Liverpool Central Library — located in the heart of the William Brown Street Cultural Quarter, it is one of the largest and most stunning public libraries in the UK. Funded by local merchant William Brown and opened in 1860, designed by John Gray Weightman in Victorian Gothic Revival style, it forms the only street in the UK composed entirely of cultural buildings alongside the neighbouring Walker Art Gallery, World Museum and St George's Hall. After a £50 million comprehensive renovation completed in 2013, this architectural gem was reborn: a spectacular glass dome atrium flooded with natural light, criss-cross stairs spiralling upwards like Hogwarts, the UK's first electrically-lit Picton Reading Room preserving its 1879 circular grandeur, 15,000 rare books and Audubon's double-elephant folio Birds of America quietly displayed in the Oak Room. Every day 2,500 visitors read, study and gaze up at the dome — permanently free admission.
From the breathtaking first glimpse of the glass dome atrium to the Victorian grandeur of the Picton Reading Room, from the wisdom accumulated in 15,000 rare books to the panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace — experience the light of reading from 1860 to today in a free cultural sanctuary
In the morning, walk just 4 minutes from Liverpool Lime Street Station to William Brown Street — the only street in the UK composed entirely of museums, libraries and galleries. Standing in front of the Central Library entrance, first notice the 30-metre granite walkway beneath your feet: red letters spell out a hidden riddle, with the answer pointing to a specific item inside the collection. Step through the doors and the glass dome atrium opens up before you, natural light pouring down from above as Hogwarts-like criss-cross stairs extend across three floors, leaving you momentarily breathless. Take the lift or climb the stairs to the top floor to the rooftop terrace, overlooking the entire city skyline — St George's Hall's Corinthian colonnade, Liverpool Cathedral's spire and the River Mersey stretch before you. Then descend floor by floor: in the Picton Reading Room, experience the academic solemnity of the Victorian era from 1879 — the UK's first electrically-lit public reading room, its domed ceiling glittering with gold leaf decoration; in the Hornby Library and Oak Room, gaze upon Audubon's double-elephant folio Birds of America, turned once a week on Wednesdays; in the Rare Books Gallery, browse selected medieval manuscripts and fine bindings from the 15,000-volume collection. After your visit, enjoy light refreshments at the Deli Marche Café on the ground floor, then take a leisurely stroll to the adjacent St John's Gardens.
The official café located beside the main entrance of Central Library, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing St John's Gardens, filled with natural light and a warm atmosphere. Signature offerings include freshly brewed cappuccino (£2.50) and ham and cheese panini (£4.50), accompanied by daily freshly baked scones and carrot cake. Lunch service includes soup with sourdough bread (£4.95), and Friday special Liverpool Scouse stew (£5.95). Ideal for a quick refuel between visits, TripAdvisor rated 4.2, reasonably priced. Budget £3-£8 per person.
Just a 2-minute walk from Central Library, housed in a Georgian building beside the Liverpool Royal Institution, with an elegant and quiet atmosphere. An excellent choice for lunch after visiting the library, the signature dish is slow-braised lamb shoulder with mint pearl onions and red wine jus (£16), alongside vegetarian-friendly roasted beetroot salad with goat's cheese and walnuts (£12). Dessert recommendation: sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream (£6.50). Wine list features small-batch selections from Liverpool-based importers. Budget £15-£25 per person.
One of Liverpool's most magnificent Victorian pubs, less than a 5-minute walk from the library, directly opposite St George's Hall. Built in 1888, its mahogany bar counter, stained-glass dome and mosaic tiled floor make you feel like you're in a cathedral — locals affectionately call it "Big House." Classic British pub fare includes Sunday Roast (slow-roasted beef/lamb with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, £14.95) and Liverpool Scouse stew (£10.95). The downstairs cellar bar serves Liverpool craft ales Love Lane and Cains, perfect for an afternoon break or evening wind-down. Budget £12-£20 per person.
A hugely popular modern Middle Eastern-European fusion sharing small plates restaurant in Liverpool, about a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride from William Brown Street. The signature dish is fried cauliflower with lemon and garlic aioli (£8.50) — one of the most Instagrammed dishes in Liverpool — and slow-cooked lamb burger with spicy yoghurt sauce (£14). Vegetarian options are plentiful, including roasted aubergine with pomegranate seeds and tahini. The cocktail list is carefully crafted, with the Middle Eastern-spiced "Maray Sour" a must-try. After visiting the library, you can walk or take a short bus ride. Budget £15-£30 per person.