Element 11 - 48 Hours in Liverpool City Centre

As Liverpool will be flying the flag for European Capital of Culture in 2008, it has a lot to live up to.
And it succeeds - effortlessly.

Its secret is there's something for everyone; from art galleries and theatres to sports museums to designer shopping. To inspire you Element 11 have selected an itinerary taking in some of Liverpool's most renowned sights and sounds.

Day One

Begin your two days in Liverpool by checking into a luxurious Element 11 serviced apartment. After checking in take a stroll along Hope Street to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, the largest Cathedral in the UK, with the world's highest Gothic arches, Sir John Betjeman called it "one of the great buildings of the twentieth century". Its awesome architecture inside and out, panoramic views from the tower, together with a visit to the Elizabeth Hoare Embroidery Gallery never fails to impress.

After your visit to the Cathedral make your way to Albert Dock, the largest group of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK. Have lunch in one of the many restaurants, bars or cafes located in the complex.

Following lunch walk to the Pier Head. At the end of Pier Head catch the Mersey Ferry for an Explorer Cruise along the River Mersey. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ferry as you hear stories of the famous and infamous people connected with the city region - from wealthy merchants to ruthless shipwreckers.

Day Two

Next morning make your way to Anfield and the Liverpool FC Museum and Stadium Tour. Bright new displays tell the whole story of England's most successful football club, including a re-creation of the standing Kop, and a cinema showing 10 minute films about the glory years.

Now make your way back into the city centre and the city's Cavern Quarter where you can buy Beatles memorabilia in the Beatles Shop, browse designer stores at The Met Quarter and Cavern Walks and visit the Cavern Club to see "where it all started" for the four lads from Liverpool.

After lunch at one of the many restaurants and bars in the city centre, explore Western Approaches, the World War II Top Secret Underground Headquarters. Once command headquarters during the Battle of the Atlantic this underground labyrinth was a top-secret nerve centre in wartime Britain.

Finish your day at FACT. This Award-winning £10 million centre houses galleries, cinemas, a cafe bar and a trendy bar and is dedicated to showcasing the work of international artists working in film, video and new media.