Where to Stay: Best Areas in Liverpool

Clock Icon 11 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 14, 2024

Liverpool is one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant cities thanks to its historic architecture, rich culture, and lively music scene. It has a wide array of fascinating museums, art galleries, and attractions to explore by day, and lively nightlife to enjoy after dark.

There’s no shortage of accommodation in this bustling city but with so much choice it can be hard to decide where to stay. Let’s take a look at some of Liverpool’s best neighborhoods for tourists so you can choose the perfect accommodation for your next visit.

Liverpool City Center for First-Time Visitors

Photo Credit: MarkUK97

Highlights: Cavern Club, Princes Dock, World Museum, Central Library, Walker Art Gallery Collections, St George’s Quarter, Liverpool One, Italian Quarter

Liverpool’s city center is the heart of the city and the best place to stay if you want all the main attractions within easy walking distance. Both Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations are located in the city center so you won’t have far to travel to your hotel if you’re arriving by train. There’s also a direct bus line that runs between the city center and Liverpool John Lennon Airport if you’re flying into the city.

Many people visit Liverpool to pay homage to The Beatles because it’s here that the band began their meteoric rise to fame. The Cavern Quarter is a small section of the city center where several popular Beatles attractions can be found, including the Cavern Club where the band played 292 times. Every August this area hosts International Beatles Week when the city becomes packed with fans from all over the world.

There’s plenty more to do in the city center besides Beatlemania. Head to the World Museum to learn about natural history, or visit the Walker Art Gallery Collections to admire European fine art. Wander towards the Mersey River to admire Princes Dock or stroll around the Liverpool One shopping complex for some retail therapy.

There is a huge range of very good hotels to choose from in the city center, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options and apart-hotels if you’re looking for self-catered accommodation. Stay near one of the train stations if you plan to take day trips to the likes of London, Manchester, York, and Edinburgh.

Where to Stay in Liverpool City Center

These are some of the best hotels in the city center of Liverpool:

  • The Municipal Hotel Liverpool, which is part of the MGallery hotel collection, is situated on historic Dale Street. It’s the ideal base to explore the city’s central attractions, bars, restaurants, and shops which lie within easy walking distance.
  • Aloft Liverpool is a chic, trendy hotel in a historic Grade II-listed property. The spacious rooms have a fresh, modern finish to provide a comfortable base from which to explore the city’s biggest attractions.
  • Ibis Styles Cavern Quarter is a cool, affordable hotel with an on-site bar, continental breakfast facilities, and free WiFi throughout. The hotel’s decor is inspired by the swinging 60s, making it the perfect choice of quirky accommodation for those on a budget.
  • Hard Days Night Hotel, which is inspired by the Beatles, lies right next to the Cavern Club where the Fab Four began their career. This boutique hotel is set within an elegant Grade II-listed property that dates back to 1884, and it provides a luxurious, stylish experience.
  • INNSiDE Liverpool blends British contemporary architecture with high-end hospitality. Its rooms have epic floor-to-ceiling windows that provide fantastic city or River Mersey views, and there’s a rooftop bar and a 24-hour fitness center to make use of.
  • Holiday Inn Liverpool Centre is an IHG Hotel that lies directly opposite Lime Street Station for convenient access to other major cities. It’s an award-winning 4-star hotel with modern, air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi.
  • Adelphi Hotel has a long and vibrant history, having originally opened its doors in 1862 before being rebuilt three times. It has hosted many famed musicians, actors, and politicians, including Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill.

Ropewalks for Art-Lovers and Night Owls

Highlights: Duke Street Food Market, FACT, bars, restaurants

Ropemaking, which was an important industry in the 19th century when Liverpool’s shipping industry was in its prime, gives the Ropewalks area its name. This neighborhood is an easy five-minute walk south of the city center, and it has a cool, artistic vibe. Visit the FACT gallery to see exhibitions focusing on film, video, and new media. Walk to the end of Bold Street to see St. Luke’s Church which was bombed during World War II but remains a dramatic landmark.

There are some excellent bars, pubs, breweries and eateries in Ropewalks so stay here if you want fun nightlife. The Duke Street Food Market is a great place to grab a bite to eat, and there are some fantastic Chinese restaurants in Chinatown which lies at the end of Duke Street.

Ropewalks is an ideal base for night owls who want to experience Liverpool after dark. If you’d rather relax in your hotel after a busy day of sightseeing, this area might be a little too noisy for you.

Where to Stay in Ropewalks

Here are two of the most popular hotels in Ropewalks:

  • The Resident Liverpool is set within a former 1800s warehouse and it blends old and new perfectly in its modern rooms which are equipped with handmade furniture. The spacious rooms have kitchenettes and large en suite bathrooms, and the hotel provides free wiFi and free cancellations.
  • Novotel Liverpool is a 4-star hotel that lies within easy walking distance of Albert Dock and Cavern Walks. It has an in-house bar and restaurant that serves local and international cuisine with a kid’s menu for the little ones.

Baltic Triangle for Hipsters and Foodies

Photo Credit: cowardlion

Highlights: Baltic Market, Liverpool Arena, vintage stores, street art, pubs

The Baltic Triangle is tucked between Ropewalk and Albert Dock and is Liverpool’s former industrial area. Now, its historic warehouses have been repurposed to house trendy hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and boutiques. Like Ropewalks, the nightlife here is excellent with live music events taking place regularly. It also lies close to Liverpool Arena, a large concert venue, making it a great location to enjoy dinner and drinks before a show.

In addition to its cool Victorian warehouses, the Baltic Square has lots of interesting street art to admire as you wander around its streets. The neighborhood is known for its cool vintage stores, and Baltic Market is a popular spot for brunch and lunch. There’s a whole host of international cuisines on offer so it’s the ideal place for a foodie to try lots of new dishes.

The Baltic Triangle is an up-and-coming area so it’s a little more affordable than the very city center and Ropewalks. It’s also a good spot to find independent guesthouses if you’re looking for some quirky accommodation.

Where to Stay in the Baltic Triangle

Hampton By Hilton Liverpool is one of the best hotels in the Baltic Triangle. It’s a short walk away from the popular attractions on Albert Dock, as well as the likes of The Cavern Club and Lime Street Station. Guests can make use of free wiFi and a complimentary hot breakfast every morning.

Albert Dock for Budget Travelers

Photo Credit: Debu55y

Highlights: The Beatles Story Museum, Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, International Slavery Museum, The Cunard Building, Port of Liverpool Building, the Royal Liver Building

Royal Albert Dock was built in 1840 and once served as the city’s primary business district. Now, it’s a cool neighborhood with beautiful Victorian buildings that have been converted into hotels and residential properties. It’s a 15-minute walk West of the city center but its accommodation is cheaper than the most central part of the city. Stay here for cheap hotels or affordable luxury hotels.

There are some excellent museums in Albert Dock. The Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the International Slavery Museum all offer fantastic insights into the city’s history. The Beatles Story Museum is where you can discover the band’s history, and Tate Liverpool is one of the UK’s best-known art galleries and shouldn’t be missed by art fans. For a change of pace, go to the Mersey Ferries Terminal to take a cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal.

Where to Stay in Albert Dock

Check-in at one of these top Albert Dock hotels:

  • Pullman Liverpool is a sleek, modern hotel with a mix of rooms and suites to suit a range of budgets. It has an in-house bar, lounge, and restaurant, a fitness center, and meeting and event spaces for business visitors. It also provides free WiFi.
  • 30 James Street Hotel lies directly opposite Albert Dock and is ideal if you’re looking for luxury. Set within a beautiful historic building, its opulent rooms exude glamor and provide a first-class experience.
  • Crown Plaza Liverpool City Centre is an IHG Hotel that lies in a quiet part of the waterfront to provide a relaxing stay with convenient access to the main attractions. Amenities include on-site parking, free WiFi, an indoor pool, a gym, and a steam room.
  • Malmaison Liverpool is a luxury hotel that prides itself on providing comfy beds for a peaceful night’s sleep. Rooms have flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.
  • Titanic Hotel Liverpool is set within a Victorian warehouse and it maintains the original charm of the property while providing comfortable, contemporary rooms. It has a thermal spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant all in-house.

Knowledge & Georgian Quarter for History Buffs

Photo Credit: Claudio Divizia

Highlights: Georgian architecture, Cathedral Church of Christ, Metropolitan Cathedral, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

St. George’s Quarter is where you’ll find some of Liverpool’s most elegant architecture. The area is home to beautiful Georgian houses, particularly along Hope Street. Be sure to admire Liverpool Cathedral which is the biggest Anglican cathedral in the UK. Nearby is the Metropolitan Cathedral which boasts the largest span of colored glass in the world.

This neighborhood is also known as the Knowledge Quarter because it’s home to the University of Liverpool. Look out for cultural events here, and if you’re a fan of classical music consider catching a concert at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Where to Stay in the Georgian Quarter

Hope Street Hotel is one of the best hotels in the heart of the Georgian Quarter. It’s a charming property with original pink Cheshire brick, pitch pine beams, and iron pillars, and its elegant decor perfectly complements these features. There’s an on-site spa with an indoor swimming pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a herbal sauna, and an outdoor vitality pool.

Anfield & Everton for Sports Fans

Photo Credit: berm_teerawat

Highlights: Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park Stadium, Stanley Park, Walton Hall Park, Shankly Monument

Liverpool is home to rival English Premier League soccer teams Liverpool FC and Everton, and the city attracts huge crowds on match days. Liverpool FC is based at Anfield Stadium which lies 3.5 miles out of the city center and is easily reachable in around 30 minutes by public transport. There are plenty of hotels surrounding Anfield Stadium and some excellent pubs where you’ll be able to chat with the friendly locals. Two popular outdoor attractions, Stanley Park and Walton Hall Park, lie close by.

Everton is currently based in Goodison Park Stadium, although it is set to move into a new Everton Stadium by the end of 2025. The area surrounding Goodison Park is primarily residential but there are a few hotels to choose from.

Crosby Beach for Families

Photo Credit: Pete Stuart

Highlights: “Another Place” sculpture, Crosby Coastal Park, Fort Crosby

Crosby Beach lies north of Liverpool city center and it offers a quintessential British seaside atmosphere. The beach itself is three miles long and offers lovely views across the Wirral and North Wales. It is famous for its art installation called “Another Place” which was created by famed sculptor Antony Gormley. 100 life-size cast-iron figures, spaced out across 1.5 miles, gaze out to sea, but their visibility fluctuates with the tides and seasons.

There are some guesthouses and small hotels in Crosby Beach, but the choice of accommodation is significantly limited compared to central Liverpool. Stay here if you want peace, quiet, and refreshing sea air. You can reach the city center in 40 minutes to an hour via train, or 30 minutes by car.

Book Your Stay in Lively Liverpool

Liverpool has some wonderful neighborhoods to explore, and you won’t have trouble finding accommodation to suit your budget and style. Which of these areas do you plan to stay in when you visit this friendly region of England?