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Aside from London, there’s one city that stands out from the crowd when it comes to the many famous streets it has. That’s right, it’s Liverpool!
Today, we’re diving into the heart and soul of the many famous streets in Liverpool, where history, culture, and music intertwine.
Sure, you’ll have heard of a few (Penny Lane is world-famous, after all), but there are quite a few streets here that visitors to the city won’t have heard of, but are famous with locals.
I’ve been to Liverpool more times than I can count now (seriously, it’s becoming my second home!), and I’ve had a blast exploring its many famous streets.
Today, I’m going to share those with you, so you can also check them out on your next trip to the city!
Table of Contents
1. Lime Street
Lime Street is one of Liverpool’s most famous and well-known streets – and most of that is because of the train station here!
It gets its name from the lime kilns owned by local businessman William Harvey, it has been around since 1790. But Lime Street’s claim to fame doesn’t stop there!
You might have heard of it in the Liverpool folk song ‘Maggie May’, famously recorded by the Beatles on their album Let It Be. The song mentions Lime Street as the preferred spot of the notorious prostitute, Maggie May. Talk about a colourful past!
Not only that, Lime Street is home to Liverpool’s largest and oldest railway station, a bustling transportation hub connecting countless travellers. It’s probably the first place you’ll arrive in Liverpool, whether you’re moving here or just visiting the city for one day.
2. Bold Street
Bold Street is the coolest of all Liverpool roads if you’re into independent local businesses. Take a stroll down Bold Street, and you’ll be greeted by a delightful mix of vintage clothes shops, indie book shops, record shops, and galleries showing off local artists’ work.
This iconic street in Liverpool holds a fascinating history. You see: back in the 18th century, Bold Street was a ropewalk, where sailors measured out ropes for those mighty sailing ships that were the lifeblood of the city’s port industry.
It’s no wonder they called this area ‘The Ropewalks’!
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love it here! Bold Street boasts the best collection of world food restaurants in Liverpool. It’s also one of the best places in the city to get a great coffee or a top-notch brunch. The coffee scene here is awesome!
3. Mathew Street
If you’re a Beatles fan or just someone who loves music – there’s one Liverpool street you absolutely can’t miss – Mathew Street! Known as one of the best Beatles landmarks in the city, Mathew Street is a holy ground for music lovers.
As you wander along Mathew Street, you’ll be transported back in time to the Beatles’ early days. This is where the legendary Cavern Club, where the Fab Four performed almost 300 times, resides.
You’ll still feel the energy and passion of those iconic first performances as you explore because you’ll hear live music playing in nearly every single venue you pass!
There are loads of places offering 2 4 1 cocktails on Mathew Street, so it’s a great place to go out on a budget. A lot of the city’s top party apartments are located near Mathew Street too.
If you have time, The Cavern run a Magical Mystery Tour of Beatles sites that’s worth doing.
As well as the Cavern Club, there are plenty of other things to see on Mathew Street. Opposite the Cavern, you’ll find the John Lennon Statue.
Outside the Cavern, you’ll find the Cilla Black Statue.
There’s also The Grapes pub, where The Beatles used to drink between sets. It’s one of my favourite places in the city!
4. Penny Lane
Leaving Liverpool city centre, let’s head to another famous Liverpool street with a Beatles connection: Penny Lane!
Paul McCartney sings “Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes” in the hit Beatles song, named after this street.
This was a nostalgic song for Paul, who said that he used to change buses at Penny Lane when he was going to John Lennon’s house, so it’s an area he knew well.
It’s worth playing the song in your earphones as you wander. You’ll see many places Paul references, like the barber, the bank where the banker who never wears a mac worked, and the shelter in the middle of the roundabout.
Taking a photo with the Penny Lane street sign is a must-do whilst you’re here. If you’re also into the Beatles, head to the Penny Lane Development Trust, where you’ll find cool Beatles murals and a tiny collection of local Beatles memorabilia.
It’s one of Liverpool’s hidden gems.
Oh, and did you know there’s apparently a Penny Lane ghost? Keep your eyes peeled for them!
Penny Lane is popular with students, thanks to the affordable rent. As you can imagine, life in Liverpool is pretty awesome for students – there are far worse places to live on than one of the most famous streets in the world!
5. William Brown Street
William Brown Street is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful public buildings in the city. Named after a local benefactor, this street is a treasure trove of Liverpool landmarks and free museums.
Oh, it’s also home to Liverpool’s Christmas Market!
First up, we have the stunning neoclassical masterpiece, the Walker Art Gallery. Here, you’ll find all sorts of classical art masterpieces, including an iconic portrait of King Henry VIII that you’ll surely recognise.
Just next door, the jaw-dropping Central Library will wow you if you’re a bookworm like me.
The wonders of William Brown Street don’t end there! The World Museum is also on this street, offering exhibitions on natural history, archaeology, and world cultures. They even have a planetarium!
Nearby, St. George’s Hall stands as Liverpool’s own example of Greek Revival architecture, hosting concerts, and events, and even being used as a filming location. You may recognise it from the John Lennon biopic, “Nowhere Boy”.
Finally (I told you William Brown Street has a lot to see!) let’s not forget Wellington’s Column, towering above the city skyline and paying tribute to the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
6. Hope Street
The irony that the city’s two cathedrals can be found on a road called Hope Street isn’t lost on Liverpudlians.
On one end of Hope Street stands the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This modernist structure, completed in 1967, boasts a unique circular design, and its many stained glass windows make for a colourful interior.
At the opposite end, you’ll find the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took over 70 years to complete. Construction began in 1904, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1924. Its soaring spires and intricate details leave visitors in awe!
Here’s a fun fact: I first visited these cathedrals as a kid on a school trip. I felt super unwell that day, and I very nearly threw up inside the Anglican Cathedral! That would NOT have been a good look…
Anyways – these cathedrals represent a harmonious blend of old and new, and their presence on Hope Street shows off Liverpool’s diverse religious heritage. You’ll also find one of the best hotels with private balconies on Hope Street- the Hope Street Hotel!
7. Menlove Avenue
Menlove Avenue, an unassuming street in Liverpool, holds a significant place in the history of one of the world’s most iconic musicians, John Lennon. This residential road is forever etched in Beatles history since Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, is on this street.
The house called Mendips is located at 251 Menlove Avenue, and it’s still standing! It was bought by Lennon’s aunt Mimi in 1945 and was where John grew up, often playing guitar with Paul in the glass-panelled porch.
The house was privately owned for some time until 2002, when it was listed for sale and was bought by none other than John’s wife, Yoko Ono, who donated it to the National Trust. She wanted it to be a place that Beatles fans from all over the world could visit. Thanks, Yoko!
Tragically, Menlove Avenue also holds a sombre connection to Lennon’s life. It was on this very street that his mother, Julia Lennon, met with a fatal car accident in July 1958. This heartbreaking event had a profound impact on Lennon’s life and shaped his artistic journey.
Most Liverpool Beatles tours will drop you off here for a short time, but, unfortunately, you can only go inside the house on official National Trust tours.
8. Water Street
Water Street, one of Liverpool’s most iconic streets, dates back to the 18th century. It played a vital role in Liverpool’s role as a global trading hub back in the day.
It runs from the Mersey River to the Liverpool Town Hall, making it one of the main streets in the city. Many Liverpool walking tours and bus tours start here. It makes sense – this location is just gorgeous!
Notable landmarks adorn Water Street, including the iconic Royal Liver Building with its famous Liver Birds, and the Port of Liverpool Building stands as another architectural gem.
This is such a wonderful place to walk along and snap photos as you go – it’s one of the prettiest streets in Liverpool.
Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the beloved Beatles statue is just a stone’s throw away!
Today, Water Street remains a hub of commerce, culture, and finance in Liverpool. Elegant buildings house financial institutions and cultural organisations, and, of course, the blend of old-world charm and modern commerce is pretty cool.
9. Forthlin Road
Another unassuming residential street in Liverpool that’s famous is Forthlin Road, and that’s because it’s here that you can find the childhood home of one of the greatest musicians of our time (not that I’m biassed 😉), Paul McCartney.
Paul and his family moved to 20 Forthlin Road when he was around 13 until he was famous! It was on this street that he honed his musical skills, collaborating with John Lennon and laying the foundation for his world-changing career.
Regular people still live in the houses on Forthlin Road neighbouring Pauls, but, provided you’re not being obnoxious, they won’t mind you hanging out to check out Paul’s house and snap some photos.
Today, like Mendips, 20 Forthlin Road is owned and managed by the National Trust. Also like Mendips, you can only go inside the house on an official National Trust tour. All other Beatles tours will just take you to the street and the outside of the house.
10. Lark Lane
Lark Lane, just outside of Liverpool city centre, is a hidden gem if you’re a tourist – it perfectly embodies the city’s bohemian spirit.
Stroll along Lark Lane and you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of independent shops, quirky boutiques, and restaurants serving creative dishes of local produce. This is the obvious place to go for a lovely weekend brunch in Liverpool.
This is where you’ll find some of the best Sunday carveries in the city!
In the evenings, the street comes alive with the sounds of live music spilling from its cosy pubs and bars. From jazz and blues to folk and rock, there’s always a melody to accompany your night out.
It’s one of the most famous roads in Liverpool for creatives!
11. Admiral Grove
Admiral Grove, a modest residential street in Liverpool in the working-class neighbourhood of the Dingle, holds the childhood home of one of the most iconic drummers in history – Ringo Starr.
Born as Richard Starkey, Ringo lived on Admiral Grove from the mid-1940s until the early 1960s. The famous inhabitant put an unassuming terraced street on the map! Today, you’ll be able to pick out Ringo’s house thanks to its pink and white painted exterior.
Today, Admiral Grove stands as a testament to Starr’s humble beginnings. He’s the real “working class hero” of the Beatles boys.
12. Hanover Street
Hanover Street is one of the top streets in Liverpool thanks to the countless restaurants and bars that line the road.
From trendy tapas joints to authentic Italian trattorias, from bustling German beer gardens to cosy bistros, Hanover Street offers a gastronomic adventure like no other. It’s well worth a visit!
Liverpool’s food enthusiasts flock to this street, as it has earned a reputation as one of the top places to eat in Liverpool.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night in Liverpool, a quick bite, or a lively night out with friends, Hanover Street’s bars and restaurants cater to every taste and occasion.
13. Arnold Grove
In the Wavertree suburb of Liverpool, you’ll find one of the most iconic streets in Liverpool – Arnold Grove.
This was the childhood home of George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles. He lived here for six years, before moving to another house on a street called Upton Green, which is in Speke.
You didn’t think I would write an entire Liverpool post without spending a good chunk of it writing about the Beatles, did you?
This unpretentious terrace is, like Ringo’s house, privately owned, but, again – provided you’re not obnoxious it’s totally fine to visit and take a few photos of the outside of the house. The owners and neighbours are used to it by now!
FAQs About Famous Streets in Liverpool
What is the main street in Liverpool?
The main street in Liverpool is arguably the busy shopping area of Church Street. This popular shopping street is home to an array of high-street stores and is just outside Liverpool One. Although it’s not one of the most famous streets in Liverpool, it’s arguably the “main” street in the city.
What is the most popular street in Liverpool?
According to TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, and my own experience, the most popular street in Liverpool is Matthew Street. This iconic street is known for its lively nightlife, particularly its live music scene. The world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles first performed, is located on this street and draws visitors from all over the globe.
What is the oldest street in Liverpool?
It’s not quite clear what the oldest street in Liverpool is, but one of the oldest is Castle Street, which dates back to the 13th century. It was one of the original seven ancient streets in the city and is home to a variety of historic buildings. Despite this, it’s not one of the most famous streets in Liverpool.
Conclusion: Most Famous Streets in Liverpool
In conclusion, the streets of Liverpool are known all over the world! From the iconic Beatles sites like Penny Lane and Mathew Street, to the diverse offerings of Bold Street and Lark Lane, each street tells a unique story and offers a totally different experience.
So, put on your walking shoes, explore these famous streets, and get ready to fall in love with Liverpool just like I did!
