With its blend of history and modernity and its stunningly transformed city centre, the city of Liverpool is becoming a popular choice for a short break. Author and BBC broadcaster Stuart Maconie takes in a whistlestop tour of some of the highlights of the city.

Stepping off the train that morning at Lime Street I was in Liverpool. Or was I?

Because the first sight that hits you – and it does hit you – is the awe-inspiring St George’s Hall. It’s straight out of ancient Athens – imagine the Parthenon, but in much better nick.

Unfortunately I couldn’t linger, as my instinct was drawing me to the Liverpool Philharmonic. The “Phil”, as it’s known locally, is a pub – a mini-symphony of boozer architecture and one of John Lennon’s favorites in his “pre-Fab days”. The place began life as a Victorian gin palace and is still wonderfully over the top. Suitably watered, it was time to venture out into the city.

One thing you can be sure of experiencing when you come to Liverpool is great contemporary art; there is always something going on.

Certainly the street I was on had more than its share of creative-looking types so I tagged along and found myself in the Bluecoat.

The Grade I Listed building is an architectural gem and at almost 290 years old, it’s the oldest building in the city centre.

While perusing the latest exhibition I was sidetracked by a savoury scent and headed “Upstairs at the Bluecoat”, a restaurant and bar that prides itself on home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients.

Scousers aren’t shy to boast about their home city. And there’s nothing to be shy about. Don’t believe me? Get yourself the round trip ticket on the Mersey Ferry and feel the breeze in your hair, the sun on your face and marvel at the best-looking waterfront in England.

From a nautical fix to a fashion fix. A lady friend had told me about Europe’s largest theatre of fashion, Liverpool One, and she was absolutely right, I had never seen so many shoe shops in my life. If you’re more high-fashion than high street, you could head to the MetQuarter or Cavern Walks. Apparently there’s always the risk of running into a WAG or two though.

By the time I got to Crosby the evening was mellowing into dusk, and there they were – one hundred cast-iron life size figures by sculptor Antony Gormley, spread out along three kilometers and reaching almost a kilometer out into the sea. It’s meant to capture the conflicting emotions of emigration. Incredibly poignant, but on my way back to Liverpool I couldn’t help thinking it’s a place to visit, not leave.

* Liverpool has been named in the top three UK city break destinations for the second successive year by readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

* Liverpool has more Grade II listed buildings than any other city in the UK outside London.

* Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage City.

* Liverpool holds the Guinness Book of Records for being the Capital of Pop – more Liverpool artists have had a Number One than any other town or city in the world.