Liverpool is one of those cities that hums with history, personality, and a good dose of rock ‘n’ roll charm. On Saturday May 3rd, 2025, I arrived aboard the Norwegian Pearl, docking at this iconic Merseyside port. While we had just one day in town, I made it my mission to see as much as I could on foot—soaking in both the classics and some lesser-known quirks that make Liverpool such a standout destination.
There is quite a long and steep tunnel with a sharp incline as you come out of the cruise terminal, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill trek before you reach street level.
Tunnel from port to street level 
Tunnel from street level view
Once I exited the cruise terminal tunnel, I turned right and was immediately surrounded by some of Liverpool’s most impressive architecture. The Royal Liver Building, part of the city’s "Three Graces," stands tall and proud, its two Liver Birds watching over the Mersey River. These mythical creatures are symbols of the city: legend has it, if they ever fly away, Liverpool will cease to exist.
The Liver Building
The Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building
Closeup: Liver Bird atop the Liver Building
Just ahead, I reached the Beatles Statue—a life-sized bronze of John, Paul, George, and Ringo walking along the waterfront, looking cool as ever. This is one of the most photographed spots in town and a must-see for any Beatles fan (and who isn’t?).
Continuing along the dockside, I came to the Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends industrial history with modern flair. Originally built in the 1800s, the dock is now a lively cultural hub. Amid the boutiques and museums, I found a unique treasure—the tugboat Brocklebank. Admission was free, and it gave me a brief but fascinating look into Liverpool’s shipping past. The volunteers aboard were full of maritime stories and enthusiasm.
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| Captain Marri |
As I followed the path toward the waterfront attractions, I passed a cheerful carousel and a towering ferris wheel that offered panoramic views of the city. While I didn’t take a spin, it made for great photos.
Feeling ready for a break, I ducked into The PumpHouse, a waterside pub housed in a converted Victorian pumping station. With exposed brick, original ironwork, and a riverside patio, it was the perfect spot for a local pint. Sitting with my beer in hand, watching families and tourists wander past, I felt completely immersed in the spirit of Liverpool—warm, welcoming, and just a little eccentric.
Entrance to the PumpHouse 
Inside the PumpHouse
In the early afternoon, I set off toward Chinatown, one of the oldest in Europe. Along the way, I passed the curious red and white upside-down house, an Instagram favorite that appears to be standing on its roof. Not far beyond was the Liverpool sign, a bright, block-letter sculpture perfect for photos—especially with the charming lamb statue lounging in front.
Another highlight was the astro turf stairway, an unexpected splash of green in the middle of the city. It was just one of many examples of Liverpool’s knack for blending the playful with the historic.
I soon found myself in front of Pogue Mahone, an Irish pub that’s been serving drinks since 1791—a time when George Washington was still president across the pond.
One of the most unforgettable (and loudest) moments of the day took place at Ranelaghs Tavern, a historic and boisterous Irish pub in the heart of Liverpool. Inside, the pub was a full-blown circus—and I say that with admiration. I ordered a Birra Moretti, an Italian lager, and wedged myself into a corner seat where I had front-row tickets to the madness. Karaoke was in full meltdown mode (picture off-key renditions of Sweet Caroline), while a bachelorette party in matching sashes tried to out-cheer a nearby birthday group celebrating someone’s “Fabulous 50.” At the same time, ComicCon had clearly spilled into the bar—Captain America was chatting up a Jedi, a zombie ordered nachos, and I’m pretty sure I saw Pikachu doing the Macarena. The noise level was somewhere between “jet engine” and “music festival,” but the energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile.
I wrapped up my Liverpool visit with a pilgrimage to Mathew Street, where Beatlemania lives on. Statues of the Fab Four are scattered throughout the area, and the music of the 1960s echoes from shops and pubs. I passed by the Beatles Museum, which had a line out the door, and took a peek at the Cavern Club, where the band got their start. The street is compact but brimming with nostalgia—it’s like stepping into a time capsule.
Before heading back to the ship, I made a quick stop at a local market for snacks and small souvenirs. With tired feet and a happy heart, I returned to the Norwegian Pearl by 4:15 PM, just in time to relax and reflect on the day.
Liverpool turned out to be more than just a Beatles city—it’s a place of living history, spontaneous creativity, and strong local pride. The walkable layout made it easy to pack in a full itinerary without the need for public transport, and the locals were some of the friendliest I’ve met in the UK. Whether you're here for the music, the maritime stories, or the local pints, Liverpool delivers.
Some of my favorite street photos
#River Cruise 2025#Norwegian Pearl#Beatles#Royal Liver Building
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