Under $100: Liverpool, England

Liverpool, a maritime city in Northwest England, is well known and loved for its waterfront, iconic mercantile buildings and music history.

If you’re looking for a free or inexpensive way to see the city, walk around Pier Head, part of the Liverpool Maritime City UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to recreational open space and landmark buildings like Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building. Take a walk along the water, take in the history and watch the passenger ships traveling to and from the city for a true taste of Liverpool for free.

Some other top sights include Liverpool Cathedral, Speke Hall, St. George’s Hall and Liverpool Empire Theatre.

For Beatles fans, there’s a long list of things to see and do. Casbah Coffee Club is a bit touristy, but it’s the iconic spot where The Beatles first performed. Tours are available for £15. Located at 251 Menlove Ave. is the childhood home of John Lennon; 20 Forthlin Rd. is the home of the McCartney family (£9.50 to see both); and Mathew Street is home to the Cavern Club and other institutions (namely bars) often frequented by the Beatles. See original instruments, outfits, sketches and photographs of the band’s historic career at The Beatles Story Liverpool. Admission is £15.95 but well worth it if you’re a fan.

Liverpool is home to some world-class restaurants, but the lesser-known gems are the way to go.

The city’s Asian influence produces spots like Izakaya, serving Japanese-influenced dishes like sushi, sashimi, bao buns, noodles and curry; and Sans Cafe, serving English and Chinese food near Stanley Dock for nearly 30 years. Writer’s Block is a unique café, bar and restaurant, serving delicious cheese, meat and bread boards, and craft cocktails. Stop in the Homebaked Anfield pie shop, known for its award-winning Scouse pie, chicken gumbo pie and Shankly pie, a creation with mushrooms, brandy, steak and cheese. Cafe Tabac has been around since the 1970s, offering everything from breakfast to espresso martinis. Get the Full English fry up, a local breakfast staple for only a few pounds.

To get around Liverpool, go by rail, bus or bike. The Merseyrail trains run frequently and for £5.20 you can ride unlimited anywhere in the city. Because the city is compact, bikes are a great option and can be brought on trains or ferries. Several companies like Bike & Go and CityBike make it easy to rent, pick up and drop off bikes throughout the city. The bus is another green and cost-effective way to explore the city. Taxis and Ubers are also available.