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Liverpool is a maritime city in the northwest of England and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.
Known for being home to The Beatles, music lovers flock to the city to walk in the footsteps of the famous band’s members. Liverpool’s influence on British music and culture continues to this day, and this vibrant, eclectic city is an exciting alternative to visiting the capital city of London.
Whether you want to shop, dine, party, or do some serious sightseeing, you’ll find all that and more in Liverpool. So, if you’re planning to visit Liverpool soon, bookmark this post of the 18 best things to do.
1. Grab a Bite at Royal Albert Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is a series of dock buildings perched on the River Mersey. Originally opened in 1846, it was the first structure in Britain to be built from brick, cast iron, and stone. Today, this area is the most visited tourist destination in Northwest England.
One of the best things to do around the dock is to eat, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. These three spots come highly recommended:
- Docklands Fish and Chips – fish and chips are an iconic English dish, and this restaurant is a top pick for a hearty portion of deep-fried goodness.
- Madre – authentic Mexican fare, including a long list of taco options. Expect lots of meaty options plus several inventive veggie-friendly fillings.
- Francie’s Foccacia and Coffee – come here for freshly baked focaccia sandwiches filled with imported meat and cheese and paired with delicious Italian coffee. Delicious!
2. Learn All About The Fab Four
Photo Credit: Debu55y
The Beatles hail from Liverpool and are British rock royalty. The city is awash with landmarks, museums, and souvenir shops dedicated to the band behind the hits, such as Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane; this pair of Beatles museums should feature on every music lover’s itinerary:
- The Liverpool Beatles Museum – one of the largest Beatles collections in the world with more than 1,000 items spread across three floors. Don’t miss John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club medals, Paul McCartney’s bass amp, and drums played by Ringo Starr.
- The Beatles Story – learn everything there is to know about the band that changed the world. Exhibits include full reproductions of The Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios.
3. See Liverpool Football Club Play a Match
Soccer, or football as it’s better known in the United Kingdom, is deeply ingrained into British culture. Watching a live match in a stadium is one of the most exciting experiences to have and will give you an authentic glimpse of British life.
Liverpool is home to two top-tier English teams: Everton, which plays at Goodison Park, and Liverpool FC, which plays at Anfield Stadium. Book tickets if a match is scheduled, or you can take a stadium tour and pick up some memorabilia as a souvenir instead.
4. Go on a Day Trip to Manchester
Manchester is England’s second city and the London of the North. Traveling between Liverpool and Manchester is easy by car or train, and with so much to do there, you’ll be glad you made the trip:
- Jodrell Bank – this deep-space radio observatory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the most exciting space discoveries in history via fascinating interactive exhibitions.
- Knowsley Safari – a five-mile safari drive where you’ll meet up to 750 animals without ever leaving your car. The drive-through lion enclosure is an exciting highlight.
- Chill Factore – show off your skiing skills on the UK’s longest indoor ski slope with real snow.
5. Go Museum Hopping
Photo Credit: cowardlion
Liverpool is a culturally rich city and one of the most exciting destinations in the UK for museum lovers to visit. A day of museum hopping will allow you to see the most highly-rated spots… and escape the bad weather if you’re visiting Liverpool during the winter!
- Museum of Liverpool – learn all about Liverpool’s intriguing past at this impressive waterfront museum.
- World Museum – a diverse, family-friendly museum spanning everything from ancient Egypt, aquatic life, and the solar system.
- Merseyside Maritime Museum – find out everything you ever wanted to know about Liverpool’s nautical past, including the city’s role in the ill-fated Titanic.
6. Take a Walking Tour
Liverpool is a huge city, but many of its most interesting tourist sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Joining a walking tour is a great option for seeing as much as possible if you’re short on time.
Unsurprisingly, The Beatles Tour is one of the most popular options and is a great addition to the two museums we mentioned above!
7. Sample Liverpool’s Street Food Scene
On the whole, Liverpool is a foodie paradise, and you’re guaranteed to end your trip feeling full and happy. You won’t want to miss Duke Street Market if street food is your vibe.
Located in the heart of what’s known as the Liverpool City Centre area, you’ll find six kitchens and an independent restaurant serving different cuisines from around the globe. From an elevated take on Spanish tapas to specialty wine and coffee, you’ll have no trouble satisfying cravings here.
8. Visit Pier Head & the Three Graces
Photo Credit: Tom PJ
Pier Head is home to several landmarks, including the Beatles statue and the famous Mersey Ferry, which docks in front of the equally iconic Mersey Ferries building. The area is also home to the Three Graces — three architecturally exciting buildings that have played important roles in Liverpool’s past:
- Royal Liver Building – this was Europe’s first skyscraper when it was completed in 1911 and was the first major construction project in Britain.
- Cunard Building – this Grade II listed building was started in 1914 in a combination of Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival style. The British Music Experience Museum is now located on the ground floor.
- Port of Liverpool Building – also Grade II listed, this building dates back to 1904 and was created from a design originally intended for Liverpool Cathedral.
9. Hang out in Liverpool’s Alternative Neighborhood
The Baltic Triangle is Liverpool’s most hip district and is where many of the city’s most creative residents hang out. This area was once completely abandoned but has been regenerated into one of the best neighborhoods for independent shopping, drinking, and dining.
A fun way to visit is to stroll the area and keep an eye out for breweries, coffee shops, and food markets as you wander.
10. Explore Liverpool’s Art Scene
Liverpool is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most creative cities, and its art scene is as exciting as its musical heritage. Art fans should add the following two galleries to their museum-hopping itinerary for an unbeatable culture-packed day:
- Tate Liverpool – the best art gallery in the city for contemporary art. Admission is free and exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
- Walker Art Gallery – see paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning more than six centuries.
11. Experience the Nightlife of the Cavern Quarter
Photo Credit: Claudio Divizia
The Cavern Quarter is home to The Cavern Club, where The Beatles played their first gig, so it’s no surprise that the area is now famous for its nightlife and live music scene.
The Cavern Club is still in operation, so swing by to catch a live band… who knows, they might just be the next Fab Four!
12. Go Wild at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo was first opened in 1931 and has since developed into one of the largest zoos in the country. Here, you’ll find more than 37,000 animals from over 500 species, including black rhinos, Asian elephants, and Bornean orangutans. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet cute critters, including capybaras and Humboldt penguins.
The zoo also has strong ties to local and international conservation efforts, so you can visit knowing that the ticket price is contributing to taking care of its current and future residents.
13. See a Show at St George’s Hall
St George’s is one of the top venues in Liverpool for live entertainment and makes a great alternative option for a night out if pubs and clubs aren’t your thing. There’s a huge range of entertainment on offer and you’re certain to find something on the schedule that suits your tastes. Expect everything from plays and comedy to live bands and family-friendly discos.
14. See Panoramic City Views from St John’s Beacon
Photo Credit: raymond orton
St John’s Beacon is also known as Radio City Tower and is the best vantage point in Liverpool for panoramic views across the city. The tower was built in 1965 as a ventilation shaft for the shopping center below and was Liverpool’s tallest building for several decades.
On clear days, you’ll be able to see the Wirral, North Wales, and even Snowdonia across the heart of the city.
15. Stroll Among Exotic Plants in Palm House
Sefton Park is a lush green space that’s home to a boating lake and a cafe. It’s a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful afternoon when the weather is pleasant.
The park is also home to the much-loved Palm House. This glass-domed botanical garden is a Victorian masterpiece and is home to a historic collection of plants from around the globe. Palm House is open year-round and is free to visit. There are also regular talks and events so be sure to check the website to see what’s on during your visit.
16. See the Sculptures of Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach is an attractive stretch of coastline where visitors can enjoy views of the Wirral and the North Wales hills. It’s also possible to spot huge shipping containers that pass by on their way to the Port of Liverpool.
The main attraction here is the ‘Another Place’ installation — 100 cast-iron figures made by artist Antony Gormley that stretch down the coastline and almost a full mile out to sea.
Note: Crosby Beach isn’t a bathing beach, and visitors must pay close attention to soft sand, mud, and changing tides.
17. Get Your Retail Therapy Fix at Liverpool One
Photo Credit: Travel-Fr
Liverpool One is home to more than 170 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options and is the best place in the city for some serious fun and retail therapy:
- Shopping – You’ll find everything from high-street fashion brands to high-end designer boutiques, making it a great option for any budget.
- Dining – choose from a wide range of local restaurants and popular chain restaurants when it’s time to refuel.
- Entertainment – catch a movie at the cinema, test your detective skills in the escape room, or challenge your friends to a round of crazy golf.
18. People Watch on Bold Street
Bold Street is renowned for its concentration of independent businesses and is a popular spot for shopping, drinking, and dining. For a chilled afternoon of sipping coffee and people-watching, head to Bold Street Coffee — an independent Northern English brand serving high-quality coffee, fresh-baked bread and cakes, and hearty brunches.
Get to Know Liverpool’s Best Things to Do
Liverpool is at the heart of Northern England’s culture, food, and music scene, so you’ll have no trouble filling your days with exciting things to do. All that’s left to decide is which activities from our list will make it onto your itinerary for your next visit.
