Cavern Club

The actual basement venue where The Beatles performed 292 times between 1961-1963, now hosting live music seven nights a week. The brick-arched cellar maintains its original layout with low ceilings and intimate atmosphere where you can stand where Lennon and McCartney once played. It sits in Liverpool's Cavern Quarter, close to the other main sights. It ranks among Liverpool's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Tickets cost £5-15 entry depending on performer and 1-2 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: the only venue where you can experience live Skip if: You're not interested in music or claustrophobic in small spaces Cost: £5-15 entry depending on performer

You descend narrow stairs into a low-ceilinged brick cellar where bands perform on a small stage surrounded by arched alcoves. The intimate space holds about 450 people standing, with Beatles memorabilia covering the walls between performances.

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to steep stairs and narrow basement layout

The only venue where you can experience live music in the exact space The Beatles played their early gigs. That puts it near the top of any Liverpool visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Liverpool Cathedral and World Museum - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Liverpool. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You're not interested in music or claustrophobic in small spaces

• Book ahead for weekend evening shows.
• Daytime visits include Beatles memorabilia displays.
• Cash bar only.
• Gets very crowded during Beatles Week in August.

Insider tip: The original club was filled with rubble in 1973 - this reconstruction uses bricks from the original venue

Photography allowed but flash restricted during performances, best shots from the back of the venue