Liverpool, a city with a rich history and vibrant culture by the Mersey, has more to offer than meets the eye. For a student, there’s much more to it, from Liverpool’s affordable cost of living, its well-known attractions, and its renowned football clubs. It’s a treasure trove of fascinating facts that are bound to surprise even the most dedicated Liverpudlians. 

In this article, we delve into the city's hidden charms to uncover interesting facts about Liverpool that often go unnoticed. So, put down your guidebook and prepare to be surprised!

Top Interesting Facts About Liverpool

The following list has some of the most intriguing facts about Liverpool and will give you a hint about things to do in Liverpool during your stay there. Let’s get started!

Liverpudlians or Scousers?

During your stay in Liverpool, you will notice that natives tend to call themselves Scousers, but Scouse is not just a local nickname. It’s based on lobscouse, a meaty stew rich in vegetables that was popular among sailors working on the city’s seaports back in the 19th century, and remains a beloved comfort food to this day. Today, Scousers are known for their distinctive Scouse accent, along with Scouse jokes and their unique Scouse slang, which may require some decoding.

The people of Liverpool are also referred to as Liverpudlians. The word itself is associated with the word 'puddle', meaning a small pool, as the city originally started as a tidal pool on the River Mersey. Therefore, a native is a Liver-puddle-ian, or Liverpudlian.

Who are the “Kopites”?

If you’re a major football fan, you're probably familiar with this term. It’s no secret that Liverpool is an extremely popular and internationally successful football city, with its major football teams, Liverpool FC and Everton. 

When you visit Liverpool, you’ll notice the fans. They call themselves Kopites. The name is a tribute to the fans who once stood and currently sit on the Kop in Anfield Stadium, one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. If you’re a football enthusiast, like most of the earth’s population, Liverpool’s the city for you!

Once the European Capital of Cool

Liverpool held the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture in 2008, celebrating its diverse cultural landscape and artistic heritage. Keep an eye out for the lasting legacy of this title in its thriving art scene and innovative projects.

Liverpool Cathedral’s Towering Bells

Liverpool Cathedral is the UK's largest Anglican cathedral and one of the city's greatest attractions. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, it features the heaviest collection of church bells in the country. There’s also a whimsical element to it, namely a gargoyle holding a Beatles album, which is a testament to Liverpool's musical heritage and the timeless quality of these architectural marvels.

A Major Musical Hub

Liverpool is known as the Capital of Pop, and for good reason. Beyond The Beatles, who have their own museum, The Beatles Story Liverpool, the city has had a significant influence on the music scene. While the Fab Four remain legendary, the city holds the Guinness World Record for the most number-one hit singles produced by its artists, boasting bands like Gerry & The Pacemakers, Echo & The Bunnymen, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and many more. 

Additionally, the city is home to the oldest professional symphony orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1840, and has played an essential role in shaping Liverpool's music.

A Literary Powerhouse

Liverpool is renowned for being home to literary icons. Whether it be the Gothic chills of Bram Stoker in his Dracula or social observations and insights by another Liverpool-based writer, Alan Bleasdale, in his Boys from the Blackstuff, Liverpool has birthed literary giants who have managed to encapsulate the city’s essence and social realities.

Shakespeare lovers, too, rejoice! Everyman & Playhouse theatres are located in the city, and they hold the distinction of staging every single one of Shakespeare’s plays, which is quite an achievement for any theatre company and one of the most iconic things to see in Liverpool!

The Birthplace of Modern Railways

Forget the King’s Cross; Liverpool holds the distinction of being home to the world’s first inter-city rail line. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway has transformed transportation since 1830, laying the foundation of modern rail travel.

It is Home to The World's First Commercial Wet Dock

Again with the docks! Step back in time with the world’s first commercial wet dock, the Old Dock, which opened in 1700. While Canning Dock, which opened in 1753, has also witnessed centuries of maritime trade, it now serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a range of events and exhibitions.

Liverpool has Special Birds

The iconic Liver Birds on the top of the Royal Liver Building are symbols of Liverpool, though their symbolism goes deeper than most people realise, as each bird holds its own unique token. The male, "Bertie," holds an oak branch, representing strength and resilience, while the female, "Bella," carries a sprig of seaweed, a nod to the city's maritime roots. 

The names and individual offerings of these majestic statues embody Liverpool’s protective spirit and enduring connection to the sea.

A City with Secret Tunnels

The Williamson Tunnels stretch out beneath the busy streets of Liverpool, creating a mysterious web beneath the city. Created by the eccentric philanthropist Joseph Williamson in the 19th century, the purpose of their construction remains unknown, sparking curiosity and speculation.

Through guided tours, visitors can cross these passages that were once used for smuggling and wartime shelters and experience a mix of chills alongside captivating historical insights.

Liverpool is a city woven from intriguing history and cultural strands, with hidden surprises at every corner. Just ditch the map and make your own path of discovery!

If you want to learn more about the UK, check out our Things Students Need to Know Before Studying in UK blog. Good luck!