Liverpool has gained a reputation for being a rough city. I feel this is unjustified, as the people of Liverpool are welcoming and friendly. Indeed, they are some of the most welcoming people in Britain, and that's official. There are some areas, mainly those surrounding the edges of the city, that should be avoided, especially at night, but isn't that true for every major city?
The city center is generally a safe place for a night out, with a reassuring police presence, meaning that is often safer than some of the surrounding, much smaller towns.
Liverpool has been forced to live somewhat in the shadow of Manchester and London, but hopefully that will change soon with high levels of investment and redevelopment from EU grants. Liverpool has been announced as European City of Culture in 2008. This marks the continuation of an exciting period of regeneration for the city.
Liverpool has a rich, if mixed, history. From its position as England's most important port in its Victorian heyday, to the not-so-prosperous times of recent decades, Liverpool's history is as interesting as it is long. Those who take time to learn and discover this city’s history and culture will find that there is more to Liverpool than preconceptions and reputations.