This Prohibition-style cocktail bar takes the era's inclination for secrecy to extremes. You'd never guess that behind a rather humdrum door – you may even have to knock – and thick velvet curtain lies a portal back to 1930s Chicago. Think candles in wine bottles and gin and whiskey cocktails that slip down all too easily to the jazz and blues soundtrack. No bookings – just turn up.

Situated in the Cultural Quarter, atmospheric and intimate Magnet has an illustrious musical history and was once graced by Freddie Mercury and Brian May. Today, it attracts a discerning crowd and you can snuggle up with a drink in cosy booths whilst listening to jazz, soul, funk, rare groove and Latin beats or take in comedy and open mic nights.

Beer enthusiasts should check out The Ship & Mitre, a CAMRA Pub of Excellence. Housed within one of the city's few remaining art deco buildings, it is thought that a pub has existed on the site for at least 120 years. The Ship stocks one of the region's biggest range of beers so visitors can sample everything from cask ales and German pilsners to draught beers from the Czech Republic

Camp and Furnace is housed in one of the revamped industrial complexes in the dock area rebirthed as the Baltic Triangle. Offering a line-up of alternative and experimental music acts, critically acclaimed food, plus some stomping club nights, check out Nightgarden on Friday nights, where food and drink meet art and performance.

A multi-purpose venue open throughout the week, Constellations regularly welcomes guest DJs and curators for warehouse nights that can run until 0400.

Harking back to the hedonistic heyday of rave, Level is Liverpool's largest club and is modelled on the mammoth super clubs of the 1990s like Manchester's Hacienda. Split over three levels, there are six rooms and seven bars, plus some 2,600 partygoers lifting hands in the air to house, electronica, hip hop and bass music.

Originally a meeting spot for The Liverpool Royal Institute art collective, this historic 19th-century arts building on Seel Street has been transformed into a multi-functional venue for cutting-edge music, comedy and club nights. Expect anything from Fatboy Slim to Foals. It also contains a superb bar and kitchen, serving quality meals and craft beer.

Built in 1905, The Olympia is one of the city's largest concert venues, with an interior modelled on the Moscow Kirov Ballet. Expect large touring acts ranging from anything from Robert Plant and Placebo to New Order and Tame Impala. This converted cinema hosts comedy, boxing and wrestling as well.

The Zanzibar Club has an excellent reputation for handpicking the very best of the underground scene and covering anything from indie and metal to folk and country. Breaking bands long before they hit the big time, the Zanzi is small, so you're never too far from the action.