This Underrated UK City Is Breaking All-Time Tourism Records

Anyone feel like they went broke after visiting London, or is that just me?

Whether it be $12 beers, overpriced double-decker bus tours, or the impossibility of finding a hotel with double-digit rates, the UK’s most renowned city comes with a premium price tag.

As such, the affordability factor (or lack thereof) may deter many travelers from venturing beyond outside the city limits, whether it be surprisingly beautiful beach towns, Cotswold villages, or other fascinating cities stuck in London’s shadow.

According to a new report, one such city just had its best summer on record at Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s 92-year history.

Travel Tip: Check out Travel Off Path’s latest tools such as the 1-Minute Trip Check to ensure a smooth trip to the UK

Liverpool: The UK’s Most Underrated City Is Having A Moment

You might consider London to be the UK’s most cultural destination without batting an eye. If that’s the case, you’d be surprised to learn Liverpool was once named the European Capital of Culture, boasting a fascinating timeline of world-acclaimed musical influences, historic neighborhoods, and timeless architecture from its past as a popular maritime entry point.

Though, it’s important to note Liverpool lost its UNESCO status as you’ll notice the skyline has taken on a more modern look, becoming a haven for creatives and innovators.

Regardless, much of Liverpool’s historical attractions still remain, such as the scenic Waterfront (former UNESCO World Heritage Site) and St. George’s Hall. Plus, it’s said this city is one of storytellers full of pride and spirit, happy to share insights of their beloved hometown.

Whether you’re here to pub-hop, dive into the city’s cultural history, or turn back the clock to the 60s when The Beatles began their ascent to stardom, Liverpool is having a moment — perhaps the biggest in decades since “BeatleMania”.

Even though The Beatles are synonymous with Liverpool, another driving force for tourism has been soccer (err, football).

The city has a tangible passion for football, so if you’ve always wanted to experience a jam-packed stadium treating the world’s most popular sport as if it’s life or death, there’s arguably no better place.

Especially since there’s an inner-city rivalry between Liverpool Football Club (LFC) and Everton F.C.

In fact, Everton’s new stadium was a controversial topic in the city as it was a key factor in losing the UNESCO title.

The City Where BeatleMania Never Died

If you’ve got it, flaunt it, right?

The Beatles will be a household name for centuries, until one day a perfectly formulated AI-powered band will have Yellow Submarine sounding like a child’s lullaby.

Until then, Liverpool will hold on to its fame as the ‘birthplace of The Beatles’.

While you can’t pose on Abbey Road, you can visit the real Penny Lane as well as other significant sites related to The Beatles’ world takeover:

Rather than hit up all the sites à la carte, there are numerous Beatles-themed tours, such as top-rated Zing Tours.

Even the remaining members, Paul and Ringo, would tell you there’s far more music to enjoy here than themselves. Liverpool may have lost their UNESCO tag for their architecture, but it still remains a designated City of Music.

Former Culture Capital: One Of The World’s First Melting Pots

Liverpool is a city of firsts and could easily be considered one of the world’s first melting pots.

Considered to be a leader of the Industrial Revolution, Liverpool opened the world’s first commercial wet dock (the Old Dock), the first hospital to fight tropical diseases, and the first inter-city railway, which connected to Manchester.

Another feat is the oldest Chinatown in Europe, as well as welcoming the UK’s oldest Black community, a multitude of cultural influences have shaped what the city has become today over time.

You can still visit Chinatown today for a break from fish and chips, though don’t expect the same chaos you’ll find in San Francisco, Bangkok, or New York City.

To me, Liverpool’s biggest surprise of all is Britain’s largest cathedral, the staggering Liverpool Cathedral. It’s free to enter and one of the most sightly attractions in the city.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.