50 Things to Do in Liverpool

This former European Capital of Culture has much to offer visitors, from the region’s rich maritime history, which is proudly celebrated, to its wide selection of arts and cultural attractions. In fact, only London has more galleries and museums than Liverpool, making this northern powerhouse city an enticing one for fans of both history and the arts. 

Over the last decade, Liverpool has also grown a thriving independent scene, with an impressive selection of start-up shops, restaurants, and bars. Exploring characterful city zones like the Baltic Triangle is something not to be missed. Read on for the best things to do in Liverpool.

Explore the Royal Liver Building

The Royal Liver Building is a Grade I listed building and one of three iconic structures on Liverpool’s waterfront that together make up the ‘Three Graces’. The striking building is topped by a stone sculpture of Liverpool’s city symbol, the liver bird. The building has become a top tourist attraction, with a multi-level RLB 360 experience, including a tour explaining the building’s history and importance, two panoramic experiences on the tenth and fifteenth floors, plus a spectacular digital light show inside the clock tower.

Discover the football

If there’s one thing people know about Liverpool, it’s the football. With two celebrated teams from the city - Liverpool FC and Everton - it’s no wonder so many visitors are keen to include a stadium visit while they’re here.

Immerse yourself in Liverpool FC at Anfield Stadium

On a Liverpool FC Legends and LFC Stadium tour experience, not only will you get to enjoy a tour of Anfield Stadium, the famous home of Liverpool FC, but you’ll also join a Q&A with one of the team’s legends, getting a photo and autograph to remember the day - as if you could ever forget! Plus, if that wasn’t enough excitement, you’ll get to explore The Liverpool FC Story, an opportunity to learn all about the fascinating history of the team and its players, and to see all six of the team’s European Cups.

Visit Everton’s stadium at Goodison Park

Any Everton fan will love to visit the home of Everton FC, Goodison Park. The stadium - which has a capacity of almost 40,000 and has been Everton’s home since 1892- offers tours, but for a real-time experience, why not see if you can coincide your visit with a home match, where you’ll really be able to soak up the love bestowed upon this mighty team.

Have fun at Cains Brewery Village

Located in Liverpool’s Baltic Quarter is the recently regenerated Cains Brewery Village, a work, trade and events space located in an attractive Grade II listed building that also traditionally housed Cains Brewery. It has become a popular and trendy addition to the city, with multiple craft brewers and coffee shops now calling it home. There’s also Ghetto Golf, a great crazy golf course, as well as a mini vintage shopping scene that includes Red Brick Vintage.

Dive into the World Museum & Aquarium

Liverpool’s World Museum is located in an ornate neo-classical building that opened in 1860, making it the oldest of Liverpool’s museums. With five floors of natural history, science and world cultures to explore, there is something here to pique everyone’s interest. A full-dome planetarium was added in 1970, and there’s also an aquarium, which has recently been improved and expanded. With its focus on interactive and engaging exhibits, this is one museum kids won’t find boring.

Explore the Tate Liverpool 

With some of the most innovative modern art in the region, as well as works of historic and regional significance, all housed in an atmospheric docklands building, there’s nothing here not to like. Opened in 1988, Tate Liverpool has become one of the most visited art galleries outside London and has hosted a range of well-known artists, such as LS Lowry, Monet, Klimt and Warhol.

Compare Liverpool’s two cathedrals

With two cathedrals of vastly different architectural styles, why not visit them both and see which one you prefer?

Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ The King Liverpool

Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral is almost UFO-like in its design. It’s the largest cathedral in England, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool. Free to explore by yourself, or as part of a guided tour, visitors can also enjoy the regular music concerts that take place here, or you can explore the Lutyens Crypt, an impressive underground structure that’s often described as Liverpool’s third cathedral.

Cathedral Tower Experience

Liverpool Cathedral also welcomes visitors of all faiths and walks of life to explore its grand architecture. It has the largest gothic arches in the world, and it’s worth spending some time appreciating these and the other features that make this cathedral so special. There is a popular attraction here called The Tower Experience, allowing you to climb the 100 metre tower for stunning open-air views over Liverpool.  

Shopping in Liverpool

Liverpool is something of a shopping mecca. We recommend you visit Lark Lane and Liverpool One for a taste of just how different two shopping experiences in one city can be.

Visit independent heaven at Lark Lane

Lark Lane is located south of the city centre, right next to Sefton Park. It’s a quaint street with pretty shop frontages that are home to an array of independent shops, restaurants and bars. Day and night, there is something going on here, and it’s a real community hub, often shortened to ‘The Lane’ by locals. 

Liverpool One

Liverpool One, in contrast, is a city centre shopping mall crammed full of all the high street names you could want. Offering over 170 shops, restaurants and bars, you can easily while away a few hours here. And that’s before you’ve visited the 18-screen cinema, adventure golf course, and five-acre park.

Take a ferry ‘cross the Mersey

You can’t possibly come to Liverpool and not take a ferry across the famous River Mersey. Taking a trip is easy, with Mersey Ferries offering regular links between Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey, on routes that have been running since the twelfth century. There are sightseeing trips along Liverpool’s stunning waterfront during the day, and also at night when you can enjoy Liverpool’s sparkling lights.

Break free from an Escape Room

Everyone loves a puzzle, and working on something challenging in a couple is a great way to bond and create memories - especially if you manage to win. In this Breakout escape room challenge, you'll call on logic, detective skills and sometimes a bit of luck, to figure a way out of one of the themed rooms. Dare you enter the haunted shipwreck? Or perhaps zombies are more your scene. Whichever room is chosen, just make sure you escape in time.

Liverpool War Museum - Western Approaches HQ

Back in the day, you had to sign an Official Secrets Act to allow you access to the Western Approaches HQ. Now, you can enter freely to discover the secrets behind this pivotal wartime location. A self-guided tour of the museum will teach you about the 300 members of staff who worked here, monitoring the western section of the Atlantic during the second world war. It’s a fascinating and atmospheric place that will appeal to anyone with an interest in war or history. 

Royal Albert Dock

Liverpool’s award-winning Royal Albert Dock is the heart of the city’s waterfront district and it’s a great place to stroll along the evocative cobbled walkways. Historically, Liverpool’s docks were of great importance, being at the forefront of global trade routes in the 19th century. Now, some of Liverpool’s top attractions are found in and around Albert Dock, including the International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. The Albert Dock received its Royal status back in 2018, confirming its local and national importance. 

Williamson Tunnels

Back in the 1800s, Liverpool-local Joseph Williamson created an underground world, and the Williamson Tunnels make up one part of his eccentric vision. It’s still not known why Williamson decided to built the so-called tunnels, which are actually deep excavations, but it’s been suggested it was simply to provide employment to locals. The tunnels, with no established purpose, were left to ruin until 1995, when they were again discovered and the process of restoration began, which is still continuing to this day. Tours of this interesting enigma are available via the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre.

Investigate Port Sunlight 

The beautifully named village of Port Sunlight was originally built by William Hesketh Lever to house his soap factory workers in 1888. Now one of the finest examples of early urban planning, there are over 900 Grade II listed buildings in the 130-acre village, which houses some fine examples of Arts and Crafts movement homes. Visitors can explore the interesting museum, go on a guided tour, or take a stroll around the Soap Works, an interactive family experience.

Experience a day at the races at Aintree

The first Grand Liverpool Race, now known as the Grand National, took place at Aintree Race Course in 1839. This prestigious annual race continues to take place at Aintree and manifests the excitement of attending a horse race at this Jockey Club racecourse. Dress up in your race day best and attend one of the regular open races and festivals that take place throughout the year.

Immerse yourself in all things gin

Gin is firmly established as a favourite tipple in the UK, and there are a number of fantastic experiences in Liverpool based around our love of ‘mother’s ruin’. Here's a few of our favourites.

Visit a gin distillery

Take it back to the beginning and learn how gin is made with a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, learning all about the work that goes into creating this botanical beverage. Take the opportunity to taste some of the finest gins around, which you can use as inspiration for crafting your own gin using a mini copper still, then round this memorable day off with a tasty lunch in the taproom. 

Learn all about gin

Another exciting gin-themed activity is this tasting experience at Jenever Gin Bar in Liverpool. Located on the city’s famous Hope Street, the lucky recipient and a fellow gin lover can enjoy learning about Jenever’s quality gins in all their flavour guises. There will be tips aplenty on the best ways to serve different gins, and then, the bit everyone is waiting for, the tasting. This is the perfect opportunity for a girly catch-up with a friend over some top-quality tipples. 

Marvel at Liverpool’s Chinatown

Historically speaking, Liverpool’s Chinatown is of huge importance, as it’s the earliest example in Europe. There are around 10,000 Chinese residents in Liverpool, and the Chinatown area houses many Chinese businesses and services, as well as restaurants, shops and markets. The stunning Imperial Arch, at 44 feet wide, is the largest outside China, and signals the beginning of Chinatown proper. Take your time studying it, and see how many of the 200 dragons you can spot.

Take in some tech at FACT

The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT) is a dedicated venue for the support and exhibition of arts relating to digital technologies and culture. With free exhibits to explore and a busy programme of workshops and events, this is a great community space to visit if you’re in the market for something different. And you can always catch an independent or art-house film showing at the Picturehouse cinema while you’re there.

Discover the locations of Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders junkies are in for a treat in Liverpool, where much of the renowned show was filmed. You and a fellow fan can take an official Peaky Blinders bus tour through the city streets to discover some of the familiar scenes from the show, such as the homes of Polly and Field Marshall Russell. You’ll also get all the goss, as the tour guide shares fascinating snippets about the real Peaky Blinders gang with you. 

Explore life at sea at the Merseyside Maritime Museum

Given the importance of Liverpool’s maritime history, it’s little surprise there’s a museum dedicated to exploring this fascinating element of the city. At the Merseyside Maritime Museum, you can find out all about life at sea through the ages, or explore the relevance of Liverpool in the Titanic story. You can also take a tour of the Old Docks, hidden underneath the ultra-modern Liverpool One shopping centre. Where this museum succeeds is in making Liverpool’s ocean-based history eminently relatable and interesting - it’s well worth a visit. 

Food and drink in Liverpool

Liverpool is home to a great food scene, with seemingly endless local producers at its fingertips, and inventive chefs keeping diners excited and challenged. Here are some of our favourite food and drink options in Liverpool.

Panoramic 34

If you’re looking for amazing views while you dine, you’ll strike gold at Panoramic 34, a European restaurant on the 34th floor of Liverpool’s West Tower, and one of the UK’s highest restaurants at 300 feet above sea level. It’s a fine dining establishment, where delicious menu items are complemented by inventive cocktails and a comprehensive wine list.

NQ64 Arcade Bar

NQ64 is perfect for friends who are looking for somewhere for drinks, but also want a side order of entertainment. Housing classic retro arcade games, like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart, this is nostalgia at its finest. But, unlike your teenage years, when you could only dream of drinking while you game, now you’ll have a fine selection of cocktails and craft beers at hand for your drinking pleasure.

Baltic Triangle

The Baltic Triangle is one of Liverpool’s newer quarters, and it’s chock-full of stylish dining options and bars for Liverpool’s trendy set. 

• Baltic Market

The Baltic Market is Liverpool’s first street food market. Open Wednesday to Sunday, you’ll find a collection of street food traders offering filthy and not-so-filthy food options, including Beef On The Block (steak, chips and sauce), Hafla Hafla (Middle Eastern treats) and Little Korea.

• Baltic Social

Open daily, Baltic Social offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options in its urban-rustic bar. It’s known for its generous portions and afternoon punk teas, which include an inventive selection of snacks and sweet treats, plus tea - or a cocktail, if you’re feeling so inclined.

Try Liverpool’s famous ‘scouse’ 

The Baltic Fleet is a traditional Grade II listed pub that’s exactly as it was back in the day. Serving unpretentious food, real ale, and - in a nod to modernity - craft beers, this is a great watering hole to try the local Liverpool dish ‘scouse’, a tasty meat and potato stew.

Moor Hall

About ten miles north of Liverpool lies the UK’s number one restaurant, Moor Hall. Since opening in 2017, Moor Hall has been awarded two Michelin stars and 5 AA Rosettes. The restaurant itself is located in a gorgeous 13th-century building, and the kitchen is run by the lauded chef Mark Birchall. A meal here certainly won’t be forgotten quickly, if you can get in, that is.

More Things to Do In Liverpool

Music Attractions

Liverpool has many links to the collective history of British music. Of course, its major export was the Beatles, and this is still one of the city’s main global claims to fame. While you’re here, try to find time to explore some of the Beatles-related attractions - there are plenty to choose from. 

• The Beatles Story Exhibition is the world’s largest permanent exhibition of Beatles-related memorabilia, so for fans, this is a must-see. You’ll get to enjoy the story narrated by John Lennon’s sister, as you explore the early years of the band, as well as a newly-created exhibit, which takes you through the band’s legendary India travels, which happened 50 years ago.   
• Trying to cram in too much sightseeing to one day can be tiring, so why not combine the Beatles Story Exhibition with a luxury overnight stay in one of Liverpool’s best hotels? The musical museum will take you straight back to the 1960s, while the Hallmark Hotel’s fabulously comfortable rooms and tasty dinner will bring you right back to the 2020s in style. 

• The Cavern Club touts itself as the most famous club in the world, and it’s probably not far wrong. Playing host to The Beatles regularly in their earlier years, the club has become an essential visit for fans of the Fab Four. Try visiting during International Beatleweek, which is next taking place in August 2022.  
• At the Cunard Building in Liverpool, you can visit the British Music Experience, a journey through 70 musical years in Britain’s history. With items on display from Noel Gallagher, David Bowie, and Dusty Springfield, this is a cross-genre experience that will hold everyone’s interest.

Attractions for Families

• The International Slavery Museum may not immediately sound like a family-friendly day out, but it provides a valuable learning tool with enough fun activities to engage little minds, and it will also be a thought-provoking experience for mum and dad. 
• Otterspool Adventure Centre is a brilliant day out for families with little ones, who can enjoy the mini-golf course, beach zone, ride-on jeeps, quad bikes, and a fun maze, all less than 5 miles from Liverpool city centre. 
• Wild Shore Liverpool is a water adventure park for all the family, with a range of activities suitable for all ages. Some of the most popular pursuits are paddleboarding, pedaloes and the perennial favourite, the water slides.

• There are all kinds of adventures to be had at Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm in Ormskirk, the UK’s only Shawn the Sheep adventure farm. Meet the ‘mini beasts’, as well as some not-so-mini animals. Navigate the maize maze, and get wet at the Hogwash. Great fun!
• Liverpool’s 60-metre high Freij Wheel in Keel Wharf is a lovely way to peek over the skyline of Liverpool while enjoying a thrilling ride. Riding the big wheel is a family favourite and will make a great memory for everyone. 
• The Quirky Quarter is a puzzling place - literally. Visit here for challenges, riddles, and mysteries that will make everyone scratch their head. There are some great mind-boggling photo opportunities too. 

• Follow the Walker Art Gallery Trail for a fun family afternoon. Learn about some of the most popular pieces as you choose your route around the gallery, taking part in specially curated activities along the way. 
• A cruise on the Daniel Adamson, or ‘Danny’ steamboat, will leave kids thrilled. It’s a working museum piece from 1903 that can either be toured whilst in its dock, or you can enjoy a trip along the picturesque River Weaver.  
• Imagine That is Liverpool’s Science and Discovery Centre. Aimed at kids under 11, there are loads of activities to raise a smile and challenge the mind in its Art, Science and Construction areas, or in the exciting Imagination Village.

• Sefton Park is a beautiful 235-acre space to the east of Liverpool City Centre. It’s great to stroll around, and we recommend a visit to the free Palm House, a glorious Victorian greenhouse that’s home to plants from all around the world.
• Liverpool runs a low-cost biking scheme called Citybike. Exploring the city will be easy and speedy on one of these accessible bikes, which cost as little as £1 per hour to hire. 
• Liverpool is home to some great examples of street art. The Baltic Triangle has a particularly large concentration of artwork on many of the old warehouses’ outer walls. 
  - A popular selfie spot is on Jamaica Street, where a pair of angels wings called ‘For All The Liver Birds’ adorns a wall. 
  - Another brilliant place for a selfie is at the Abbey Road Mural, where the famous road-crossing scene from The Beatles Abbey Road album has been recreated in painted form on the walls of Cains Brewery.

• The Wondrous Place Gallery at the Museum of Liverpool is where Liverpool’s famous artists, sportspeople, musicians and more are celebrated in a unique, and free, museum space. 
• You may not think of libraries as an exciting attraction, but we wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the impressive interior of Liverpool’s Central Library, with its 15,000 rare books, as well as some unusual - and pretty spectacular - architecture.
• The Victoria Museum and Gallery belongs to the University of Liverpool. A lovely building on the outside, on the inside you can freely visit the extensive collection of art, as well as its items and artefacts covering centuries of medical and natural heritage. 
• St Luke’s Bombed Out Church is a former Anglican church that was bombed during the Blitz of May 1941, leaving only the external walls standing. It’s a stark place, reminding us of the destruction of war, yet it’s beautiful too and definitely worth a visit.

FAQs

Does Liverpool have a beach?

Sitting on an estuary, Liverpool itself doesn’t have a beach, but there are plenty of award-winning beaches only a short drive away. Wallasey is the closest beach around 2.5 miles away, and others, such as Formby with its beautiful backdrop of sand-dunes, and Crosby with its striking art installations, are both popular beaches within easy reach of the big city.

How many days should you spend in Liverpool?

How long you should spend in Liverpool really depends on how much you want to see. You could walk around the centre and visit perhaps one or two of the main attractions on a day visit, but to fully immerse yourself in Liverpudlian culture, we’d advise you to spend at least 2 days in Liverpool.