It's a city which has a bad reputation, but look beyond the stereotype and you'll find a vibrant city full of friendly people.
SightsWaterfront - the Pierhead of Liverpool contains the city's most famous buildings - the Liver Building, the Cunard building, and the Port of Liverpool building - collectively known as the Three Graces. A short walk along from these buildings lies the Albert Dock, former This Morning studio and now restaurant/shopping/museum area. The Echo Arena is also in this area.
The Beatles - Liverpool is, as you might expect, full of Beatles attractions. The Beatles Story is at the Albert Dock, and Mathew Street is one of the main nightlife areas. Don't bother with Penny Lane, it's just a street! I didn't bother with the Beatles stuff really, but it's there if you want it!
Football - both the grounds are in a less salubrious area of the city. There are tours of the grounds available, but I'd avoid unless you're actually going to a match or are desperate to see the stadia.
Cathedrals - Liverpool has two cathedrals on the same street (Hope Street). The classical looking one is Anglican, the round one is Catholic. Both worth a visit if you're into architecture or history, there are visitor displays around both.
Museums and galleries - there are a number of museums along the waterfront, including the Tate Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum. The World Museum Liverpool is across the road from Lime Street.
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/index.aspxShoppingThe main shopping area is Liverpool One, which has a good selection of shops. The Metquarter is a smaller shopping centre more dedicated to fashion. The main high street (Church Street) still has many shops, but it is quieter due to shops moving to Liverpool One or closing down. Bold Street also has some good shops, which are a bit more independent.
TransportLime Street and Central Station are both very central. Buses are alright, underground system is fairly reliable but limited in terms of stations. Black cabs are cheap and by and large Scouse cabbies are great fun
EatingClove Hitch, Hope Street - sort of a gastropub restaurant I'd say, it's owned by an ex-pub manager. Excellent starters, steaks and breakfasts. Serves real ales and has a bourbon bar downstairs. Very nice staff and ambience.
Host, Hope Street - pan-Asian cuisine in a modern setting. In the Michelin Guide apparently.
Bistro Jacques/Pierre/Franc and The Hub - small chain of French restaurants, quite rustic and cosy. The Hub is more of a gastropub and serves burgers, pizza etc.
DrinkingAugustus John, Peach Street (near Liverpool Uni) - awesome pub, changing real ales, easy going studenty vibe, cool staff. Spent far too much time there.
The Fly in the Loaf, Hardman Street - serves a dizzying range of world beers, also serves good quality food. Bit pricey, but that's imported German and Belgian beers for you...
Alma da Cuba, Seel Street - stylish cocktail bar in a disused church. Very nice restaurant as well.
The Swan, Wood Street - biker pub. Good metal. Good ales. Skanky bogs.