Liverpool is one of the most iconic cities in the world, made famous by the greatest rock and roll band of all time – the Beatles.
Liverpool is a fantastic place to visit for a weekend break or longer and there are so many amazing things to do in the city for solo travellers, friends, couples and families.
Liverpool has a rich history, culture, vibrant nightlife and also lots of entertainment available from theatre, bars, clubs and sports. This city also has the second-highest number of museums, galleries and listed buildings in the UK, behind London.
If you have a few days free to explore you can really see a lot of the major tourist destinations, but if you have even more time the you can really get to enhance your experience and see so many places.
If you are keen to visit Liverpool and want to enjoy the best trip possible check out our list of essential must-see attractions and places to visit, most of which are completely free.
We focus on the main tourist locations in the city centre, although we do include some places located in greater Merseyside which are some of the top rated day trips.
Getting Around Liverpool
Liverpool city centre where most of the places included on our list are located isn’t huge, well compared to a city like London, and it can easily be navigated on foot. There are lots of sightseeing buses, taxi’s and public transport which make getting to locations in the surrounding areas easy.
How to Save Money as a Tourist
Liverpool has hundreds of attractions, many of which are free/low cost, whilst others can be expensive when you add the prices up. We recommend booking accommodation in advance, and using websites like Get Your Guide to book tickets and sightseeing activities. You can save big by booking online before departure rather than paying on the day. Also be selective about what you choose to do as there is a lot of choice, for example, if you are a music fan several companies offer similar Liverpool Beatles tours whilst you can also do it yourself independently for a fraction of the price.
1. Stay Somewhere Amazing
Make your trip to Liverpool special by booking an amazing place to stay. There are so many highly rated hotels in Liverpool, from large international brands to more local and querky accommodation like the Beatles themed Hard Days Night Hotel. We recommend booking to stay in the city centre, this make sightseeing and also getting around the city easier.
These hotels are highly recommended:
• 30 James Street
• Aloft Liverpool
• Hard Days Night Hotel
• The Titanic
• Hope Street Hotel
• Malmaison Liverpool
• Double Tree By Hilton
• The Nadler
• Z Hotel
Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
2. Wander Through Pier Head
Pier Head is an area of Liverpool close to the waterfront which is home to buildings known as the Three Graces: the Port of Liverpool Building, the Cunard Building, and the Royal Liver Building. In Pier Head you can also see a Titanic Memorial, a Queen Victoria Monument, a Beatles Statue and the Georgian Town Hall.
3. Albert Dock
Located on Liverpool’s waterfront, the Albert Dock is a series of Grade I listed buildings which are now home to museums, independent shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions. The Albert Dock is home to a number of tourist attractions which make our top list of places to go in Liverpool including the Merseyside Maritime Museum, The International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate. There are some great bars with amazing nightlife including Revolucion de Cuba, Smuggler’s Cove, and Revolution.
4. The Beatles Story
Do you love the Beatles? Or just keen to learn more about this world famous band and their history? The Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent exhibition telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles. This award-winning destination is an essential place to visit for any music or Beatles fans. You can see photos, videos and items including John Lennon’s white piano.
5. Tate Liverpool
Do you have an interested in modern art? Head to the Tate located in the Albert Dock. Tate is a great place to see modern and contemporary art from British and international artists. Entry is totally free for everyone, although for some specific exhibitions you will need to pay.
Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB
6. Ride the Big Wheel
Opened in 2010, the Big Ferris Wheel located on Liverpool waterfront has become a popular tourist attraction with locals and tourists. Grad great views of the city, just don’t look down if you are scared of heights!
7. Magical Mystery Bus Tour
Book a ride on the incredible magical mystery bus tour and see the Beatles childhood homes, schools and colleges and places that inspired some of their most memorable songs – Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. This tour takes around 2 hours and you’ll be kept entertained along the way by professional experienced guides and some of the Beatles classic songs. This is one of the best tours of Liverpool.
8. Go Up the Radio City Tower
Would you like to grab the perfect Instagram photo of the famous Liverpool skyline? Buy a ticket to the 400 feet high observation tower at the Radio City Tower which is the second tallest free-standing building in Liverpool and the 32nd tallest in the United Kingdom. The 360º panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond are incredible! The gallery is great value for money and is open Saturday and Sunday from 10:15am until 5:15pm.
9. Chinatown
Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe and a visit to Chinatown is a must do thing if you like Chinese food. There are lots of shops and restaurants here as well as a huge Chinese arch, the largest of its kind outside of China and originally built in Shanghai which is an essential photo stop. The streets in Chinatown are decorated with beautiful colourful lanterns and all the street signs are in English and Chinese.
10. Go Independent on Bold Street
Bold Street is a great shopping street with lots of independent shops and cafes. Some top rated places to eat out on Bold Street include El Pecado, American Pizza Slice, Maray, East Avenue Bakehouse, Nolita Cantina, The Italian Club, Ban Di Bul and The Italian Club Fish.
11. Get a Photo with Superlamb Banana
Liverpool is home to so many iconic statues and none are more famous locally than Superlambanana, a bright yellow sculpture in Liverpool and a cross between a lamb and a banana. The Superlambanana was installed in 1998 as part of the ArtTransPennine Exhibition, an initiative to create a ‘corridor of art’ and was designed by New York City-based Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. This is one of the most photographed art in the north of England and an essential stop for any Instagrammers. Superlambanana is located near the Albert Dock.
12. Watch a Live Football Game
Liverpool is home to 3 major football clubs, Liverpool FC, Everton and Tranmere.
Liverpool are one of the most famous clubs in the world with millions of supporters around the world. Recently they have won the Premier League and the Champions League, making them one of the most successful teams in Europe ever.
Everton are also in the Premier League and have a rich history and tradition. Although they haven’t been as successful as Liverpool, they have a very vocal and passionate support. Tranmere currently play in the lower leagues and you will enjoy watching a live game if you just love football and don’t mind not having the glitz and glamour of famous superstar names.
The atmosphere in and around Anfield (Liverpool FC), Goodison Park (Everton’s stadium) and (Tranmere’s Stadium) is electric. Anfield is often described as one of the best European stadiums. Tickets can be difficult to get for Liverpool especially for the bigger games but for Everton and Tranmere is it more easy.
13. Liverpool Cathedral Viewing Platform
Liverpool Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool, built on St James’s Mount in central Liverpool. Located close to Chinatown, this Cathedral is a really visible building on the Liverpool skyline and is really impressive inside. You can enter the Cathedral for a wander around and one of the hidden gems of Liverpool is the viewing platform from the top which has amazing views over the city.
Address: St James Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZ
14. Matthew Street Nightlife
Mathew Street is a street in Liverpool city centre home to lots of popular bars and clubs including the Cavern Club, Turtle Bay Mathew Street, Flares, Bar Signature, Lennon’s Bar, Sgt Peppers, The Grapes and Flanagan’s Apple. Mathew Street is an iconic street and where The Beatles played on numerous occasions early on in their career. The street is very popular with tourists and there are lots of photo opportunities including the statue of John Lennon and a Beatles store.
15. Live Music at the Cavern Club
Liverpool’s Cavern Club is where the Beatles used to play before they hit the big time. This venue is historic, intimate and such a great place to see local and up and coming talent playing. There are Beatles tribute bands and established artists playing weekly.
16. Party in Concert Square
Liverpool has some of the best nightlifein the UK, and around the Concert Square area of the city centre there are so many bars and clubs. Top places to check out include McCooleys, Modo, Soho, Fusion, Einstein, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Level and Boston Pool Loft. These are some of the most popular nightlife venues in the city. If you are a student, Monday to Friday there are some great deals to be had.
17. Sefton Park
If you are looking to escape the city and relax then Sefton Park with over 250 acres of beautiful green space. This is a lesser known destination compared to some of the more famous destinations on our list, but if you love parks and the outdoors, you will Sefton Park. You will get to see botanical gardens, hidden caves, waterfalls and a Victorian Palm House.
Address: Sefton Park, Liverpool, L17 1AP
18. Museum of Liverpool
If you would like to learn more about Liverpool’s history head to the Museum of Liverpool. Located on the waterfront, this museum tells the story of Liverpool and its people, past and development over the decades. You really will learn so much about this incredible city.
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG
19. Merseyside Maritime Museum
Located in the Albert Dock, the Merseyside Maritime Museum is the place to go to discover more about Liverpool’s rich maritime history. Whether you have a fascination with maritime or just a desire to learn more about the history of the city and its role as an important sea-trading destination, this museum is a great place to add to your itinerary. There are lots of model ships, posters, paintings and films and information about the Titanic.
Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ
20. Shop at Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE is one of the best destinations for shopping and entertainment. Opened on the 1st October 2008, this is one of the top retail and leisure developments in Europe with world famous brands and shops located here. Choose between over 170 stores, bars and restaurants!
Address: 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ
21. Theatre
Liverpool is such an amazing city for culture and live entertainment and there are several theatres where you can catch a live show including Liverpool Empire, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool Playhouse Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and the Unity Theatre. At these venues you can see live entertainment, gigs, comedy and family shows.
22. M&S Bank Arena
If you love live music then the M&S Bank Arena should be your destination. This 11,000 capacity venue opened in 2008 as part of the European Capital of Culture, and has hosted some of the biggest names in music including Sir Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars and Beyonce. Sports and music events also take place here regularly and you are best checking in advance to see if there is anything on when you plan to visit Liverpool.
Address: King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, 16 Monarchs Quay, Liverpool L3 4FP
23. Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery is a national gallery housing an outstanding art collection. If you are interested in art you really need to visit this gallery.
Address: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EL
24. Check Out Some Traditional Pubs
Liverpool has hundreds of great pubs, from the super cool and modern to really old and traditional places which haven’t changed in decades. Some pubs we recommend seeking out include: The Grapes, The Baltic Fleet, Peter Kavanagh’s, The Shipping Forecast, The Caledonia Liverpool, The Lisbon, The Poste House, Ma Egerton’s Stage Door, The Egremont Ferry, The Old Bank, The Boat House and Ye Cracke.
25. Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is such a unique and modern building for a place of worship. Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King and locally nicknamed “Paddy’s Wigwam”, is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool in Liverpool, England. This really is one of the most unusual looking Cathedrals in the world and somewhere to grab a photo.
Address: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ
26. St Georges Hall
St George’s Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool and somewhere which is hard to miss especially if you arrive into Liverpool by train. This building looks like something out of ancient Rome and is located directly opposite Lime Street railway station in Liverpool city centre.
Address: St George’s Pl, Liverpool L1 1JJ
27. Ghetto Golf at Cains Brewery Village
Are you looking for a night out to remember unlike most other places? Head to Cains Brewery Village for a cocktail bar, dj’s, street food, graffiti art and an awesome 18 hole mini golf course. This is the perfect entertainment for friends or stag do’s, the food and drinks on offer are great too.
Address: Cains Brewery, Stanhope St, Liverpool L8 5XJ
28. Victoria Gallery & Museum
The Victoria Gallery & Museum is an art gallery and museum run by the University of Liverpool. Here you can see an incredible collection of fine art, silver, sculptures, fossils, furniture, ceramics, scientific equipment, zoological specimens and more. There are over 6,500 items on display!
Address: Ashton St, Liverpool L69 3DR
29. Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Around 400 concerts and events are held at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall every year which are attended by over 350,000 people. If you have an interest in classical music, you will love seeing a live opera show from the world renowned Liverpool orchestra.
Address: Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
30. Sightseeing Bus Tour
No tourist trip to any city would be complete without jumping onboard a sightseeing bus. Lots of travel operators offer daily trips to all the major tourist destinations in the city. This offers an easy way to stop off at all the important places without having to walk miles. You can book sightseeing tours in-advance on GetYourGuide or Viator.
31. Aintree Grand National
Liverpool has so many events taking place every year and none are more famous than The Grand National, a horse race usually held in April. First run in 1839, it is a handicap steeplechase over an official distance of about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps. Thousands of people attend every year and the atmosphere in the city during this period is incredible.
Address: Aintree Racecourse; Aintree, Merseyside, England
32. Shiverpool Ghost Tours
Looking for a fright? Shiverpool is Liverpool’s award winning theatrically led ghost and history tour experience; exploring the city’s most famous locations. This tour is rated 5 star on Tripadvisor!
Address: Central Library, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW
33. Grosvenor Casino Leo
Love to gamble? The Grosvenor Casino Liverpool, known as the Leo Casino, offers traditional and state-of-the-art casino games. It is located on the Queens Dock next to the Albert Dock and also has a restaurant and two cocktail bars, all with stunning panoramic river views.
Address: 44 Chaloner St, Liverpool L3 4BF
34. Take a Ferry Across the Mersey
You can’t leave Liverpool without travelling across the famous River Mersey. This is a great way to see Liverpool from a different perspective and get photos of the city’s docks and skyline. Daily ferry cruises runs throughout the year and takes you from the Pier Head all the way to Merseyside’s other terminals at Seacombe and the Wirral. Most trips lasts around 50 minutes and includes full commentary to guide you through the various landmarks you will see.
35. Formby Beach
Formby is one of the best beaches to visit in the north of England and a real coastal gem. Expect a beautiful beach with dramatic sand dunes, surrounded by pinewoods. This is one of the most popular beaches to visit in the north-west especially during summer.
36. Go Underground at the Williamson Tunnels
The Williamson Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean excavations, of unknown purpose, in the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, England. They are thought to have been created under the direction of tobacco merchant, landowner and philanthropist Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840. This really is an alternative thing to do in Liverpool which a lot of people don’t know about. If you fancy the idea of venturing underground then this destination will not disappoint.
Address: The Old Stableyard, Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, Smithdown Ln, Liverpool L7 3EE
37. British Music Experience
The British Music Experience is the national museum dedicated to the history of popular music in Britain. State of the art effects and iconic memorabilia will show how rock, pop, dance and other genres were formed and have influenced the last seventy years of British culture. Discover the Ultimate History of British Rock & Pop. The BME is the UK’s Museum of Popular Music located in Liverpool.
Address: British Music Music Experience, Cunard Building, Liverpool L3 1DS
38. The UK’s Largest Inflatable Park
Looking for a really fun day trip out? Head to Velocity Widnes, the biggest indoor inflatable park in the UK! This is amazing fun for adults, families and children. There is a huge inflatable area with two slides, a giant slide into the UK’s largest ball pool, a gladiator arena with podiums to battle from, high climbing wall and lots more. There is also an area specifically for under 4s that includes its own slide and ball pool.
Address: Unit 1, Easter Park, Bennett’s Ln, Shell Green, Liverpool, Widnes WA8 0GW
39. Crosby Beach
If you are visiting Liverpool during summer and want to escape the city a trip to Crosby beach is recommended. Here you can see the Merseyside coast and also ‘Another Place’, a sculpture by artist Antony Gormley which includes 100 spectacular cast-iron, life-size figures spread across three kilometres of the beach.
40. Birkenhead Park
Birkenhead Park is a popular day trip from Liverpool City Centre and a relaxing place to visit especially during summer. It opened on the 5th April 1847 and has parkland, open meadows, lakes, lodges, bridges, and a boathouse. There are lots of walking routes, a visitor centre, a café, a playground for children, sports pitches and fishing lakes. If you are planning a short break to Liverpool then this park probably doesn’t needed to be added to your itinerary but if you are staying more than. a few days or would like to get away from the bustling city centre this park is an oasis. You can reach the park by car, taxi, bus or mersey rail.
Address: Park Dr, Birkenhead CH41 4HY
Liverpool really is one of the best destinations to visit in the UK and if you try to see at least some of the must-see attractions and destinations on our list you will have a really amazing trip.
