Liverpool’s Global Spotlight: Gem of Urban Living in 2024

In the latest Time Out global city rankings, Liverpool has secured seventh place, distinguishing itself amidst such giants as New York, Cape Town, Berlin, London and Tokyo. It has emerged as a particularly fascinating story of cultural renaissance, economic growth and urban charm.

A 2023 study by The Data City, named Liverpool as the UK's fastest-growing city economy at a rate of 20% – five times faster than London’s 4.1%. Liverpool's freeport status, booming port activity and logistics contribute to this significant growth and the city has become a hotspot for the technology, health, banking, finance, insurance and hospitality sectors. It also offers world-class choices for education and its 50,000+ students have plenty of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities and a lively nightlife.

The city centre’s compact and pedestrian-friendly layout makes it a tourist haven that is well served by the International Cruise Liner terminal which welcomes passengers from over 100 cruise ships a year. They are greeted by the Pier Head and the iconic trio of buildings known as the Three Graces, symbolising Liverpool's historical significance as a maritime powerhouse. These gorgeous buildings neighbour the Royal Albert Dock, the most-visited tourist destination in the northwest, proudly boasting the largest grouping of Grade I listed buildings in England.

A pedestrian link from the Royal Albert Dock makes for an easy day out to Liverpool ONE, the city’s modern, open-air shopping complex housing over 170 stores. It is also home to the Cavern Quarter, the centre of Liverpool’s rock and roll scene in the 1950s and 1960s, and takes you to William Brown Street for art galleries and museums.

The bohemian vibe of Bold Street’s independent and eclectic shops, varied international cuisines and vibrant street life leads to The Georgian Quarter, famed for its architecture. At opposite ends of Hope Street – and representing the city’s religious heritage and architectural innovation – stand the majestic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, known as Paddy’s Wigwam.

The Liverpool Waters Masterplan is transforming the northern docks into an iconic waterfront setting. In a seamless extension of the city centre, it will offer 9,000 new build homes, hotels, retail and commercial outlets and a new international cruise liner terminal. Projects at Liverpool Waters nearing completion are a new Isle of Man Terminal and the new Everton Stadium.

Developer Romal Capital is adding to its existing developments of Quay Central and Park Central and is strengthening the residential community on Liverpool Waters with a three-phase development of 330 homes, to be known as West Waterloo Place.

Liverpool’s affordability enables a high quality of living against the backdrop of a waterfront steeped in history and a multitude of green spaces. Modern developments make a harmonious contrast to the city's architectural grandeur. The cityscape is a living museum, displaying its industrial past with contemporary advances, unlike the planned urban aesthetics of cities like Dubai or the historical rigidity of places like Vienna.

Liverpool’s fervent sports culture is embodied in the globally revered Liverpool Football Club. Anfield's roar is known worldwide. While Everton’s new world-class waterfront stadium is set to be a highlighted Euro 2028 venue. But Liverpool’s sports legacy extends beyond football: the annual Grand National at Aintree attracts a global audience of 600 million; the Royal Birkdale Golf Club has hosted The Open Championship ten times, drawing in golf enthusiasts from around the world; with Liverpool’s strong boxing tradition cementing its position as a multifaceted sports destination.

The city's cultural vibrancy is anchored in its musical legacy, famously as the birthplace of The Beatles. Following its hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, the city continues to ride a wave of musical fervour, spearheaded by local musical talent that sets Liverpool apart from the more traditional offerings of cities like Paris or the bustling nightlife of Berlin. Its dynamic art scene is enhanced by Tate Liverpool and the Liverpool Biennial drawing in art enthusiasts from around the world. This unique blend of contemporary art and rich musical heritage is all wrapped up in an approachable package.

Liverpool rivals the culinary capitals of the world, yet remains unpretentious, with a food scene as varied as its cultural offerings, where Michelin meets home-style British cooking.

Liverpool’s ranking in the Time Out list is a clear indication of its evolving identity, one that embraces its past while boldly forging a new future.