamlined architecture and late licence helped it gain cult status among students and music lovers, who would queue patiently to gain entry to this exclusive drinking den. Mello Mello, also on Slater Street, was the second bar to gain kudos with the Liverpool in-crowd, as a well-known watering hole for footballers, celebrities and fashion-conscious clubbers on their way to Cream . Next to open was the Modo and Roccomodo complex, situated in Concert Square. The first major development dedicated to luxury entertainment, Modo combines dining and drinking with fabulous design and a laid back atmosphere. Check out Modo Bar and Grill for unusual, quality bar food.

For those seeking a more traditional approach to drinking, Peter Kavanagh's , The Albert , Ye Cracke , The Pilgrim and The Philharmonic Pub are well worth seeking out, while lovers of the Irish vibe should check out Pogue Mahone in the city centre and Flannagan's Apple in the Cavern Quarter. For those who prefer a Beatle theme to their evening, the Cavern Quarter is the best place to begin. Also worth visiting are the Cavern Pub and The Lennon Bar .

Eating out in Liverpool never took precedence over drinking until recently, with takeaways and curry houses the main fodder for that post-booze bellyache. Nowadays, the choices have improved ten-fold, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafe bars available to suit all tastes and pockets. The St Petersburg Dining Club , situated slightly out of the town centre and hidden behind a shabby exterior, is the only fully authentic Russian restaurant in the country and offers a wonderful dining and drinking experience.

In the Lark Lane area, L'Alouette offers fantastic French dining, while Que Pasa Cantina serves South American style meals. The two Greek restaurants include the Akis Greek Taverna , which provides a great party atmosphere, and Romios for a more intimate affair.

The central area has the highest concentration of dining opportunities. A Passage To India on Bold Street has to be one of the best, with Musapir also on the same street offering a vegan version of Indian cuisine. Hardman Street is home to Valparaiso , which offers South American cuisine, Antoni's Cypriot Restaurant and The Italian Bistro . A short walk away, Berry Street—leading into Chinatown —houses Bijou and Ziba.

The fabulously restored Albert Dock on the city's waterfront is a perfect choice for a night out. There is the superb Est Est Est Italian restaurant and in the same building, the more informal What's Cooking . A few minutes walk along the quayside brings you to the much-admired and ever so trendy Blue Bar and Grill , the food is heavenly but be prepared to wait as the service can be erratic at times. A couple of doors away is Mr M's Waterside Restaurant, which is essential dining for all seafood lovers. If you don't want to waste good drinking time by eating then there are many options including the classically decorated Pump House , the stylish Est Bar, Babycream and The Blue. On warm sunny evenings, the relaxing ambiance and view across the docklands is something not to be missed.

For those seeking a lunchtime meal or post-work nosh up, Bucca Di Bacco , The Balti House , La Tasca and De Coubertini's are all fine eating places located in the business sector of town. Cafe bars worth a mention include The Qube and Prohibition Bar & Grill , although there are many more to choose from. Liverpool has so much to offer these days that no mere guide can do it justice. Whatever your preference and budget, there's something out there for everyone.

Travelers 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 center is a good place to start. It's a brand-new complex dominated by the Marriott City Center 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 Theater 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 center 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 (George Henry Lee) 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 hot dogs.

Serious shoppers will not be disappointed. Clayton Square shopping center 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 pedestrianized, 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 shopping 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 center 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 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 Tate Cafe 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, jewelery, 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 Mersey beat 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 , Mister M's Seafood Restaurant, 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.