The Three Graces: Liverpool’s Iconic Waterfront Trio
Iconic trio of waterfront buildings symbolizing Liverpool’s maritime heritage and architectural grandeur at the Pier Head.
The Three Graces are a trio of majestic buildings on Liverpool’s waterfront at the Pier Head, comprising the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building. These historic landmarks symbolize Liverpool’s maritime heritage and commercial prowess, featuring stunning architectural styles and crowned by the mythical Liver Birds. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they define one of the world’s most famous skylines and represent the city’s rich history as a global port.
A brief summary to The Three Graces
- Water St, Liverpool, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to admire the buildings’ details in soft morning light and avoid crowds.
- Look up to spot the Liver Birds atop the Royal Liver Building and learn about their local legends.
- Explore the nearby waterfront to experience the full panorama of Liverpool’s historic skyline.
- Check for occasional guided tours or events that provide access to interior spaces of the buildings.
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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Train
Take a Merseyrail train to Liverpool Lime Street station, then a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront to the Three Graces. Trains run frequently with fares around £3-£6.
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Bus
Several local buses stop near the Pier Head area, including routes 10, 17, and 86. Travel time from Liverpool city center is about 10-15 minutes. Single fares cost approximately £2-£3.
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Taxi
Taxi rides from central Liverpool take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing roughly £5-£10. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
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Walking
From Liverpool city center, a scenic 20-30 minute walk along the waterfront leads directly to the Three Graces. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
The Three Graces location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Three Graces
Architectural Marvels Defining Liverpool’s Skyline
The Three Graces consist of three grand buildings that dominate Liverpool’s Pier Head waterfront: the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building. Each was constructed in the early 20th century and reflects Liverpool’s status as a major maritime and commercial hub. The Royal Liver Building, completed in 1911, was Europe’s tallest building at the time and is famed for its enormous clock faces and the two Liver Birds perched atop its towers. The Cunard Building, finished in 1916, was inspired by grand Italian palazzos and served as the headquarters of the Cunard Steamship Company. The Port of Liverpool Building, completed in 1907, features Edwardian Baroque style with a prominent dome originally intended for a cathedral. Together, they form a striking ensemble that defines Liverpool’s historic waterfront.Symbolism and Legends of the Liver Birds
The Liver Birds crowning the Royal Liver Building are emblematic of Liverpool itself. These mythical creatures, part eagle and part cormorant, hold sprigs of broom in their beaks, a nod to the Plantagenet dynasty. Local folklore tells that the male bird watches over the sailors at sea, while the female looks toward the city to protect those ashore. A popular legend holds that if the birds ever fly away together, Liverpool will cease to exist. These birds were designed by Carl Bernard Bartels and crafted by the Bromsgrove Guild, embodying the city’s spirit and maritime legacy.Historical Significance and Preservation
Built on the filled-in George’s Dock, the Three Graces were conceived as symbols of Liverpool’s international prestige and economic power during the British Empire’s height. They survived World War II bombings intact, partly because German bombers used them as navigational markers. The buildings have undergone extensive restoration, including a £10 million refurbishment of the Port of Liverpool Building completed in 2009, preserving their original grandeur. Today, the Three Graces are Grade I and II listed buildings and form part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors worldwide.Interior Grandeur and Maritime Heritage
While the buildings primarily house offices today, their interiors reflect their maritime heritage and early 20th-century opulence. The Cunard Building’s interior evokes the feel of a grand ocean liner, with wood paneling, Corinthian columns, and marble finishes, including marble-lined toilets. The Port of Liverpool Building’s main hall is adorned with marble and stained glass windows representing countries of the former British Empire. These details highlight Liverpool’s role as a global port and the significance of the shipping companies headquartered here.The Three Graces in Liverpool’s Cultural Landscape
The Three Graces are more than architectural icons; they symbolize Liverpool’s resilience, history, and identity. They stand as a testament to the city’s maritime past and its role in global trade and migration. Their presence on the waterfront complements Liverpool’s cultural offerings, including its music heritage and vibrant arts scene. The buildings continue to inspire pride among Liverpudlians and serve as a focal point for visitors exploring the city’s rich heritage.Legacy and Continuing Influence
The Three Graces remain a defining feature of Liverpool’s skyline and a powerful symbol of the city’s golden era. Their design innovations, historical associations, and cultural significance ensure their place as treasured landmarks. As part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, they contribute to the city’s ongoing regeneration and tourism appeal, linking past glories with future aspirations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cunard Building
0.0 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Royal Liver Suite
0.1 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.1 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
0.1 km
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.
Oriel Chambers
0.2 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.2 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Mann Island
0.3 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.3 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
1 Exchange Flags
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Billy Fury
0.4 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Legacy Sculpture
0.4 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
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.
Cilla Black
0.5 km
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
0.6 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.6 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Unmissable attractions to see
The British Music Experience
0.0 km
Step into the story of British rock and pop at Liverpool’s national museum of popular music, where iconic costumes, instruments and interactive studios bring decades of music to life.
Liverpool Beatles Tours
0.1 km
Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
Canada Blvd
0.1 km
A serene waterfront promenade in Liverpool honoring Canadian wartime valor with memorials, maple trees, and iconic maritime views.
The Liverpool Waterfront
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, where historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and maritime heritage meet along the scenic River Mersey.
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building with immersive tours, panoramic skyline views, and rich historical insights from its 15th-floor vantage point.
Royal Liver Building
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic waterfront marvel, the Royal Liver Building, with its legendary Liver Birds, panoramic views, and rich maritime heritage.
Liverbird Monument
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Liverbird Monument, a mythical symbol of maritime heritage and city pride perched at St Nicholas Place.
Port of Liverpool
0.1 km
An Edwardian Baroque masterpiece and one of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Beatles Statue
0.1 km
A life-sized tribute on Liverpool’s Pier Head celebrating the Fab Four’s timeless legacy against the iconic Mersey waterfront.
Mersey Tunnel Tours
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel on a fascinating guided tour revealing engineering, history, and underground adventure.
Liverpool Canal Link - Waterfront Albert Dock
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic waterfront brought to life by the scenic and engineering marvel of the Liverpool Canal Link at Albert Dock.
Mersey Ferries
0.1 km
Experience Liverpool’s iconic Mersey Ferries—over 800 years of rich maritime history and stunning river cruises from the historic Pier Head.
Pier Head
0.1 km
Liverpool’s iconic waterfront hub, Pier Head blends historic maritime grandeur with vibrant cultural and recreational spaces.
Piazza Fountain
0.2 km
A dynamic 1960s kinetic water sculpture in Liverpool’s historic Goree Piazza, blending art, history, and community spirit.
Blitz Memorial
0.2 km
Explore the Blitz Memorial in Liverpool: A poignant tribute to resilience and history during World War II, reflecting the strength of a city under siege.
Essential places to dine
OH ME OH MY
0.1 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.1 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
Etsu
0.1 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.3 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Castle St Townhouse
0.3 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
0.3 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.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Bacaro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Malmaison Bar & Grill Liverpool
0.4 km
Modern British brasserie with dockside views, prime steaks, and bold cocktails in Liverpool's waterfront.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
0.5 km
Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
Shiraz BBQ
0.5 km
Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Blakes Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
Gusto Italian
0.5 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Liverpool Victoria St
0.5 km
Lively Caribbean dining and cocktails in Liverpool’s historic Produce Exchange, blending authentic flavors with vibrant island vibes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Gallery
0.5 km
Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.5 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
Cool Britannia
0.5 km
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.
House Of Gifts
0.5 km
A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Menkind
0.5 km
Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
0.5 km
A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Off The List Luxury
0.5 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
0.5 km
Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.6 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Pride of Liverpool
0.6 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Lost Soles
0.6 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
Oliver Bonas
0.6 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
With Love From Liverpool
0.6 km
Liverpool's ultimate souvenir haven in the Royal Albert Dock, brimming with Beatles treasures, Scouse spirit, and authentic gifts that capture the city's unbeatable vibe.
The Nest Liverpool
0.6 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.6 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
The Slaughter House
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.4 km
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 Bierkeller Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Rubber Soul
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.6 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
Ex-Directory
0.7 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.7 km
Raise a glass to Liverpool's maritime heartbeat at this dockside pub, where historic time signals meet modern merriment and Mersey views.
The Long Shot Bar
0.7 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Brass Monkey
0.8 km
Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
0.8 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Motel Bar
0.9 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Baltic Fleet
0.9 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
0.9 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
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
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
