11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES
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This post is about the top things to see and do in Liverpool, England
So you’re planning a trip to Liverpool, England and you need a little inspiration to get you started? Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
Liverpool is my home town so this guide of the best things to do in Liverpool comes from a local who knows the city best.
There are so many great things to do in Liverpool and it is one of the most visited cities in the UK. It is a great destination for any type of traveller.
The city is best known for being the home to the Beatles but there is so much more to see and do in my hometown of Liverpool.
In this guide I will share all the must-sees in Liverpool as well as the most popular tourist sights and attractions if you have a little more time to spend in Liverpool.
So, if you’re wondering what to do during your time in Liverpool, keep reading!
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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Liverpool Travel Top Picks:
Experiences: A few top-rated tours in Liverpool include:
The Beatles Story self guided tour
Enjoy the sights of Liverpool from the water on this City Cruise
Go up one of the most famous buildings in Liverpool with the Liver Building 360 Experience
Click here for a full list of Liverpool tours
Accommodation: Find the best places to suit your style and budget here
Safety: Liverpool is a reasonably safe place for travel but you should still pack some travel safety essentials. A great item to take is a Personal Safety Alarm that can help scare away potential attackers. Other safety items you should consider are Hidden Pocket Scarves or Hidden Pocket Scrunchies and Clever Companion Hidden Pocket Pickpocket Proof Clothes.
Where is Liverpool?
Liverpool is a vibrant city in northwest of England in the county of Merseyside.
Liverpool is on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary with the peninsula of the Wirral on the western side.
It is around 210 miles from London and easily accessible from the capital via a direct train. If you are in London and want to visit Liverpool on a day trip you can easily do so.
Why is Liverpool a great travel destination?
Liverpool is considered a great destination to visit for various reasons, the first being The Beatles legacy. Liverpool is synonymous with The Beatles, one of the most influential and successful bands in the history of music. The city is home to iconic Beatles-related sites such as The Cavern Club, where the band performed and the Beatles Story museum.
Liverpool also has a huge amount of historic buildings and landmarks. The UNESCO-listed Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City reflects the city's maritime history, and landmarks like the Liver Building and St George's Hall showcase impressive architecture.
There are so many museums, galleries, and theaters in Liverpool. The Tate Liverpool, World Museum, and the Walker Art Gallery are just a few examples of some of the great places you can visit.
My favourite area of Liverpool is the waterfront and it’s really a focal point of the city, offering stunning views, waterfront walks and attractions like the Royal Albert Dock, home to shops, restaurants, and museums. The "Three Graces" (Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building) line the waterfront and add to the picturesque scenery.
There’s a great footballing history in Liverpool with the city being divided by the reds - Liverpool supporters, and the blues - Everton fans. Visiting the stadiums and football museums is a popular things to do in Liverpool.
This list is perfect whatever your interests and will give you ideas of the must see attractions, off the beaten path adventures, food and drink experiences and so much more so you can create your perfect Liverpool itinerary.
Things to do in Liverpool
1) Royal Albert Dock
This is my favourite place in Liverpool and no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic Royal Albert Dock.
I remember years ago the Albert Dock was quite run down but these days the buildings have many boutique shops, cafes and restaurants inside for visitors to enjoy.
The buildings on the Albert Dock date back to the 1840s and are the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK and there are an impressive sight with their orangey/red brick, bright red pillars with the dock in the centre.
As well as simply wandering around the Albert Dock taking it all in there are many attractions you can visit such as the array of museums including Tate Liverpool, the International Slavery Museum, the Maritime Museum and The Beatles Story (which you can read more about below).
There is also the 60m high Wheel of Liverpool where you can get a birds-eye view of the city as well as riding on a Victorian style carousel.
The Royal Albert Dock is free to enter and wander around but there is a fee for certain attractions like the Wheel of Liverpool. Many of the museums are free.
You can easily spend the whole day exploring around the area or just come have a quick look and move on to other Liverpool attractions. It all depends on how much time you have to explore Liverpool.
To get to the Albert Dock you walk through the city centre, past Liverpool One (a shopping centre), cross a bust road called The Strand and you’re at the docks. Look for The Pumphouse, which is a great pub on the docks if you want some traditional British food, as that is an obvious building that can be seen from quite a way away. The docks are signposted around Liverpool too.
The Royal Albert Dock is about a 20 minute walk from Lime Street train station (which connects to many many cities around the UK, including London) or a 5 minute walk from James Street which is a Merseyrail train station.
2) The Beatles Story
Liverpool is home to one of the most famous bands there has ever been and visiting The Beatles Story is a must do when in Liverpool.
It’s handily located at the Royal Albert Docks along with many other Liverpool museums. As you’re already at the Albert Dock for lunch you don’t have to go far for this next place on your Liverpool one day itinerary. Once you’re on the Albert Dock it is well signposted and you shuld be able to find The Beatles Story Museum easily.
Inside The Beatles Story you will learn about the Beatles from the time they were formed until they broke up. There is an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including original instruments, clothing, John Lennon’s glasses, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves and original handwritten lyrics.
You have the chance to walk through recreations of key locations and moments from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, Hamburg, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios and many more.
The Beatles Story is a self guided tour so you can stay as long or as little as you want. I’d recommend around 1.5 hours.
The Beatles Story is open daily from 9am and last admissions are 4pm during the week and 5pm at weekends. The Beatles Story is a popular attraction in Liverpool so you may be best to prebook your tickets here.
3) Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool, is a stunning architectural masterpiece and an iconic landmark in the city.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1904, and it was officially completed in 1978, making it one of the longest construction periods for a cathedral in the world.
The original architect was Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed the iconic red telephone box. After Scott's death, the project was continued by his son, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the United Kingdom and the fifth-largest in the world. It’s also the world’s longest cathedral with a total length of 189 meters (620 feet) and an internal length of 146 meters (479 feet). It really is worth checking out whilst you’re in the city.
The impressive cathedral was built on a slight hill and really dominates the city skyline. The cathedral's central tower is 100.8 meters (331 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest structures in Liverpool. It really is enormous! To really appreciate it’s size you have to see it from the inside.
You really shouldn’t miss the views from the top of Vestry Tower. It has a 360 degree outdoor viewing platform with spectacular views over the city. You can also see the tower bells which are the highest and heaviest peal of bells in the world.
If you want to visit the cathedral you can do so for free with donations welcome.
Going up the tower costs £7 and on a good clear day, you will see Blackpool Tower! It’s definitely worth a trip in my opinion. You can usually get tickets at the door but you can also prebook them online.
The opening times of the cathedral and the tower are subject to change and it’s best to check on their official website.
4) Royal Liver Building 360
The Royal Liver Building is one of Liverpool's most iconic landmarks. It is situated on the city's waterfront at Pier Head. The interior of the building is primarily office space but you can visit it too.
Along with two adjacent buildings, Cunnard and Port of Liverpool, they are known as The Three Graces.
Its two copper liver birds, perched on the domes, are a symbol of Liverpool. They are names Bella and Bertie and you can view these from various points along the waterfront.
The Royal Liver Building has a visitor center on the ground floor that is free to enter where visitors can learn about the building’s construction and history.
You can also go on a highly rated tour called Royal Liver Building 360, which offers a truly immersive experience.
The Royal Liver Building 360 tour includes a visit to the 15th floor, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Liverpool and the River Mersey. It's an opportunity to see the city from a unique vantage point.
I highly recommend the tour and it’s best to book in advance. A tour lasts just over an hour. If you do the tour bear in mind a lift will take you to the 10th floor but you will have to climb a number of steps to reach the top floors.
5) The Beatles Statue
A quick must-see in Liverpool is the Beatles statue on the Pier Head. It’s right opposite the Liver Building so if you visit there you should easily come across the statue.
The Beatles Statue was officially unveiled on December 4, 2015, marking the 50th anniversary of the band's last performance in their hometown of Liverpool.
The bronze statue was created by sculptor Andrew Edwards. It captures the energy of The Beatles during their early years, with each member in a dynamic pose. The band members depicted in the statue are John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The likeness to each member of the band is uncanny!
The design of the statue was inspired by a photograph of The Beatles taken during the 1963 Royal Variety Performance. The sculptor aimed to capture the vitality and enthusiasm of the band during their early performances.
The statue stands on a circular plinth with engravings of the titles of 60 Beatles songs, emphasizing the band's extensive musical catalog.
The project was funded by the Cavern Club, Liverpool City Council and the Mersey Ferries. It was a collaborative effort to celebrate the cultural significance of The Beatles and their connection to Liverpool.
6) Cavern Club
This club is arguably the most famous club in the world. The Cavern Club in Liverpool is an iconic music venue on Matthew Street that holds significant historical importance, particularly in relation to The Beatles.
Incidently, Matthew Street was one of my fav drinking spots as a teenager and I spent many a night in the Cavern Club without really appreciating the place for what it was.
The Beatles played at the Cavern Club for the first time on February 9, 1961. They went on to perform at the club nearly 300 times between 1961 and 1963 which helped to launch their career.
The Cavern Club was known for its lunchtime sessions, which allowed people to watch live music during their lunch breaks. The Beatles' lunchtime performances at the club contributed to their growing popularity.
You can enjoy live music daily here from 11:15am. The Cavern Live Lounge often hosts special events and concerts.
The club features a Wall of Fame adorned with bricks that commemorate the names of artists who have performed there. This includes The Beatles, of course, along with many other notable musicians.
The club itself is open from 11am until late. The entrance fee is £5 - £7.50 which you pay on the door. For more information visit their website.
7) River Mersey Cruise
A very popular things to do in Liverpool is to take a sightseeing cruise on the River Mersey. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Gerry and the Pacemakers once sang a song about a Ferry Across the Mersey that’s pretty famous around Liverpool.
This river cruise departs from opposite the Liver Building. You will be able to see both Liverpool and the Wirral (the peninsula on the other side of the river) skyline. The cruise will take in the major sights on the River Mersey, including the Albert Dock, the 3 Graces, and Liverpool’s 2 cathedrals.
You’ll learn about Mersey Ferries and the performances of the Beatles on board and also see the Razzle Dazzle Ferry Snowdrop which is a design by pop artist Sir Peter Blake who also designed The Beatles Sgt Peppers album.
Take my word for it that it can get pretty chilly on the River Mersey whatever time of year it is so make sure you dress appropriately.
Top Tip : Make sure you prebook your River Mersey Cruise
8) Anfield
Liverpool football club is world famous and a self guided tour around their home ground of Anfield is a must for football fans.
My Dad was a huge Liverpool fan and I have many great memories of being at Anfield with him watching Liverpool play. Much to his disappointment I ended up supporting Manchester United!
Even if you’re not a big football fan it’s a pretty interesting thing to do and visiting Anfield is one of the most popular Liverpool attractions.
On a stadium tour you have access to the dressing rooms, the media rooms, walk down the players tunnel and sit in the dug outs where the managers and subs sit during a match.
You can go on to the Kop which is the main stand behind the goal in Anfield. This stand holds a special place in the hearts of all Liverpool fans. I encourage you to watch fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone (LFCs athem) from the Kop.
The tour also includes entry to the interactive museum.
You can choose between a standard tour or the Legends Q&A tour with an ex-Liverpool player. You cannot tour Anfield on matchdays so check ahead of time to make sure Liverpool aren’t playing on a day you plan to visit.
Not quite as popular as the Anfield tour is a tour of Goodison Park which is Evertons home stadium. Everton are the second football club in Liverpool (don’t come at me, Everton fans!) and there is a fierce yet friendly rivalry between the two sides.
9) Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool is a modern art gallery and part of the Tate network of galleries in the United Kingdom. It has both permanent and temporary exhibitions you can enjoy.
Tate Liverpool is at Albert Dock and the gallery is housed in a converted warehouse. It opened its doors to the public on May 24, 1988. It was one of the four Tate galleries in the UK and was established to display modern and contemporary art.
The collection at Tate Liverpool includes works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock, among others.
You can easily find the Tate Liverpool as it has a 10 metre, multi-coloured stone sculpture out the front called ‘Liverpool Mountain.’
Tate Liverpool is one of the best free places to visit in Liverpool and is great to wander around whilst you’re at the Albert Dock.
10) World Museum
The World Museum in Liverpool is one of the most interesting museums in Liverpool.
The museum has a rich history dating back to the opening of museum in 1851, making it the oldest museum in the city.
The World Museum is located in William Brown Street and is a museum dedicated to archaeology, ethnology, and the natural and physical sciences.
The museum's diverse collections include artifacts from ancient civilizations, fossils, minerals, and zoological specimens. It also has a Natural History Centre that has exhibits on the Earth's natural history, biodiversity, and evolution.
If that isn’t enough for you there’s a plantarium, a bug house, an Ancient Egypt gallery and many special exhibitions. There truly is something for everyone whatever your interests.
The best thing about the museum - it’s another free museum in Liverpool! For more inforamtion visit their official website.
TOP TIP : If you can avoid weekends and school holidays you will enjoy a much quieter experience.
11) Strawberry Fields
If you’re a Beatles fan you should definitely visit the Strawberry Fields which were made famous by the Beatles song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’
John Lennon wrote the song, reflecting his childhood memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children's home.
Strawberry Field is located in the suburb of Woolton in Liverpool and to get to it from the city centre you can drive or catch a bus from Liverpool ONE bus station. It’s about 4.5 miles and the bus takes around half an hour. There are also Beatles tours that visit here.
The red gate at the entrance of Strawberry Field became a symbol after the release of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’ Fans from around the world would visit the site, often leaving messages and graffiti on the gate.
There is an exhibition charting the history of the area and John Lennon’s connection to it. You can see the piano on which he wrote ‘Imagine’ which was donated to the museum by George Michael.
The visitor center at Strawberry Field serves a dual purpose. While it attracts Beatles fans and tourists, the proceeds from the centre contribute to the Salvation Army's ongoing work with young people with learning disabilities.
Strawberry Field is open daily except Monday and some public holidays. You can get info and tickets here.
Plan Your Trip to Liverpool
Best Liverpool and UK Travel Guides
Liverpool Tours and Attractions
What are the best tours in Liverpool?
The best tours in Liverpool are:
What are the best inexpensive tours in Liverpool?
These are the best activities when you are visiting Liverpool on a budget:
More Information about the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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