Whether you take the Ferry 'cross the Mersey, or a stroll down Penny Lane, most visitors will find it difficult to explore Liverpool without a song on their lips. From the twin cathedrals with their striking views over the city to the historical, Grade 1 listed Albert Dock and its Beatles museum, there's plenty to see and do.

An important maritime centre and industrial port, Liverpool was one of the great cities of the United Kingdom in the Industrial Revolution and much of its wealth came from its dominance in the shipping of textiles, cotton, sugar and slaves. The city was severely bombed in World War II and has struggled to get back on its feet, seeing waves of prosperity and depression. The 1960s saw the explosion of the Beatles and pop music, while the 1990s saw an attempt to regenerate the rather dull urban centre.

Liverpool's waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city has achieved World Heritage Status, joining Edinburgh and Bath as the only UK cities to carry the honour. Since the announcement of Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture for 2008, millions of pounds have been poured into further development of the city, including the £920 million Paradise Street development in the city centre.

Liverpool is a city of diversity and despite its struggles, it boasts the most Georgian buildings in the UK, Europe's oldest Chinatown, a number of striking Victorian buildings and plenty of world-class attractions. The historical Albert Dock was restored in the 1980s and is now one of the city's most popular attractions, housing chic restaurants, bars, shops and museums, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool. The city boasts two world-class football clubs, Liverpool and Everton, and fans can explore the grounds of their favourite teams. There is also plenty of Beatlemania to satisfy fans, including the International Beatles Week every August, and several Beatles-related museums and points of interest.

The city plays host to plenty of other events, festival and concerts, as well as the world's biggest steeplechase, the Grand National, at Ainstree. There are also several fascinating museums, beautiful parks and gardens, bustling markets and galleries to explore. Whether a Beatles fan or not, Liverpool has much to offer the visitor and it is no wonder that it has become one of the top UK day trip destinations.

Tate Liverpool

Address: Albert Dock Liverpool

Admission: Free. Admission charged for special exhibitions Daily 10am to 5.50pm (April to August). Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.50pm (September to March) and Bank Holiday Mondays in this period

Telephone: (0)151 702 7400

The Tate Liverpool is home to the biggest collection of modern art in the UK outside of London, and a browse through its exhibits is an afternoon well spent. Situated in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock in a converted warehouse, the gallery has an impressive collection of 20th and 21st century works of modern art selected from the Tate Collection that are exhibited through regularly changing themed displays. There are also several temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and the gallery also hosts various events and educational programmes throughout the year. Some of the artists on display include JMW Turner, Kenneth Noland, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Antony Gormley.

Beatles Story Experience

Address: Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock Liverpool

Admission: £12.25 (adults); £6.35 (children aged 5-16 years). Concessions available Daily 9am to 7pm. Closed 25-26 December

Telephone: (0)151 709 1963

For Beatles fans, The Beatles Story Experience is an absolute must. Set in the trendy and historic Albert Dock, The Beatles Story allows visitors to trace the development of the Fab Four, from their early days playing in Hamburg to the mass hysteria of Beatlemania, the eventual break-up of the band and their ensuing solo careers. Eighteen different features, as well as the Living History audio tour with the voices of Sir Paul McCartney, Beatles producer Sir George Martin and band manager Brian Epstein, continue to delight fans and win over new ones. See George Harrison's first guitar, view the world through a collection of John Lennon's signature round lens glasses, explore the Yellow Submarine and enjoy a recreation of the stage at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street where The Beatles played over 290 times. As well as the Beatle Story Experience, Liverpool also boasts several other Beatles related tours and sights that are well worth exploring, including a Magical Mystery Bus Tour of famous Beatles sights such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, Paul McCartney's former home at 20 Forthlin Road, the famous Cavern Club and the Mathew Street Gallery that houses the art work of John Lennon.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Address: Albert Docks Liverpool

Admission: Free Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed from 2pm on 24 December. Closed on 25 and 26 December, and 1 January

Telephone: (0)151 478 4499

The fascinating Merseyside Maritime Museum traces the history and development of the city of Liverpool as a major port. The Museum houses a range of collections, from an exhibition on the tragic and brutal Transatlantic Slave trade in which Liverpool played a major role (soon to become a separate museum), to artworks reflecting Liverpool's maritime past, artefacts from the Titanic and the Lusitania, maritime archives and more, including access to the quaysides opposite the museum and two historic vessels.

Speke Hall

Address: The Walk Liverpool

Admission: £6.81 (adults), £3.44 (children). Various according to season, see website for details

Telephone: 0844 800 4799

On the edge of an industrial estate and just minutes away from the Liverpool Airport, the half-timbered black and white Speke Hall is a piece of history tucked in amongst modern-day Liverpool. Once on the brink of ruin, this purportedly haunted 450-year-old Tudor house is now a popular Liverpool attraction and is also the departure point for tours to the neighbouring former home of Sir Paul McCartney. Speke Hall boasts beautifully restored rooms, lovely gardens, and spectacular views of the Mersey basin and the North Wales hills across the high bank of The Bund. Speke Hall is also a popular venue for events such as weddings and it plays host to various concerts, particularly over the summer. Guided tours by costumed guides are available and tours of the roof space are also available on selected days. The Home Farm is about five minutes from the house and has a visitor's centre, shop and good restaurant.