Top things to do in Liverpool for football fans

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Why don’t you plan a city break in Liverpool? The city has long been a favourite destination, thanks to its fascinating history, cultural attractions and tireless party spirit. Not forgetting the north-west city’s twin passions: music and football.

Visiting the Cavern Club conjures up the excitement of the 1960s, when The Beatles regularly played to screaming fans. The city’s football supporters follow their teams with the same passion. So, it’s a serious business – but it’s also fun to be part of, whether you’re an ardent Liverpool FC or Everton FC follower or just admire the prowess of these world-famous clubs.

From bars packed with supporters to dedicated ‘fan zones’ to make the most of the pre-match excitement, discover what to do, eat and see on a football-themed trip to the Merseyside city.

Meet the teams: Liverpool FC and Everton FC
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### Liverpool FC

One of the world’s most famous, and most successful clubs, Liverpool FC boasts six UEFA Champions League titles, 18 league wins and seven FA Cup trophies. Lauded manager Bill Shankly pulled the club, nicknamed The Reds, out of the second division in 1962, and they haven’t been back there since.

The club has had many stellar players, with Ian Rush, Kevin Keegan, Steven Gerrard and (of course) Kenny Dalglish among its biggest heroes.

FUN FACT

The original strip was blue and white (Everton FC wore red). It switched to scarlet in 1896, four years after the club was founded.

Image Credit: Tourism Media

### Everton FC

While Liverpool FC is the most successful of the city’s two teams, Everton FC has rarely been far behind, playing consistently in the top division since 1954. Everton FC – also known as The Toffees or The Blues – go back further, too, founded in 1878 and one of the dozen founding members of The Football League in 1888.

Wayne Rooney got his start at the club, while other big names to have worn the strip include Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley, Neville Southall and Ralph ‘Dixie’ Dean.

FUN FACT

Everton FC has only missed out on a spot in the top division four times since The Football League was created in 1888.

Visiting Liverpool’s football stadiums: Anfield and Goodison Park
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### Anfield – Anfield district

Though Liverpool FC has played here since the club was founded, Anfield has all the mod cons. You can even pre-order food for collection or at-seat delivery (if you’re no more than five seats from the aisle).

Less time queuing means more time exploring the vast ground, which seats 54,074, and absorb the exhilarating atmosphere. Make the most of it at one of the special fan zones next to the stadium. These outdoor areas open four hours before kick-off and have street food trucks, music, activities and a big screen for all the build-up. The Anfield Road zone, known as ‘Family Park‘, is great for kids (or anyone who wants a photo with the official club mascot, Mighty Red).

Don’t miss the self-guided audio tour on non-match days. You can see the sleek dressing rooms, walk through the tunnel (to a soundtrack of cheers) and gaze over the stadium and city skyline from the top of the Main Stand. Tickets include entrance to the onsite museum, the Liverpool FC Story, stuffed with trophies and players’ shirts. Anfield Forever, outside the Main Stand, celebrates the club and its supporters with a series of engraved granite stones.

#### Getting there

If you want to rent a car in Liverpool, it’s a half-hour drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the city centre. But public transport is one of the easiest ways to get to and from the stadium. The 917 bus goes from St Johns Lane, opposite Lime Street Station, to Anfield. The service starts 3.5 hours before kick off and takes around 15 minutes, with group discounts available. On match days, Liverpool FC has a team of stewards at Lime Street Station to help direct visiting fans.

Image Credit: Tourism Media

#### Where to eat and what to do in Anfield

Food kiosks inside and around the stadium, including in fan zones, make it easy to grab a bite on the go. Looking for a sit-down meal before the match? The Boot Room Sports Café, on the Kop side of the ground, serves delicious pizza. Or try The Cabbage Hall Bar & Grill, 10 minutes’ walk from the stadium, for decent pub-style grub.^[1]

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to hotels near Anfield stadium and in the city centre, which is just two miles away.

The Cabbage Hall Bar & Grill, 20 Breck Rd, Liverpool L4 2RB

### Goodison Park – Walton district

Everton FC originally played at Anfield, but were forced to move in 1891 after a dispute over rent. Liverpool FC was formed the following year to play the suddenly empty stadium. But Everton FC is now very much at home at Goodison Park, just a mile north.

It’s blazingly blue, as you’d expect, from the gates to the 39,572 seats. And, with a strong local fan-base, there’s a strong community feel. Goodison Park was the first purpose-built football stadium in the UK, which makes its stadium tours fascinating. A VIP version, guided by former player Mark Higgins and including a Q&A session with two Everton FC legends, takes place before every Premier League match.

#### Getting there

Several buses go from Queen Square Bus Station in the city centre, or it’s a 15-minute drive. From the airport, it takes around half an hour.

Image Credit: Tourism Media

#### Where to eat and what to do in Walton

Goodison Park has a fan zone based in the Park End car park, where supporters can gather three hours before every match to hear live music, meet former players and buy snacks. A short walk away, the indoor Matchday Hub at Everton Free School is a good place for families to chill out before kick-off.

For a pre- or post-match meal, try nearby wine bar and bistro Segura, or popular Chinese restaurant Hot Wok.

Fancy some fresh air before the game? Take a stroll around nearby Stanley Park, with lakes, well-kept gardens and a café tucked beneath a Victorian glasshouse.

Segura, 95 County Rd, Liverpool L4 3QE; Hot Wok, 87 Langham St, Liverpool L4 4DA

Partying in Liverpool after the match
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### Celebrating after the match: supporters’ pubs

By Anfield, famous supporters’ pubs include Arkles and The Sandon. Both of these traditional boozers will be showing the match, and are known for welcoming away fans, too. The Albert, just outside the ground, is another good option if you can’t get a ticket.^[3]

Everton FC supporters tend to pour into nearby The Winslow Hotel, The Brick and Black Horse, which also serves classic pub food like burgers and pies.

Arkles, 77 Anfield Rd, Liverpool L4 0TJ; The Sandon, 166-182 Oakfield Rd, Liverpool L4 0UH; The Albert, 185 Walton Breck Rd, Liverpool L4 0RE

The Winslow Hotel, 31 Goodison Rd, Liverpool L4 4EH; The Brick, 44 County Rd, Liverpool L4 3QL; Black Horse, 284 County Rd, Liverpool L4 5PW

Image Credit: Tourism Media

### Going out in Liverpool

There’s always an air of celebration in Liverpool, particularly on weekends when the brick-paved lanes of Mathew Street teem with stags, hens and every other variety of fun-seeker. Don’t miss live music at the legendary Cavern Club, where it all began for a certain Fab Four. And the bars and clubs around Albert Dock and Seel Street keep the party going into the early hours.

Cavern Club, Cavern Walks, 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE

Practical information
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You can fly to Liverpool from several destinations in Europe and beyond. Flights take less than an hour from Belfast or Dublin, and there are frequent trains to Liverpool Lime Street from many UK cities including Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Luxurious spa hotels abound in Liverpool – perfect for taking the weight off after a day of walking.

Inspired to book a football break to Liverpool? From city-centre hotels to nightly live music, there’s plenty to celebrate, whatever the match result.

Want to explore even more of Liverpool? Make sure to check out the best Beatles attractions in Liverpool, or check out Expedia’s expert guide to Liverpool.”