The Cavern Club: Liverpool’s Legendary Rock and Roll Cradle
Step into Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, the iconic birthplace of The Beatles and a vibrant hub of live music history.
The Cavern Club, located at 10 Mathew Street in Liverpool, is an iconic music venue famed as the birthplace of The Beatles’ rise to fame. Opened in 1957 as a jazz cellar, it evolved into the heart of the Merseybeat scene, hosting nearly 300 Beatles performances and countless legendary acts. Today, it remains a vibrant live music venue and a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide.
A brief summary to The Cavern Club
- 10 Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE, GB
- +441512361965
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-12 am
- Tuesday 11 am-12 am
- Wednesday 11 am-12 am
- Thursday 11 am-1 am
- Friday 11 am-2 am
- Saturday 11 am-2 am
- Sunday 11 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during lunchtime sessions to experience the intimate atmosphere reminiscent of The Beatles’ early performances.
- Check the schedule for live music events spanning classic rock to contemporary genres.
- Explore the memorabilia and signed walls to connect with the club’s rich musical heritage.
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and secure a good spot near the stage.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Mathew Street to see other Beatles-related landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Liverpool’s Merseyrail network to Liverpool Central Station, located approximately 700 meters from The Cavern Club. From there, a 10-minute walk through the city center leads to Mathew Street. Trains run frequently with tickets costing around £3-£5.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Liverpool city center, including stops near Mathew Street. Journey times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on starting point. Single fares typically range from £2 to £4. Buses operate regularly throughout the day.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at 10 Mathew Street. Travel time from Liverpool Lime Street Station is about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £5-£10.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Liverpool city center, walking to The Cavern Club is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and accessible, with journey times ranging from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your location.
The Cavern Club location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Cavern Club
Origins and Jazz Beginnings
The Cavern Club first opened its doors on 16 January 1957 as a jazz club nestled in a warehouse cellar at 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool. Initially dedicated to jazz, the venue quickly became a hub for Liverpool’s burgeoning music scene. Its unique underground setting with brick arches created an intimate atmosphere that attracted local music enthusiasts and performers alike.The Beatles and the Merseybeat Explosion
In the early 1960s, the Cavern Club transformed into the epicenter of the Merseybeat sound, a distinctive style of rock and roll that originated in Liverpool. The Beatles made their debut here on 9 February 1961, performing nearly 300 times over the next two and a half years. Their lunchtime sessions became legendary, helping to shape their musical identity and stagecraft. The club also hosted other notable acts such as Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Elton John, cementing its status as a cradle of British pop music.Turbulent Times and Rebirth
Despite its success, the Cavern Club faced financial difficulties and closed in 1973, with the original cellar filled in during construction work. It was reopened in 1984, rebuilt to closely resemble the original venue, preserving its historic charm. The club experienced further challenges, including a closure in 1989 due to licensing issues, but was revived again in 1991 by new owners who continue to operate it today. This resilience has helped maintain its legacy as a living monument to Liverpool’s musical heritage.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Descending the steps into the Cavern Club transports visitors into a vibrant underground world where music history was made. The brick-lined vaults, memorabilia, and walls signed by famous musicians create an immersive experience. Live music plays daily, spanning genres from classic 1960s rock to contemporary indie, offering a dynamic and lively ambiance. The club’s intimate setting allows visitors to feel close to the performances, echoing the early days of rock and roll.Legacy and Cultural Significance
The Cavern Club is more than just a music venue; it is a cultural landmark symbolizing the spirit of Liverpool’s musical innovation and the global impact of The Beatles. It has hosted legendary artists across decades and remains a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The club’s story reflects the evolution of popular music and Liverpool’s role as a creative powerhouse, making it a must-visit attraction for those interested in music history and live performances.Modern Day and Continuing Influence
Today, the Cavern Club thrives as a contemporary live music venue, blending its rich history with modern entertainment. It hosts a variety of acts daily, from tribute bands to emerging artists, keeping the legacy of Merseybeat and British pop alive. The venue also features a souvenir shop and memorabilia displays, enhancing the visitor experience. Its enduring presence on Mathew Street continues to inspire musicians and fans, celebrating over six decades of musical heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cilla Black
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Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Coopers Building
0.3 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
1 Exchange Flags
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Oriel Chambers
0.4 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
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Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.4 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Cotton Exchange Bldg Old Hall Street
0.5 km
Historic heart of Liverpool’s cotton trade, blending Edwardian grandeur with modern business life on Old Hall Street.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
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The oldest of Liverpool’s Three Graces, this Edwardian Baroque masterpiece at Pier Head is a powerful symbol of the city’s golden age as a global port and a defining feature of its historic skyline.
Cunard Building
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A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Royal Liver Suite
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Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Tithebarn Building
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A modern office landmark on Liverpool’s historic Tithebarn Street, bridging medieval heritage and today’s Knowledge Quarter.
The Liverpool Waterfront
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Discover the beauty and history of Liverpool Waterfront, where iconic landmarks meet vibrant culture along the banks of the River Mersey.
World Museum
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Explore the World Museum in Liverpool, where history, science, and culture come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Unmissable attractions to see
Eric's Liverpool
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Historic punk club and vibrant live music venue on Mathew Street, where Liverpool’s musical legends were born and continue to thrive.
John Lennon Statue - Mathew Street
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Celebrate the legacy of John Lennon with this iconic statue on Liverpool’s legendary Mathew Street, the heart of Beatles history.
The Wall Of Fame - Mathew Street
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Celebrate Liverpool’s legendary musicians on Mathew Street’s iconic Wall Of Fame, a tribute to the city’s unparalleled musical heritage.
Mathew St
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Experience the legendary Mathew Street, Liverpool’s iconic music hub and birthplace of Beatlemania, alive with history, live music, and vibrant culture.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
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A compact, late‑night gay club in Liverpool city centre offering high‑energy DJ nights, compact dancefloors and themed queer nightlife until the early hours.
John Lennon Mural by Paul Curtis
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A vibrant street art tribute to John Lennon’s legacy, celebrating Liverpool’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
Eleanor Rigby Statue
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A moving tribute to loneliness and legacy, the Eleanor Rigby Statue invites reflection beside Liverpool’s iconic Beatles landmark.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
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Liverpool’s compact Pride Quarter: Stanley Street’s cluster of LGBT+ bars, clubs and colourful street life at the heart of the city.
Everyman Liverpool
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Boutique cinema in Liverpool offering gourmet dining, cocktails, and vibrant events in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Metquarter Liverpool
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Discover Liverpool’s stylish Metquarter, where luxury boutiques, curated shops, and vibrant dining create a sophisticated city centre shopping experience.
Shiverpool
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Experience Liverpool’s haunted history with Shiverpool’s award-winning ghost tours blending thrills, laughs, and captivating storytelling.
Queen Victoria Monument
0.2 km
A grand neo-Baroque monument in Liverpool’s city center honoring Queen Victoria’s reign with rich allegorical sculptures and historic significance.
Derby Square
0.3 km
Historic Derby Square in Liverpool blends medieval roots, iconic monuments, and vibrant city life in a captivating urban landmark.
Chavasse Park
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A serene urban park at Liverpool ONE, renowned for festive cheer, community events, and a welcoming green escape in the city centre.
Quaker Alley Murals
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s Quaker Alley Murals, where vibrant street art celebrates the city’s rich history and dynamic cultural spirit in a colorful urban gallery.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Liverpool Victoria St
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Lively Caribbean dining and cocktails in Liverpool’s historic Produce Exchange, blending authentic flavors with vibrant island vibes.
Blakes Restaurant
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Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
Shiraz BBQ
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Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Casa Italia
0.1 km
A Liverpool institution since 1977, serving hearty pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian desserts in a lively, retro setting on Stanley Street.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
0.1 km
Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Bacaro
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Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Castle St Townhouse
0.2 km
A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
0.2 km
Modern Italian dining and cocktails in the heart of Liverpool, with a stylish terrace and a unique vaulted private dining room for special occasions.
Las Iguanas - Liverpool
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Vibrant Latin American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's premier shopping destination.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.3 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Smoke & Dough
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Interactive BBQ dining in Liverpool One where you grill premium meats at your table, paired with vibrant cocktails and a lively city terrace.
Cosy Club
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Stylish British dining with vintage charm and all-day menus in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
Dale Street Kitchen & bar by Shino
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Award-winning breakfast and brunch spot in Liverpool’s city centre, celebrated for its full English and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
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A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Cool Britannia
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Liverpool's vibrant gift shop packed with Britpop t-shirts, Beatles nods, and Cool Britannia souvenirs—your one-stop for cheeky, affordable UK mementos in the city center.
The Gallery
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Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Hard Days Night Shop
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Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
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Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
House Of Gifts
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A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
Scouse Bird Shop (inside Boutique 56 & online)
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Discover cheeky Liverpool gifts and local charm at Scouse Bird Shop, nestled inside the stylish Boutique 56 hotel on Stanley Street.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
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Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Beats of Liverpool
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Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
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Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
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Oliver Bonas
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LFC Official Club Store
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Urban Outfitters
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Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rubber Soul
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Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
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Liverpool's ultimate cocktail spot in a historic building—2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and three floors of festive vibes for groups and celebrations.
The Slaughter House
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Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
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Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Ex-Directory
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Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
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Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Brass Monkey
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Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
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Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Motel Bar
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A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
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Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
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Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Moonshine Saloon Liverpool
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Step into Liverpool’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure blending live theatre, bespoke drinks, and interactive fun.
Soho Bar Liverpool
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Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
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Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
The Jacaranda
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Iconic Liverpool music venue where The Beatles began, blending historic charm with vibrant live performances and a vinyl café.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
