10 things you have to do in Liverpool before you graduate

This week, current Liverpool student Mariel Rubinstein gives us the ten things you MUST do on Merseyside before you graduate. Already left and didn't tick them all off? What better excuse for a cheeky weekend back...

Take a stroll down Bold Street

It’s a street full of cool quirky independent shops, cafés and restaurants that you can’t miss. Go for cup of tea at LEAF, the hip teashop, or pretend you’re in the TV show ‘Friends’ at Central Perk coffee house.
 
Go to a gig

Everyone knows that Liverpool is the hometown of The Beatles and the music scene here continues to rock. The East Village Arts Club, The Zanzibar and the 02 Academy are all famous venues with new start up bands to those who have already hit the big time, you will never be disappointed.

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Visit some of the beautiful architecture Liverpool has to offer

No self-respecting student will have seen all of Liverpool’s architectural gems, but if you have a moment between lectures pop across the road to the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The 360-degree stained glass windows will blow your mind. St Georges Hall is another must-see and was even featured in the latest Harry Potter film. But if these don’t take your fancy, you can’t go wrong with a pint and a bite to eat in a grand interior; the Philharmonic Pub is known as ‘the most ornate pub in England’. And if that’s not enough, boys (and girls) take a peak at the marble urinals!
 
Tequila!

From raspberry to chill, guava to baked bean, Ca Va has more flavours than you could ever imagine and for only £1 a shot you won’t break the bank. The intimate tequila bar may not be the most glamorous of places but its friendly atmosphere and extensive menu is something you just can’t miss.
 
Soak up some culture at FACT

FACT has regular free imaginative art exhibitions that are rather cool. And, if you’re lucky you might even bump into a celebrity. Hollywood actor Shia Labeouf recently performed his art piece ‘#touchmysoul’ at the venue. You never know just what you might discover.
 
Visit Camp and Furnace for food, drink, music and fun

If you haven’t had a night out at Camp and Furnace you’re missing out. From indoor street food to 90s dress up dance events, Camp and Furnace has something for everyone. Every Thursday, ‘Bongo’s Bingo’ is a winner. This is ‘bingo but not as you know it’; think bingo, beer, good music, and one big party.
 
Get back to nature

Liverpool’s Sefton Park is brimming with picturesque greenery, fresh air and sparkling lakes and it’s only a 5-minute walk from Smithdown Road. The Palm House that sits in its centre puts on concerts and events – that’s if you’d rather visit for a night out instead of that run you keep saying you’ll go on.
 
Go up the Radio City Tower

Everybody likes a good aerial view and the Radio City Tower comes up trumps. It offers spectacular panoramic views across the Mersey and on a clear day you can see as far as Blackpool and the Lake District. What more could you want?
 
Discover one of Liverpool’s secret bars

ExDirectory is Liverpool’s newest secret cocktail bar. A traditional red telephone box leads to the sophisticated underground speakeasy. Once you’ve tracked down the secret location of the phone box, you can only enter if you’re lucky enough to have its phone number. Its magical and Narnia-esque, so go on, crack the code before you graduate. You can find the clues on their website.

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Take a walk down the Mersey

Finally, you can’t leave the city without spending at least one afternoon or evening exploring Liverpool’s legendary Albert Dock. Take in the stunning views across the Mersey, ride the big wheel and finish it off with dinner or drinks in one of the many trendy bars and restaurants dotted along the river.