Profile on UK's Culture Capital, Liverpool

Chosen as the Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool, emerging as one of the UK's leading centres for learning, culture, entertainment, sport and endeavour, is an exciting thriving, vibrant city. Liverpool has one of the largest student populations in the country with 60,000 students in the city and with such a large student population; Liverpool has hundreds of pubs, bars and clubs.

Going out in Liverpool is not expensive, most museums, cinemas, restaurants and clubs have student discounts and special student days/nights. The Liverpool crowds are lively and friendly, from the chain pubs to the smaller, independent pubs and bars. Down at the Albert Dock are more exclusive bars and restaurants including an award-winning comedy club.

Clubs around the city offer an ever-changing mix of music and style. Countless clubs offer sounds from RnB to indie. Liverpool's live music scene is eclectic and exhaustive, too. From big names playing big venues to alternative bands and up-and-coming acts, Liverpool caters to all genres of music. If you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle, the city's parks are ideal places to spend lazy Sundays. There are nature reserves up the coast at Formby and stately homes at Speke and Croxteth. Sandy beaches on the Wirral and the beautiful countryside of North Wales are within easy reach. Travelling to the coast and countryside is cheap and easy.

Shopping ranges from high street names to independent stalls, boutiques and high fashion. Places to eat and drink are on the increase, and there's something for everyone's taste and budget - Chinese, Indian, Italian, African, French, Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Mexican, Greek and more.

As an attraction for sports fans, Liverpool remains hard to beat. Aside from Liverpool and Everton football clubs there is racing at Aintree as well as golf, cricket, tennis, water sports and rugby league all on Merseyside. And if you want to be more than a spectator, there are hundreds of local teams for every type of sport.

There are more museums, theatres and galleries on Merseyside than in any other region outside London. Liverpool offers endless possibilities for everyone - so whatever you're into, you can be certain that you'll enjoy life to the full.