Sporting attractions, art hubs and legendary nightlife venues are just for starters in this port city famous for the launch of the Beatles.
Visit Liverpool and expect an action-packed itinerary of exploring big-name attractions unique to the city. Many visitors make a beeline for Pier Head and the huge statue of the Beatles. Others delve into maritime history at the Royal Albert Dock or take a tour of Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool FC. No matter what the reason people visit Liverpool, just about everyone loves the vibe of this industrial powerhouse turned World Heritage-listed city.
Live music at buzzing venues is a given no matter what time of year you plan to visit Liverpool however, you’ll also find plenty of festivals to plan your trip around. Music lovers flock to the annual International Beatleweek and Liverpool Sound City. The River of Light trail illuminates the Liverpool Waterfront each year and the Randox Grand National showcases horse racing royalty.
Things to do in Liverpool
Start your sightseeing adventures with a ride across the river on the Mersey Ferry for spectacular skyline views and recorded commentary about the historical waterfront. You’ll see the Royal Liver Building topped with its mythical Liver Birds. Get up close with a visit to the iconic building and admire 360-degree views from the 15th floor.
Learn all about Liverpool’s Fab Four at The Beatles Story. Memorabilia and original instruments are among the largest permanent exhibition in the world honouring the band’s rise to fame. It’s located on the Royal Albert Dock, where the Maritime Museum displays model ships and the Titanic and Liverpool exhibition. Stroll around the shops here for souvenirs and take a break at waterfront restaurants.
Enjoy a spin on the Liverpool Wheel for sweeping views of the city. It’s next to M&S Bank Arena where big name concerts are hosted. For outdoor adventures, build sandcastles at Southport Beach and wander leafy trails around the boating lake at Sefton Park. Sporting fans love tours of Goodison football stadium, which was home to the Everton Football Club from 1892.
Art and culture in Liverpool
Set aside a few hours to discover Tate Liverpool, with collections of international artworks featuring Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and more. The Lady Lever Art Gallery showcases a Wedgwood jasperware collection and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Gaze at the gorgeous stained-glass windows of Liverpool Cathedral and enjoy the views on the Tower Experience. As you travel around the city you’ll see impressive street art, including the SuperLambBanana by Japanese visual artist Taro Chiezo.
Thrill the kids with a visit to Imagine That! Science Discovery for snow workshops and the hands-on Slime Factory. Guided tours take you through a secret underground WWII bunker at Western Approaches. At the World Museum, explore the ancient Egyptian afterlife in the Mummy Room and get up close to a mammoth tooth.
Dining and nightlife in Liverpool
Give your taste buds a treat at Baltic Market from Thursday to Sunday. Independent food vendors serve everything from gin to stone-baked pizzas and fried chicken in a repurposed old Cains Brewery warehouse. Restaurants and chic bars line historical Castle Street and Bold Street. The latter leads to charming traditional pubs in the Georgian Quarter.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to live music venues, including the famous Cavern Club which is coined “the birthplace of the Beatles”. Seel Street is the spot for dancing all night long at clubs. Catch a show at the Grade II listed Dome at Grand Central Hall and enjoy the theatre at the Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Getting to and around Liverpool
Liverpool is served by both Liverpool and Manchester airports, along with trains leaving from Liverpool Lime Street Station. It’s about a 20-minute taxi or bus ride to the city centre from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Use the efficient Merseyrail network or buses to get around town. Cycling paths and e-scooters are available, along with ferries. Book a hotel in the city centre to be within easy walking distance of many brilliant attractions.
