A proud maritime city with a renowned cultural scene, Liverpool is one of the most underrated cities in the UK—and, if you ask us, one of the most fun.
What other city in the UK can claim to be the home of The Beatles, Premier League soccer giants Liverpool and Everton, as well as the second-highest number of art galleries, national museums, listed historical buildings and parks in the country?
We bet you'll be overwhelmed with options on your first trip to Merseyside (the name of the wider region where you'll find Liverpool). So, how do you decide what to see and do with the time you have? Read on for our 2024 Liverpool city guide, and find everything you need to organize a vacation as "fab" as the city's four most famous sons.
Image Credit: Getty Images, wellsie82. Image Location: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, England, UK
What to do in Liverpool, England
Given Liverpool’s immense offering let's break down our guide into four main sections to help you tailor your trip perfectly.
Culture and Arts
The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007 and was named European Capital of Culture the following year—and it’s not hard to understand why. Liverpool is simply bursting with brilliant museums and historical buildings that hark back to the city's heyday as Britain's great industrial port city.
Head to the River Mersey (pronounced "Mur-zee") and wander around the Royal Albert Dock waterfront area, a complex of dock buildings and warehouses opened in 1846. Once the beating heart of the city's maritime industries, it is now home to Liverpool's new cultural district.
Then take in Liverpool Cathedral, Britain’s largest church equipped with the world’s highest Gothic arches and a viewing tower you can climb for unparalleled views of the city.
Wander back to the docks and visit the International Slavery Museum and Merseyside Maritime Museum, which also provide powerful further insights into Liverpool’s history and growth.
Art lovers will have tons to gawk at in Liverpool's many galleries. Housing one of the largest art collections in England outside London, The Walker Art Gallery showcases beautiful paintings, sculptures and decorative art from the 13th century to present day.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: The Cavern Club, Liverpool, England, UK
Beatles stuff to do in Liverpool
Liverpool has a rich tradition of pop and classical music, no better encapsulated by The Beatles, who played many of their early gigs at The Cavern Club.
Today you can visit the faithful reconstruction of this legendary nightclub and sample some up-and-coming local talent as well as Beatles tribute acts.
Die-hard fans can also check out The Beatles Story, an immersive experience dedicated to the city’s most famous quartet that also offers a taste of the Swinging '60s.
The Liverpool Philharmonic is the main venue for classical orchestral performances and an impressive concert hall to boot.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Elena Eliachevitch. Image Location: Downtown Liverpool, England, UK
Sports
Liverpool is one of the most successful footballing cities in England and home to Premier League clubs Liverpool and Everton.
Visit Anfield on a matchday to experience the passion and fervor of Liverpool Football Club in all its glory and the world-renowned club anthem "You’ll Never Walk Alone".
If you can’t get your hands on a ticket for a game you can still visit the stadium as part of the tour which takes fans into the home dressing room, down the tunnel and into the pitchside dugouts.
For those who prefer the color blue, Everton play their home games at Goodison Park, which is just a short walk from Anfield.
The Toffees’ stadium tour offers access to both players’ changing rooms, directors’ box, VIP hospitality suites, tunnel, dugout and technical area.
Regular horse racing meets take place at Aintree—found on the outskirts of the city—such as the Grand National which is run over three days every April.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Allan Baxter. Image Location: Goodison Park (center) and Anfield (top right), Liverpool, England, UK
Shopping, Eating and Drinking Out
Shop until you drop on Bold Street, Liverpool’s thriving independent shopping quarter that embodies the creative spirit of the city perfectly.
With so much to see and do you’ll need expert fueling. The Art School Restaurant is housed in an historic Victorian building and offers a marvelous fine-dining menu of locally sourced produce.
Roski is headed up by former MasterChef winner Anton Piotrowski, while Middle Eastern-inspired street food joint Hafla Hafla and neighborhood bistro Belzan are other culinary delights worth trying.
For pubs we recommend The Grapes for its dizzying selection of rums as well as The Old Bank and The Poste House in the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take a ferry or the tunnel across the River Mersey to the Wirral, the peninsula opposite Liverpool. Here you'll discover popular pubs The Boathouse and The Ferry.
Trains to Liverpool
Finding a train from London to Liverpool is easier than you'd think. Download the Trainline App today for a convenient way to book and store your e-tickets. And while you're in England's North West, why not consider also visiting Manchester?
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, David Clapp. Image Location: The Cunard Building and Liver Building, Liverpool, England, UK