For the rest of us, all the ‘08’ stuff is surely a wonderful add-on - an extra reason for visiting a city which is fun anyway, even without the prospect of excellent exhibitions, theatre and, of course, a lively music scene (not least later this month, when the people behind the global Cream brand host the star-packed Liverpool Music Week). For with its lively club and bar scene, its echoes of its mercantile past - and perhaps above all else, all those jolly scousers - Liverpool was always worth the trainfare.

Oh, and did I mention golf? Not my cup of tea, at all, but if your partner loves golf and you don’t, a weekend in Liverpool could be a fine alternative to 1. a weekend on your own or 2. a weekend in some cheesy golf resort.

For by visiting Liverpool, your partner gets a choice of world-class golf courses. You stay somewhere cool like the Hope Street hotel and get a weekend of great art, good shopping - including the wagtastic Cricket boutique - and lively nightlife.

NEED TO KNOW

For information on 08, Liverpool Capital of Culture, visit www.liverpool08.com or look out for coverage in the Times.

The National Museums Liverpool website (www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk) has a complete guide to the big local museums, including the excellent Walker Art Gallery, the Lady Lever Art Gallery and the International Slavery Museum (a timely reminder that much of the wealth reflected in Liverpool’s splendid Georgian architecture was generated from the Slave Trade). For a glimpse of life as lived by a 19th century shipowner, head to Sudely House.

Despite all the brouhaha over the Turner Prize nominees show, the big draw at Tate Liverpool is likely to be the Gustav Klimt show, which starts in May. For something more contemporary, check out the A Foundation Gallery on Greenland Street in the emerging Artists’ Quarter.

A stroll down Hope St, with the Anglican Cathedral at one end and the Catholic one (aka Paddy’s Wigwam) at the other is a great introduction to the city, while Beatles fans will most likely want to try out the Magical Mystery Tour

Also, don't forget to check out the best restaurants, local produce and markets listings in the North West

WHERE TO EAT

For excellent, innovative cooking food dished in an airy, elegant space, look no further than Paul Askew’s London Carriage Works (40 Hope St, 0151 705 1222), downstairs at the Hope Street Hotel. Just down the road, 60 Hope Street was described by AA Gill as “a London restaurant in Liverpool”; upstairs is posh; downstairs is the bistro. Alma de Cuba on Seel St is a real scene: a lively (maybe almost too lively) bar and Latin-ish restaurant in a former church, formerly owned by local nightlife impresario Rob Gutmann. Gutmann’s latest project, Geisha, is equally stylish and serves good pan-Asian food; ask for a booth upstairs.

WHERE TO GO

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