Port of Liverpool Building
An Edwardian Baroque masterpiece and one of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Port of Liverpool Building is a stunning Edwardian Baroque landmark located at Liverpool’s Pier Head. Completed in 1907, it is one of the iconic 'Three Graces' that define the city's waterfront skyline. Known for its majestic dome, Portland stone façade, and rich maritime heritage, the building served as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for nearly a century. Today it stands as a symbol of Liverpool’s maritime history and architectural grandeur.
A brief summary to Port of Liverpool
- Tower Bldg, 22 Water St, Liverpool, L3 1BH, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the building’s detailed façade and the surrounding waterfront views.
- Explore nearby attractions such as the Museum of Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum for deeper maritime history.
- Check out the building’s illumination in the evening as part of Liverpool’s River of Light Trail for a magical experience.
- Admire the statues of Commerce and Industry at the main entrance, representing Liverpool’s economic foundations.
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
From Liverpool Lime Street Station, take a 15-20 minute walk through the city center to Pier Head where the Port of Liverpool Building is located. The route is mostly flat and accessible, with no cost involved.
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Bus
Use local bus services 10, 17, or 26, which stop near the Pier Head area. Travel time from central Liverpool is approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£3 one way.
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Ferry
Mersey Ferries operate from nearby ferry terminals, offering a scenic 10-minute ride across the River Mersey. Tickets cost about £4-£6 and provide a unique approach to the waterfront.
Port of Liverpool 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 Port of Liverpool
Architectural Grandeur and Design
The Port of Liverpool Building is an exquisite example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and F.B. Hobbs, and constructed between 1904 and 1907. Its most striking feature is the large copper dome rising 220 feet above the city, inspired by an unused plan for Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. The building's reinforced concrete frame is clad in elegant Portland stone, giving it a grand and imposing presence on the waterfront. The façade features canted corners topped with stone cupolas, while the main entrance is flanked by two impressive 3-meter-high stone statues symbolizing Commerce and Industry.Historical Significance and Maritime Heritage
Built on land reclaimed from the former George’s Dock, the building was the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board (MDHB) from its completion until 1994. The MDHB played a crucial role in managing Liverpool’s docks, lighthouses, and navigation aids, marking the building as a hub of maritime administration. Despite suffering bomb damage during World War II, the building was meticulously restored, preserving its historical and architectural integrity. The Merseyside Maritime Museum now holds the archives related to the company, further cementing the building’s connection to Liverpool’s seafaring legacy.The Building’s Role in Liverpool’s Waterfront Ensemble
The Port of Liverpool Building forms one of the famous 'Three Graces' along with the Royal Liver Building and the Cunard Building. Together, these three landmarks create a harmonious and iconic skyline that overlooks the River Mersey. The building’s location at Pier Head places it near other key attractions such as the Museum of Liverpool and the Mersey Ferries departure point. Its elegant piazza is lined with cafés and restaurants, making it a lively social and cultural hub that complements its historical stature.Interior Features and Modern Use
Inside, the building boasts luxurious materials including grey granite, white marble, Danzig oak, and bronze fittings. The interior is notable for its maritime-themed elevators and the decorated ceiling of the central dome, which rises above an octagonal inner balcony. After the MDHB relocated in 1994, the building underwent a £10 million renovation to restore its façade and interior spaces. Today, it functions primarily as prestigious office space, blending historic charm with modern utility.Symbolism and Artistic Details
The Port of Liverpool Building is rich in symbolic and decorative elements that celebrate Liverpool’s maritime and industrial heritage. The statues of Commerce and Industry at the entrance emphasize the city’s economic foundations. The building’s Baroque columns, pediments, and ornamental details throughout the exterior and interior reflect the pride and ambition of early 20th-century Liverpool as a global port city.Legacy and Visitor Experience
As a Grade II* listed building, the Port of Liverpool Building is protected for its architectural and historic importance. It remains a focal point of Liverpool’s waterfront and a must-see for visitors interested in the city’s maritime past and architectural splendor. Illuminated at night, it forms a key part of the River of Light Trail, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the Pier Head area throughout the year.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Port Of Liverpool Building
0.0 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.
Cunard Building
0.1 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Mann Island
0.2 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
Royal Liver Suite
0.2 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.2 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
Oriel Chambers
0.3 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Billy Fury
0.3 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.3 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Legacy Sculpture
0.3 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.4 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.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.5 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
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.
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.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
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 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.
The Three Graces
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Three Graces in Liverpool: a stunning trio of architectural landmarks showcasing the city's rich maritime heritage.
The British Music Experience
0.1 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.
Museum of Liverpool
0.1 km
Explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s story on the UNESCO waterfront – free entry, powerful stories, and a city’s soul on display.
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.
Pier Head
0.2 km
Liverpool’s iconic waterfront hub, Pier Head blends historic maritime grandeur with vibrant cultural and recreational spaces.
Mersey Ferries
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s iconic Mersey Ferries—over 800 years of rich maritime history and stunning river cruises from the historic Pier Head.
Tate Liverpool
0.2 km
Discover cutting-edge modern art and family-friendly creativity at Tate Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront home at RIBA North.
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
0.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building with immersive tours, panoramic skyline views, and rich historical insights from its 15th-floor vantage point.
The Mann Island - Waterfront Photos
0.2 km
Discover Mann Island’s vibrant waterfront where Liverpool’s rich maritime history meets striking modern architecture and lively urban culture.
Piazza Fountain
0.2 km
A dynamic 1960s kinetic water sculpture in Liverpool’s historic Goree Piazza, blending art, history, and community spirit.
Essential places to dine
Etsu
0.2 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.2 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
OH ME OH MY
0.2 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.3 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.
Bacaro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Castle St Townhouse
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Gusto Italian
0.4 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Revolución de Cuba Liverpool
0.4 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Revolución de Cuba Liverpool—where vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors in a lively lounge setting.
Malmaison Bar & Grill Liverpool
0.5 km
Modern British brasserie with dockside views, prime steaks, and bold cocktails in Liverpool's waterfront.
Blakes Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.5 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
Shiraz BBQ
0.5 km
Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Off The List Luxury
0.4 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Pride of Liverpool
0.5 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lost Soles
0.5 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.5 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
With Love From Liverpool
0.5 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
0.5 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.5 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
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.
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.
Oliver Bonas
0.5 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Slaughter House
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.5 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.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.5 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
Rubber Soul
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.6 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
0.6 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Ex-Directory
0.7 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
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.
Baltic Fleet
0.8 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
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.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Playground Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Flares - Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
GBar Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's legendary late-night gay club: pop upstairs, bass downstairs, dancing till dawn on Eberle Street's vibrant strip.
Elysium Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
Mansion Nightclub
0.6 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.6 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant Stanley Street Gay Quarter in Liverpool, a hub of LGBT nightlife with diverse bars, clubs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.9 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Modo, Liverpool
1.0 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
1.0 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
Baa Bar Liverpool
1.0 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Aura
1.1 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo 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
- Solo Female Friendly
