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What are the must-do things in Liverpool? If you’re planning a trip to England or scheduling some free time during a business visit, this might be a question on your mind. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, a music enthusiast, a football aficionado, or someone who enjoys a lively night out, Liverpool is the perfect destination, especially for a weekend. Unlike many cities, this northern English town has a knack for offering visitors spontaneous entertainment.
🗺️ Further north… How about a little trip to Scotland? If only to visit the beautiful town of Stirling, here’s a guide to the town.
🗒️ What you need to know before your trip to Liverpool
Before we dive into the essential things to do in Liverpool, here are some tips for your upcoming journey.
Why go to Liverpool?
For a variety of reasons, primarily culture. After London, the city boasts the most cultural offerings in all of England. And it’s not just about the Beatles, although they originate from here. Sports enthusiasts will also have a great time, especially at the legendary Anfield stadium, home of the Reds. Like any respectable major English city, Liverpool is well-stocked with pubs and concert venues, ensuring you can enjoy the city into the wee hours.
Visit Liverpool or Manchester instead?
It’s a hot topic, fuelled by the rivalry between the two cities which are just about fifty kilometres apart. It really boils down to personal preference. Both cities are vibrant, with incredible music scenes and world-renowned museums (like the Tate or the World Museum for Liverpool, and MOSI for Manchester). If you’re keen on visiting Manchester, we have a great guide for you. But honestly, if you have a few days to spare, why not explore both metropolises?
Which hotel to choose in Liverpool?
There’s a vast array to choose from. Here are some of our recommendations:
For sheer convenience, two hotels stand out: the Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre, with its comfortable rooms, gym, and unbeatable city-centre location, and the Premier Inn Liverpool City Centre, which offers similar amenities.
For a more intimate atmosphere and higher-end amenities, consider the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. It’s also centrally located (500 metres from the Royal Court Theatre and 750 metres from the Pier Head) and offers rooms decorated in a sophisticated, contemporary style, plus a gym and spa.
If you’re after a cosy, very British feel, you won’t be disappointed with the Malmaison Liverpool. Located in the Princes Dock area inside the historic Royal Liver Building, this hotel boasts exquisitely designed common areas and a brasserie serving dishes as local as its ambience.
Booking.com🔝 The 8 must-do things to do in Liverpool
Of course, in the land of the Beatles, some places are more iconic than others. That’s why we’ve created this mini-guide. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to Liverpool.
Educate yourself at Tate Liverpool
An extension of London’s modern art museum, Tate Liverpool (official website) has been open since 1988 and attracts hordes of tourists each year (around 600,000 visitors annually, not bad at all). What can you find there? A wealth of British artworks from the 16th century to the present, as well as numerous international contemporary creations.
That covers the permanent collection, but keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions held there; some are definitely worth a look (like the Peter Blake retrospective in 2006). Also, don’t miss the Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest contemporary art festival.
However, don’t be taken aback by the size of the gallery! Tate Liverpool is indeed the second-largest contemporary art gallery, right after the one in London. To visit, head to Albert Dock street. And the cherry on top: entrance is free.
Dance at the Cavern Club
This venue is an iconic concert hall and is thus a Liverpool essential. For a bit of history, the Beatles played their first concert here in 1961, long before they became world-famous. Just for that, it’s worth a visit. Recognising its debt to the legendary British band, the club even organises a Beatles Week (more information), a gathering for true fans.
The Cavern Club – self-proclaimed “best pub in the world” – is the perfect place to have a drink and watch indie band performances. But that’s not all: many other musical acts play the most popular tunes from the 60s, perhaps stirring some of your memories.
To get to the Cavern Club, you need to walk down Mathew Street, a street rich in musical history and memories.
The Cavern Club | 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool
Embark on a Liverpool pub crawl
While it may seem basic, having a drink (or two, or three…) in a Liverpool pub is quite enjoyable! Like Irish or Scottish pubs, Liverpool bars are lively and very welcoming. Many locals meet up there in the evenings to enjoy a good local beer.
If you’re into sports and want a festive atmosphere, head to The Sandon Public House, located a stone’s throw from the iconic Anfield Road stadium. It’s the perfect pre-match spot. Other must-visit pubs include Barracuda, Babycream, Blue Bar & Grill, and posh The Philharmonic.
Sandon Public House | 166-182 Oakfield Road Anfield, Liverpool
The Philharmonic | 36 Hope Street, Liverpool
Gather at the Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral (official website) boasts a unique and thus striking architecture, making it a logical inclusion in this Liverpool to-do list. Both beautiful and imposing, it’s the largest religious building in Britain and one of the largest in the world. But don’t be mistaken, it’s quite recent. Construction began in July 1904.
After decades of upheaval, the inauguration took place in… October 1978, attended by Queen Elizabeth II.
To get to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, just step onto Hope Street and then admire the structure, open every day of the year.
Explore the Pier Head district
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, Pier Head is a district you shouldn’t skip if you really want to explore Liverpool. Once there, you can admire three colossal buildings: the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building, and the Royal Liver Building.
In general, the area is loved for its peaceful and serene atmosphere – a perfect place to relax. The contrasting classic and contemporary architectural styles lend the entire area a distinctive charm.
Learn Liverpool’s history at St. George’s Hall
Often compared to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., St. George’s Hall is a site you shouldn’t miss when visiting Liverpool.
This building is not only a museum tracing all of Liverpool’s history but also a cultural hub. Built in 1841 in a neoclassical style, it has been fully renovated. Throughout the year, dance performances, exhibitions, and many other interesting events are organised! Moreover, the building also houses a courthouse – quite impressive, right?
Sweat it out at the iconic Anfield Road
What would a trip to Liverpool be without a stop at the city’s legendary stadium? Anfield Road has been home to the Reds since 1896, and watching a football match in this venue is an unforgettable experience – especially when the crowd sings the famous “You’ll never walk alone”.
Anfield Road is located in northwest Liverpool and was almost lost in the 2000s to a new stadium project that ultimately wasn’t realised.
Besides matches, you can tour the stadium with a guide or an audio guide: from locker rooms, stands, to the Reds museum, expect nearly two hours of awe.
Get some fresh air in Sefton Park
After dancing, sweating, and mulling over the city’s wonders, what’s better than some relaxation on a lush lawn? Head south in Liverpool to Sefton Park with its 95 hectares of greenery. This former hunting ground, open to the public since the late 19th century, encloses a beautiful 3-hectare lake, although it’s no longer navigable.
The place is perfect for a picnic, a jog, or a simple nap after a long day of exploration.
There you have it. Now you know the essentials for your upcoming trip to Liverpool. Feel free to share your favourite spots in the comments or on our social media accounts.