Entertainment

A Music Lover’s Guide to Liverpool

by Taj Reed

Liverpool. While in the past, the port city’s been typically linked with things we already know and dig deeply (football and music), there’s much more to be experienced by the Nylon Guy.more

For example, did you know about the thriving local street art scene? Or the crop of cool restaurants that have recently popped up, making the city a bonafide dining destination?

Like the Berlin of years ago, it has an undeniable energy and pull. Liverpool still feels slightly rough around the edges – which is a great thing, in our eyes – and has plenty to offer the art buff, music fanatic, and epicurean. If you know where to look. Here, our guide on how to make the most of your next visit to Liverpool.

STAYAloft Liverpool The result of a stunning renovation of the city’s former Royal Insurance Building, the newly-opened Aloft Liverpool is the place to relax and unwind while you’re here. The accommodations are sleek and minimal, without sacrificing any style or comfort (the beds are seriously dreamy and there’s Bliss amenities in your rainforest shower). Complimentary wifi throughout the prop-erty keeps you connected.

SEE + PLAYZap Graffiti ArtsYou’ll quickly learn that street art is taken very seriously here. But instead of being villainized, the passionate team behind Zap are promoting graffiti as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and positive change. Workshops are offered on-site, if you want to try it out for yourself.

Seecret ToursWhile there’s nothing wrong with checking out the major attractions in any city, it’s always cool to discover something off the beaten path. And that’s exactly why “Seecret Tours” was launched. In two hours, your guide will walk you through (literally, as you’re on foot) all of Liver-pool’s less-celebrated art and attractions.

Radio City Tower TourThe tallest structure in the city, the tower is also home to Radio City, a popular local radio sta-tion. Tours are offered daily and throughout the day, but we think your best bet is to head up to the top floor after sunset. You’ll be treated to breathtaking, panoramic views of the skyline and waterfront.

The Beatles Fab Four Taxi TourBecause, quite frankly, no visit to Liverpool would be complete without doing something Beatles-related. With this taxi tour, you can cruise throughout the city with very own Beatles expert, whom happens to also be your driver. Even the most die-hard fan will learn something new.

Tate LiverpoolLocated at Albert Docks, the permanent collection (located on the first two floors) of the muse-um is free to the public, and showcases provocative works from modern artists ranging from Dali to Picasso to Warhol. The top floor is reserved for special rotating exhibitions, which require payment.

EATCamp + FurnaceImagine noshing on top-notch street snacks, while listening to djs spin and bands perform live. In a massive, warehouse setting, no less. The super-popular Food Slams, hosted every Friday night, are an original mashup of loud music and globe-trotting food. Come hungry and ready to have a lot of fun.

The Art SchoolExecutive Chef Paul Askew is creating cuisine so exquisitely beautiful – and not to mention, ex-ceptionally delicious – that both locals and jetsetters alike have been flocking to this fine dining restaurant since its opening last September. While everything from the design to service to food is nearly faultless, it’s far from stuffy.

NYLA jaw-droppingly gorgeous restaurant where New York meets Liverpool (hence the name). Executive chef Rob Scott is turning out familiar favorites (think meatballs, steak frites, and onion rings) so damn delicious that you’ll forget you’re even away from home. Be sure to pop by the bar after dinner, where mixologists are shaking up the local cocktail scene with house favorites like the “Smokey Old Fashioned” and “Downtown Bee.”

Text: Katie Chang