Liverpool grows its cultural cache, day by day, dollar by dollar. The city that gave us The Beatles is making big placemaking investments, eyeing a transformational new masterplan for St. George’s Gateway, Liverpool’s cultural quarter and home to the beloved Empire Theatre. It happens as regeneration projects progress in the city’s North Docks, and the massive Liverpool North project plans a whole new neighbourhood, solidifying a multi-year agenda of Scouse hustle. Shorter-term projects include a revitalisation of the city’s International Slavery Museum, which chronicles Liverpool’s pivotal role in Britain’s trans-Atlantic slave trade. It’s set to re-open in 2028 alongside a similarly revitalised Maritime Museum, a one-two punch that should propel its #79 Museums ranking higher. Festivals are imminent and diverse, including the return of Africa Oyé, the UK’s largest African Music celebration, back from its 2025 hiatus. Yet it’s nightlife that’s Liverpool’s specialty, its #16-ranked scene fuelled by quality pubs, trendy bars, a lively student population, and a public transport system (#31) that just saw its biggest ever city investment: €1.85 billion. Now, with Ryanair routes added in 2025, a revamped Anfield Stadium to enjoy, and booming tourism numbers, Liverpool looks uninterested in slowing down – or having any less fun.