Top Rated Attractions in Liverpool

Described as one of the finest Greco-Roman building in Europe, this magnificent landmark is an example of the outstanding architecture within the city. Built in the 1840s, this Grade I listed building was originally built as a concert hall and two courts. The original architect Harvey Lonsdale Elmes died of consumption before the building was complete and his successor, Charles Robert Cockerell, altered the design so that the interior resembled a Roman public bath. St George's Hall is famed for the Minton-tiled floor, the Willis Organ, vaulted ceiling, as well as fine sculptures and plaster work. The courts and the concert room are often seen in film and television productions. High profile concerts are a regular affair and the hall has an excellent calendar of events throughout the year. The Heritage Centre has a wonderful array of facilities for visitors and also conducts guided tours of the hall.

The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT) is Great Britain's leading center for video, digital and new media art. Featuring a range of engaging contemporary exhibits, film screenings and cutting-edge research facilities, FACT is not only an influential institution in the burgeoning field of media arts, but is also a central source for community involvement and recreation. The sprawling facility features three galleries and four cinema screens that accommodate the center's packed schedule of events ranging from art-house film screenings and photographic exhibitions to lectures and much more. Check website for upcoming events.

After being closed for nearly 30 years, the legendary Eric's re-opened its doors in September 2011 with a grand performance by legendary band Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark. In the past, the likes of The Stranglers, U2, Police, Jam and Elvis Costello have performed here. Now, this venue is fast regaining its popularity and dominating the local music scene once again. The new space is completely refurbished with air-conditioners and modern dressing rooms equipped with showers for the performing band/artist. For gigs and technical specifications, check website or call ahead.

Established in 1872, Sefton Park is the city's largest and most popular park. The Victorian Palm House, a renowned landmark within the park, came close to collapse in the 1980s but was saved by a public appeal and underwent a huge refurbishment program due to a grant from the National Lottery. The park includes many beautiful statues, and although many of the original works are now in storage for safekeeping, you can still see a number of them around the park. Boasting a lake, numerous football pitches, a cricket club and a birdhouse, the park also features a cafe in the central area. Admission is free.

M&S Bank Arena is a versatile venue that can accommodate up to 12,000 people at a time. The modern arena is also eco-friendly, being built keeping the environment in mind and adopts excellent systems and practices to help reduce emissions. Located close to the Albert Dock, the arena features state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the most coveted venues in Liverpool. From adrenaline-charged sports events to big-ticket concerts, the arena runs a packed schedule of events throughout the year. The arena is also home to the Mersey Tigers basketball team.

One of the largest contemporary music venues in the city, the O2 Academy can hold as many as 1700 within its two performance spaces. Originally opening as the much smaller Lomax on Cumberland Street, it moved to its present location as the L2, before being drawn into a nationwide chain of concert venues known as Carling Academy. Finally donning its present avatar as the O2, programming at this venue is now eclectic, moving a long way from its one-time policy of only booking rock bands. O2 has a varied schedule of events including some excellent folk, jazz and reggae acts. See website for complete schedule of events.