In our recent survey you mentioned you’d love to see more features on breaks in the UK, particularly in the northern cities of England. Well my wish is your command! I’m very pleased to welcome your fairy godmother in the form of Class of 2013 RMW Real Bride, Karen Williams. This lovely lady is going to take us on a tour of her hometown, Liverpool and I guarantee it’ll have you booking a train to Merseyside.

There’s a lot that’s been said about Liverpool over the years, good and bad. But as a born and bred Scouser – when I read last year that Rough Guide had named it as one of the top three cities in the world – I had absolutely no argument.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a city where its people are so passionate, and so absolutely certain that we’re the friendliest and funniest people on the planet (we are). There’s more to Liverpool than football and The Beatles, so I’ve picked out some of the best of what my favourite areas of this beautiful, vibrant city have to offer.

Georgian Quarter

Take a walk down the appropriately named Hope Street and you’ll see stunning terraces, cobbled streets and the small matter of a Cathedral at either end. Hope Street is also home to the newly re-built Everyman Theatre and the art-deco Philharmonic Hall.

Starting with the cathedrals, a must-see for any visitor, the Anglican Cathedral sits on top of a sandstone hill as the biggest church in the UK. Here you’ll find sweeping neo-gothic architecture side by side with artwork by contemporary artists like Tracy Emin. A climb to the roof offers stunning views across the city that shouldn’t be missed. Down at the other end of the road is the concrete ‘wigwam’ that is the Metropolitan cathedral. Love it or hate it, there’s no getting away from its bold, iconic angles and modernist stained glass, don’t miss a trip downstairs to Lutyen’s Crypt while you’re there, a real hidden gem.

After a good look around, head over to the lively Font Bar for cocktails and craft beer and the freshest pub menu around, where if you’re lucky, you’ll catch my mate Phil’s quiz night (These boys also run the amazing Dough Bar too if you’re a pizza fan)! The Georgian Quarter is home to dozens of restaurants to suit any purse. My picks are the newly opened Old Blind School, which saw the restoration of one our most iconic (but neglected) buildings and is well worth a visit, or for something special, 60 Hope Street won’t disappoint.

Staying over? You can’t get much better than the Scandi-scouse style of the boutique Hope Street Hotel.

Bold Street

Packed with independent shopping, eating, drinking and art, Bold Street is the perfect place for casual dining and people watching.

Drop into FACT, Liverpool’s media arts centre and you’re sure to find a unique exhibition or the latest independent cinema. Then take a walk up the road to St Lukes ‘The Bombed Out Church’ which although closed at the moment, usually offers a great programme of events. For shopping, drop into Utility which showcases the best modern furniture and homeware designers, or wander down the road towards Liverpool One where you’ll find the usual high street names.

Great coffee shops and restaurants sit shoulder to shoulder right the way along Bold Street, but my favourite has to be Mowgli. Owner and self-proclaimed curry evangelist Nisha Katona opened her doors last year and she’s all about serving up real Indian home-cooking. Forget the cliches, this is one of the most stylish eateries around. Afterwards, take a wander down to Berry Street and see if you can find Berry & Rye, the secret drinking den specialising in pre-prohibition whiskey & gin cocktails, hidden away behind a plain shop front, be prepared to nervously knock on the door before they let you in where you’ll find the warmest of welcomes.

Baltic Triangle

Over the last few years, the Baltic Triangle has exploded with activity as the city’s creatives have taken over the Grade-II listed warehouses. You’ll find festivals and galleries, nightlife, food and drink galore. A trip to the Baltic isn’t complete without calling in on Camp + Furnace who’s Food Slam sees streetfood traders taking up residence in the huge warehouse space each weekend, serving up a variety of menus to the soundtrack of the best local DJs.

My favourite Baltic night out has to be Sonic Yootha, the night out for those of us who are getting on a bit. Those of us who can’t quite face the prospect of throwing ourselves into the hustle and bustle of city centre nightlife, but still love to have a dance to the best disco and pop of the last thirty years. With the next event this Friday at 24 Kitchen Street, if you happen to be in town then you should definitely take a look.

Waterfront

It’s a UNESCO world heritage site and a place that every scouser holds close to their hearts. A trip to Liverpool just isn’t complete without taking in the River Mersey and the Liverpool Waterfront. The three graces make ours one of the most recognisable skylines in the world, so take a ferry ‘cross the Mersey to get the best views. The Albert Dock is another must-visit. Not only is it the largest collection of Grade-I listed buildings in the world, but you’ll find attractions such as The Beatles Story, three Museums dedicated to the city’s history and the Tate Liverpool which is currently preparing for the arrival of one of Henri Matisse’s most iconic works, later this month.

For lunch or afternoon tea in a beautiful space, be sure to book with Oh Me Oh My. Based in the old West Africa House, their roof garden gives some of the best views around. Favourite bars and clubs in the area include McGuffie & Co on Castle Street, a tiny bar which spills out onto the pavement giving it a real continental flavour and Jenny’s, another ‘secret’ drinking den serving up disco glam and the best cocktails. Well worth a late night visit, if you can find it.

The latest hotel addition to the waterfront area is the Titanic Hotel, with a spa and and a bar that stocks over 60 types of rum, you might never want to leave.

It’s been so hard trying to pull together some of Liverpool’s best bits. There’s so much more I’d have loved to include and these places just scratch the surface of what’s on offer. Next time you have a couple of days free, come and explore and discover this amazing city for yourself.

Thanks to the lovely Karen for her fab guided tour (and to husband Lee, for the smashing images too!) Do you have any other recommendations for places to see, sip and stay in Liverpool? Please also let us know any other locations you’d like to see covered in our new guides.