18 Must See Attractions in Liverpool

England Liverpool Places To See United Kingdom
Robbie Vai Author: Robbie Vai
Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 29, 2024

Liverpool is the most-visited destination in Northeast England — and with good reason! As well as being the birthplace of one of the most famous rock bands in the history of music, this exciting city is also home to some of the country’s best museums, art galleries, and nightlife.

Whether you’re into live music or fine dining, you’ll find plenty to do here in this vibrant city. Without further ado, let’s explore the 17 must-see attractions in Liverpool.

1. Royal Albert Dock

Photo Credit: PJ photography

  • Website: albertdock.com
  • Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 24 hours, but shops, attractions, and restaurants vary

The dock is a major hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment and is home to several top attractions. This area was once a UNESCO World Heritage Site but sadly lost its title due to ongoing modernization. However, the dock retains much of its original Victorian charm. Join a free walking tour to discover the many hidden gems that are tucked away here.

2. Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool is one of the most visited galleries outside London and offers four floors of art from around the globe. The converted warehouse that houses the collection is a work of art in its own right, and admission is free, making it a must-visit attraction for art lovers.

3. Anfield Stadium

Anfield Stadium has been home to Liverpool Football Club (LFC) since its inception in 1892. Watching Liverpool FC play is the best way to soak up the legendary atmosphere that’s synonymous with British football. Or you can shop for memorabilia and learn all about Liverpool FC on a stadium tour.

4. Liverpool’s Cathedrals

Photo Credit: Alexey Fedorenko

Liverpool has not one but two stunning cathedrals — visit both to get a taste of the eclectic architectural styles that have been used throughout Britain’s history:

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

  • Website: liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/
  • Address: Liverpool Cathedral, St James’ Mount, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm daily

This gothic-style cathedral is the largest in the United Kingdom and the fifth largest in the world. Its construction was ongoing between 1904 and 1978 — take a guided tour to the top of the 101-meter tower for views of the city.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

This unique Catholic cathedral is symbolic of the many residents of Irish origin who now live in Liverpool, and the design is equally impressive inside and out.

5. Chinatown

  • Address: Nelson Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW
  • Opening hours: 24 hours/restaurant and shop times vary

Liverpool is a multicultural city with a high percentage of Chinese residents, which is why it was the first place in Europe to develop a Chinatown. Head here with an appetite to take advantage of the many Asian restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets.

6. Pier Head

Pier Head is home to many attractions, and the best way to experience it is to spend an hour or two tracking them all down. Combine your Pier Head visit with a ride on the Mersey Ferry that docks in front of the Mersey Ferries building.

7. Liverpool’s Museums

Photo Credit: cowardlion

Liverpool is a cultural hub of North England and is home to some of the most fascinating museums in the country. Here are a few of our favorites:

World Museum

Pay a visit to the World Museum to learn everything there is to know about the impact humans have on the planet. Topics covered include science, ethnology, and archaeology.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Learn the story of thousands of immigrants who set sail from Britain for North America via the River Mersey in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. There’s also a fascinating exhibit about the Titanic, which had strong ties to Liverpool.

International Slavery Museum

A somber but interesting museum looking at the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Slave ships were repaired just meters away at Liverpool’s dry docks, which makes this museum all the more poignant.

Museum of Liverpool

This vast museum is dedicated to the history of Liverpool and its inhabitants. Visitors will learn about the area’s unique geography as well as the music and sports that have shaped the city.

British Music Experience

This museum tells the story of British music and the artists that made it what it is today. You’ll also have the chance to see rare musical instruments, including a stunning Steinway piano.

8. The Beatles Story

  • Website: beatlesstory.com
  • Address: Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Sunday to Friday / 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Saturday

Liverpool is best known among music lovers as the birthplace of The Beatles, and you’ll learn all you need to know about the Fab Four at The Beatles Story. You’ll be taken on an immersive journey from the band’s first gigs at The Cavern Club through their meteoric rise to fame. Highlights include a replica of John Lennon’s piano and Ringo Starr’s drumkit.

9. Baltic Market

  • Website: balticmarket.co.uk
  • Address: Baltic Market, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm Wednesday & Thursday / 12.00 pm – 11.00 pm Friday / 11.00 am – 11.00 pm Saturday / 11.00 am – 9.00 pm Sunday

Baltic Market was Liverpool’s first street food market and is still one of the best places in the city for an eclectic array of drinks, snacks, and meals. The market is located in a warehouse in the Baltic Triangle — one of the hippest areas in the city — so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore and work up an appetite.

10. St. George’s Hall

Photo Credit: chrisdorney

  • Website: stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk
  • Address: St George’s Pl, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 9.30 am – 4.45 pm Monday to Thursday / 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Friday & Saturday

This Grade I listed building is the best venue in the city for concerts, classical music, plays, and everything in between. Known as one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture in the world, it’s worth a visit just to see the towering arches and mosaic-tiled floors.

11. The Cavern Club

  • Website: cavernclub.com
  • Address: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 11.00 am – 12.00 am Sunday to Wednesday / 11.00 am – 1.00 am Thursday & Friday / 11.00 am – 2.00 am Saturday

The Cavern Club is the most famous live music venue in the world. It’s known for its ties to The Beatles but also hosted Queen and The Rolling Stones, among many others. These days, the venue is at the heart of the area’s nightlife and is still a hotspot for live music.

12. The Magical Mystery Tour

The Magical Mystery Tour is a Beatles tour of Liverpool that ends at The Cavern Club after visiting other important Beatles destinations, including Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, and the group’s childhood homes. This is a bus tour, so it’s suitable for visitors with mobility issues.

13. Take a Day Trip

Liverpool is in the perfect location to add other destinations to your visit, including North Wales and the Lake District National Park. If a sightseeing day in a nearby city fits your itinerary better, take your pick from these two gems:

Chester

This historic city is 30 miles south of Liverpool. Chester was a key location during the rise of Roman Britain, and you can still see stretches of impressively preserved Roman walls today.

Manchester

Manchester is the London of the North and is just 30 minutes away by train. The city’s music scene rivals Liverpool’s, and you’ll also be spoiled for choice with museums, galleries, shopping, and dining.

14. Sefton Park

Photo Credit: Ant Clausen

  • Address: Aigburth, Liverpool, Merseyside L17 1AP
  • Opening hours: 24 hours

Sefton Park is a Grade I English Heritage Park and one of the most loved green spaces in Liverpool. Don’t miss Palm House — this glass-domed botanical garden is home to hundreds of historic plants from around the globe and is free to enter.

15. St Johns Beacon

  • Website: stjohnsbeacon.co.uk
  • Address: St Johns Beacon, 1 Houghton St, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 11.00 am – 5.30 pm Monday to Friday / 11.00 am – 6.00 pm Saturday & Sunday

This radio and observation tower was originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II and once held the record for being the tallest building in Liverpool. It’s the best vantage point for panoramic views across the entire city, and on a clear day, you can see the Wirral and North Wales.

16. Walker Art Gallery

This gallery is famous for its vast art collection that encompasses contemporary pieces and works that date back to the 13th century. Expect to see art by Hockney, Rembrandt, and Rodin, among many others.

17. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Photo Credit: chrisdorney

  • Website: liverpoolphil.com
  • Address: Hope Street, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: Times of Shows vary, check the website

This art-deco Grade II listed building is part of one of the world’s oldest concert societies and is the jewel in the crown of the city’s Georgian Quarter. ‘The Phil’ — as it’s known to local Liverpudlians — hosts around 60 orchestral concerts each year, so one will likely be scheduled during your visit.

18. Liverpool ONE

  • Website: liverpool-one.com
  • Address: 5 Wall St, Liverpool
  • Opening hours: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm Monday to Friday / 10.00 am – 7.00 pm Saturday / 11.00 am – 5.00 pm Sunday

Liverpool ONE is a huge shopping and entertainment venue in the heart of the city. With 170 stores, leisure venues, and restaurants to explore, you could easily spend an entire day here. While you’re here in what’s known as Liverpool City Centre, check out Liverpool ONE’s Heritage Trail, where you’ll discover 300 years of Liverpool’s history.

Explore Liverpool’s Top Attractions

As you can see, Liverpool is home to an exciting array of attractions to suit any type of traveler. What will you do first during your visit to this northern English gem?

Robbie Vai
Author: Robbie Vai
Our journal features a diverse group of travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the world and sharing their experiences. From solo adventurers to family vacationers, our team of writers offers unique perspectives and insightful tips to help inspire and guide your next adventure. Whether it's discovering hidden gems off the beaten path or indulging in luxurious getaways, we're here to help you make the most of your travels. Robbie is an amalgam of these writers.
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