Chic & Cheap on the Go – A Weekend in Liverpool

There are places I’ll remember all my life, though some have changed – some forever, not for better; some have gone, and some remain. I’ll these places have their moments – With lovers and friends; I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living In my life, I’ve loved them all.

– The Beatles, In my Life

Liverpool is known for two things: an epic football team and the Beatles. Oh, and they built the Titanic!

All kidding aside, we visited Liverpool (heck, we went to England) to catch a real football game at Anfield. We figured we might as well make a weekend out of it, and I am SO glad we did. Liverpool probably isn’t on your bucket list, but if you find yourself stepping off the train in Lime Street Station, last stop Liverpool, I am here to tell you that you are in for a fun weekend! I fell in love with the scouse accent and the gloomy weather (okay that last part is sarcasm) but Liverpool is oh so charming, tons to do, and it definitely felt a little like home (in Pittsburgh).

We arrived at Lime Street Station mid-Friday afternoon to a downpour. We hopped into our Uber and headed to our Airbnb in a charming little neighborhood just a mile outside of downtown Liverpool. Our house was old and charming and we loved it. The game was scheduled for that evening, so we didn’t have time for much else!

Anfield. This is the reason we came! There is honestly nothing like the energy at a football match. I have never been to a sporting event outside of the states and I have to say, it exceeds every expectation that I had. Tickets are NOT cheap and hard to obtain if you’re a foreigner, however, I have some tips for you. There really isn’t a StubHub or something similar in England, so we emailed the ticket office about 5 months out, and for foreigners, they offer the hospitality package which is a meal and drinks before the game at Aintree Racecourse, and coach transportation to the stadium, plus decent tickets for the match. These tickets will cost you around $300.  Here is a link if you are interested!

Walking tour of the city. I always think it’s worth doing a city tour. We booked this one and it was a perfect mix of Beatles history and Liverpool history. Even in the downpour and 30 mph wind, our guide kept us going and kept us entertained. The street art, old churches, and pubs were definitely the highlights of the tour.

 

Matthew Street. If you are looking to go out, do not go anywhere else but Matthew Street! There are tons of restaurants and bars, including the world famous Cavern Club. This the infamous club that the Beatles made their mark at and played 292 times in the 60’s. Its three floors underground and completely reminded me of a frat basement, but the drinks are cheap and the music is GOOD. This is also where my phone was laid to rest in the toilet. Mcooleys was also another cool bar with a DJ, and Turtle Bay had amazing Carribean food.

 

Overall, Liverpool was a fun city just a short train ride away from London. The people are nice, the football is hard to be beat, and the drinks and food kept us entertained. I would 100% go back to Liverpool – this revitalized town reminded me so much of Pittsburgh!