The Cavern Club — hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as "the most famous club in the world," lies deep in the cellars of 10 Mathew Street in Liverpool city centre, the true starting point of the Beatles legend. Opened on 16 January 1957 as a jazz club, the Beatles first performed here on 9 February 1961, going on to play a legendary 292 shows — every step from Quarrymen to global icons took place under the brick-vaulted ceiling. Filled in for subway construction in 1973, rebuilt using original bricks on 26 April 1984 just metres from the original site, it still hosts non-stop live music from 11:15 every day. Descend 33 steps, walk through corridors lined with gold discs and Beatles photographs, stand on the small wooden stage that changed world pop music — this is not a museum replica, but a living, breathing rock'n'roll shrine.
From the brick-vaulted cellar at 10 Mathew Street to non-stop live music on two stages, from acoustic lunchtime sets to late-night rock, follow in the footsteps of the Beatles' 292 performances and feel the never-ending pulse of Merseybeat
In the morning, take an 8-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station to Mathew Street. Start by taking your first pilgrimage photo with the John Lennon statue leaning against the wall at the alley entrance, then walk slowly towards number 10 past singer signatures on the red brick walls. The club opens at 11am — pay the £6 admission fee and descend 33 steps, walk through the corridor lined with Beatles gold discs and historical photographs, and enter the brick-vaulted cellar where the Front Stage acoustic lunchtime session has just begun, with solo singers and duets performing covers of the Beatles, Merseybeat and 60s-90s classics under the brick-arched ceiling. In the afternoon, explore deeper into the Main Stage area, gaze at the famous bass drum graffiti logo behind the stage and the worn wooden floorboards — everything seen in 1962-63 Beatles photographs remains unchanged to this day. In the afternoon, catch a residency performance by The Beatles Complete or The Cavern Club Beatles at the Cavern Live Lounge, then step onto the small wooden stage for a souvenir photo. In the evening, head up to ground level to the Cavern Pub, enjoying a local Liverpool craft beer with Ian Prowse's Monday club or weekend live music. Have dinner next door at The Cavern Restaurant for classic Liverpool Scouse stew, then return to the club for the late-night session — open until 2am on weekends, with the entire Mathew Street buzzing in the afterglow of Beatlemania.
An award-winning restaurant right next to The Cavern Club (2024 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice), with two floors of warm space blending Liverpool hospitality with modern dining. The signature dish is Liverpool's soul food Scouse stew — slow-cooked lamb with dark bread and pickled red cabbage, plus classic British Fish and Chips (thick-cut chips with tartare sauce and lemon wedge, £12-£16). Steaks are perfectly seared and pair excellently with local craft beer. Vegetarian options include veggie Scouse and cheese ploughman's lunch. Magical Mystery Tour participants receive 15% discount plus free club entry. Budget £15-£30 per person.
A music-themed bar-restaurant directly opposite The Cavern Club, its walls covered with photographs and memorabilia of bands that have performed here — from the Beatles to Oasis, every wall is a visual feast of Liverpool music history. Pianos, guitars and drum kits are scattered around the room, creating a vintage and lively atmosphere. Their signature is one of Liverpool's best burgers — a juicy beef patty with bacon, cheddar cheese and crispy onion rings (£12-£15), paired with American-style snacks like fried chicken waffles and bacon fries. Drinks range from craft beer to creative cocktails, making it the ideal hangout spot before and after Cavern Club shows. Budget £12-£25 per person.
A vibrant Irish pub on Mathew Street with three floors of live music every night, the perfect extension of a Cavern Club pilgrimage. The menu focuses on Irish and British classics — excellent value 3-tapas for £12 (recommended: drunken mushrooms, BBQ cauliflower and Irish cheese platter), plus signature handmade beef burgers and fish and chips. Beer selection is extensive, with Guinness being a must-try. Weekend Feel Good Friday and Thursday Remix parties are lively, making it the top choice for celebrations, stag/hen parties and friend gatherings. Budget £10-£20 per person.
A historic pub at 25 Mathew Street, frequented by the Beatles in their early years, where Cilla Black once worked as a cloakroom attendant. It retains a strong musical atmosphere — karaoke nights, jukebox and happy hour £2 beers make it the most approachable spot on Mathew Street. The menu is classic British pub fare: Scouse stew, fish and chips, bangers and mash — simple and hearty. Walls are covered with Beatles and Liverpool music history photographs. Sitting on a seat once occupied by the Beatles while drinking a pint of beer is a time-travelling pilgrimage experience. Budget £10-£18 per person.