The Royal Liver Building — standing proudly on Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage Pier Head waterfront, is the northernmost, tallest and most legendary of the "Three Graces". Designed by Liverpool-born architect Walter Aubrey Thomas, construction began in 1908 and it officially opened on 19 July 1911. At 98 metres (322 feet), it was the tallest building in Europe at the time, one of the world's first large-scale structures to use the Hennebique reinforced concrete frame system, and is widely recognised as "Britain's first skyscraper". Perched atop the twin towers are two 4-tonne, 5.5-metre-high copper Liver Birds — the female Bella faces the sea to protect sailors, while the male Bertie faces inland to guard the citizens and their pubs. Liverpudlians firmly believe that if the two birds ever fly away, the city will fall. Now, for the first time, the building opens its interior to the public. The Royal Liver Building 360 Tour takes you from the Visitor Centre, the 10th-floor clock face balcony, the clock tower immersive AV experience, all the way up to the 15th-floor open-air viewing platform for up-close photos with the Liver Birds and 360° views of the Mersey, Anfield Stadium, the two cathedrals and the distant Welsh mountains.
From the Visitor Centre interactive clock face to the 10th-floor Great George Clock balcony, from the clock tower immersive AV experience to the 15th-floor 360° viewing platform up close with the Liver Birds, feel the century-old pulse of Liverpool's heart beneath the watchful gaze of Bella and Bertie
In the morning, walk 15 minutes from Liverpool Lime Street Station to Pier Head, where the Royal Liver Building stands majestically at the northernmost point of the Three Graces, its twin copper birds gleaming in the morning light. Book your time slot online in advance and enter through the underground Visitor Centre — newly upgraded in 2026, the Interactive Video Wall uses projection mapping and a large video wall to tell the building's century-long story in five chapters: The Clocks, The Liver Birds, The Royal Liver Friendly Society, Construction History, and Iconic Moments (including the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and the River of Light festival). Then take the dedicated lift to the 10th floor, step onto the open-air balcony and come face to face with the 25-foot diameter "Great George Liver Clocks" — larger than Big Ben's clock faces — with the Mersey and Wirral Peninsula sprawling below. Continue climbing 124 steps (71 of which are narrow spiral stone stairs) into the immersive AV space behind the west tower clock face, where the Liver Bird becomes your guide through a century of Liverpool's transformation from maritime empire to cultural capital using light, sound, digital effects and 4D elements. Finally, reach the 15th-floor open-air viewing platform for up-close photos with Bella and Bertie, with 360° views of Anfield Stadium, the two cathedrals, the Mersey and the distant Welsh mountains — one of the best photo spots in all of Liverpool.
A rooftop restaurant and bar on the top floor of West Africa House, just a 3-minute walk from the Royal Liver Building. Its 360° terrace offers panoramic views of the Mersey, the Three Graces and the Beatles Statue, making it the best dining spot for photographing the building's full grandeur. The signature offering is the Liverpool Echo-recommended afternoon tea — a three-tier stand with scones, finger sandwiches and mini desserts (£18-25). Weekend brunch serves Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon bagels. Grab a local Liverpool craft ale on the terrace at sunset and watch the copper towers of the Royal Liver Building turn amber. Budget £15-30 per person.
Just a 5-minute walk from the building, housed in a Grade II listed building that was once the Bank of Liverpool. Marble columns and high ceilings retain the century-old financial atmosphere, reimagined as a Buenos Aires tango club. Signature dishes include Argentinian tomahawk steak and grass-fed ribeye (£28-45). Wednesday "Steak Night Date Night" offers a sharing steak for two with wine from £70. The private dining room "The Banker's Office" retains the original fireplace, ideal for business entertaining and special occasions. Budget £26-40 per person.
A 5-minute walk from the building to Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in the Liverpool ONE shopping district, housed in a historic building with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Pier Head, offering direct views of the Royal Liver Building. Signature dishes include Wellington steak (£28-35) and locally caught Mersey Bay seafood platter, with American burgers and fish and chips equally excellent. Weekend brunch serves Eggs Benedict and truffle fries. Perfect for treating your taste buds after visiting the building. Budget £20-40 per person.
Located on the 34th floor of the West Tower next door to the Royal Liver Building, 300 feet above sea level, one of the highest restaurants in the UK. From your table you can simultaneously see Liverpool's twin-spire cathedrals, Anfield Stadium and the mouth of the Mersey. Head Chef Chris Ramejkis's seasonal menu blends modern British with fusion — signature Mersey Bay plaice with lemon butter sauce, slow-braised beef cheek with black garlic mash (mains £22-35). Afternoon tea (Monday-Tuesday 11:00-16:00) from £28/person. Cocktail bar open Friday-Saturday until 23:45. Book a window seat in advance. Budget £30-65 per person.