20 fun and unique things to do in Liverpool

As a city, Liverpool is famous for its fun-loving nature. The city buzzes with energy, and there's no shortage of fun things to do. Whether you're a sports fan or a history buff, looking for romantic dates, or seeking fun family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty to enjoy. Walk through the famous players' tunnel at Anfield Stadium, take a hair-raising ghost tour through the Georgian Quarter, or taste the best food in Liverpool.

As one of the UK's most unique cities, its rich history as a port has meant a huge influx of global influences, and its inhabitants are known for their friendliness toward visitors. Add this to its rich cultural scene and nightlife, and the areas of natural beauty that surround it, and you have the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime.

Fun things to do in Liverpool as a couple

1. Take a ride on Liverpool's spectacular Dazzle Ferry

Take an unforgettable boat ride on Liverpool's famous Dazzle Ferry with this River Cruise and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This colorful ship was designed by Sir Peter Blake, who created the famous Sgt Pepper album cover, and makes for a wonderful photo opportunity and a very enjoyable boat ride.

Highlights:

For an authentic sound of Liverpool, the ferry plays Gerry and the Pacemakers singing 'Ferry 'Cross the Mersey' as you do just that.

Meeting point:

Liverpool Waterfront, L3 1DP. Start times vary.

2. Work together to discover the city

Explore the city in your own time with this fun Liverpool City Highlights Exploration Game. A mix of outdoor escape game, city tour, and treasure hunt, this fun journey will take you through the city's best sights as you solve the clues.

Highlights:

Visit the tomb of William Mackenzie and learn the gruesome story of how he made a deal with the devil.

Starting point:

Liverpool Central Library. Operates 24/7.

3. Become a day tripper (but with a return ticket)

If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Liverpool, this Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day is the perfect thing to do. The Lake District boasts some of England's most picturesque scenery and has been home and inspiration for romantic poets down the centuries.

Highlights:

Plan to go in spring to see the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth's most famous poem.

Meeting point:

World Museum, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN.

4. Go dancing in the streets

If you're in the mood for dancing and romancing, head straight to this Silent Disco Adventure Tour and take to the streets of Liverpool with a fun, silly, and completely unique experience. Your silent disco flash mob will have you breaking out your moves like never before.

Highlights:

Let go of your inhibitions as part of a large group singing and dancing in the streets.

Meeting point:

South John Street, Liverpool L1 8BJ. Start times vary.

5. Take a romantic photo with the city's best view

Make your friends at home green with envy with this unique photo opportunity. Get the best views of the city with a Royal Liver Building 360 Degree Tower Tour. Gaze out from 15 floors up and pose for a photo with a panorama of the whole city spread out beneath you.

Highlights:

Learn about the history of the iconic Royal Liver Building with an audiovisual experience and tour.

Meeting point:

Royal Liver Building, George's Dock Gates, Liverpool L3 1HU. Start times vary.

Fun things to do in Liverpool with kids

6. Discover Liverpool's dark side

Take a spine-tingling ghost tour after dark with this 1.5-hour Theatrical History Tour, and discover Liverpool’s best-kept secrets. With a professional actor as your guide, explore Liverpool's oldest quarter, and learn the city's spookiest stories – if you dare.

Highlights:

Visit the city's underground morgue, nicknamed the 'Liverpool Dead House' by author Herman Melville because of its eerie atmosphere.

Meeting point:

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, 33 Hope Street, Liverpool L21 9LJ. Start time: 8:30 PM.

7. Discover your inner rock star

Liverpool is most famous as the birthplace of The Beatles. This museum celebrates their legacy and that of other famous British musicians. Grab a British Music Experience Ticket to learn all about the country's most beloved rock stars, from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury.

Highlights:

See original costumes worn by your favorite musicians and have a go at playing an instrument yourself in the interactive section.

Address and opening hours:

Cunard Building, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DS. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. Hunt for Pirate Treasure

Ahoy, mateys. For salty seadogs and landlubbers alike, this Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt is a cool thing to do with your family in Liverpool. Search for pirate treasure while discovering the city's important landmarks and hidden gems.

Highlights:

Solve clues and puzzles to discover Liverpool's secret places and find the treasure.

Starting point:

Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4DH. Open daily 8:00 AM-9:00 PM.

9. Let your kids discover Liverpool with a hands-on, interactive exhibit

For children under 6, the Little Liverpool Gallery at the Museum of Liverpool is a fun, hands-on introduction to the city. This interactive exhibit is sure to engage and delight, with sessions based on art, sensory play, and games.

Highlights:

Entry is free, but you need to book a time slot at the Museum desk.

Address and opening hours:

Pier Head, Mann Island, L3 1DG. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Make a pilgrimage to the home of Liverpool FC

One of the obligatory things to do for any sports fan visiting Liverpool is to make a trip to the legendary Anfield Stadium. On this Liverpool Football Club Legends Q&A and Stadium Tour, you can enjoy a stadium tour with an audio guide. You also get to participate in a Q&A session with a former Liverpool player.

Highlights:

Take a photo with a soccer legend and get an autograph as a souvenir.

Address and opening times:

Anfield Stadium, Walton Breck Rd, Liverpool L4 0TH.

Fun things to do in Liverpool on your own

11. Step into an authentic WWII bunker

If you're looking for unique things to do on your Liverpool trip, get yourself a Western Approaches WWII Museum Ticket. This museum is located underground in a former WWII bunker, where much of the war effort in Liverpool was coordinated. You'll see wartime artifacts and well-curated exhibits. This one-of-a-kind museum is a must-visit.

Highlights:

See a recreated war-torn street, and learn what life was like for ordinary British citizens during the Blitz.

Address and opening hours:

1-3 Rumford St, Liverpool L2 8SZ. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

12. Go on a Magical Mystery Tour

No trip to Liverpool is complete without delving into the fascinating history and legacy of the Beatles. This 2-hour Beatles Magical Mystery Tour is the best Fab Four tour available, and one of the unique things to do in Liverpool. See the places that formed the band and inspired their music.

Highlights:

Finish the tour at the renowned Cavern Club, where the Beatles began their performing career.

Meeting point:

32 Gower Street, Liverpool L3 4AS. Start times vary.

13. Enjoy the city's largest art collection

Take a trip to the Walker Art Gallery for one of the most extensive collections of art in the UK outside London. The gallery is home to works of art dating from the 12th century to the present day, and it's one of the best things to do in Liverpool for art lovers. Entry to the permanent collection is free

Highlights:

The Walker's permanent collection includes works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Rossetti, and Millais.

Address and opening hours:

William Brown St, L3 8EL. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

14. Wander around the hippest spots in the Baltic Triangle

If you're looking for cool things to do in Liverpool, head to the hip district of the Baltic Triangle. There you'll find an ex-industrial complex, Cains Brewery Village, which is home to a range of cool and quirky bars, restaurants and attractions including a vintage market, artisanal coffee, and a Yellow Submarine-themed bar.

Highlights:

You'll find the Baltic Food Market here, offering a wide range of delicious, high-quality street food.

Address:

Stanhope Street, Liverpool L8 5XJ.

15. Enjoy a pint in the Beatles' favorite bar

Self-described as 'Britain's most ornate bar,' the Philharmonic Dining Rooms deserve the title. The interior is decorated with sumptuous and intricate Art Nouveau decoration, with the added claim to fame of being the Beatles' favorite bar. A true Liverpool institution.

Highlights:

The men's restrooms in this Grade I listed building are historic in their own right, having retained their original Victorian design.

Address and opening hours:

36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX. Open 11:00 AM-11:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-12:00 AM Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-10:30 PM Sunday.

Fun things to do in Liverpool if you like food and drink

16. Eat Liverpool's most famous dish in the city's most famous venue

Scouse is a hearty variant of Irish stew that is so beloved in Liverpool that the city's inhabitants are nicknamed scousers. Enjoy a bowl in the restaurant attached to the famous Cavern Club, which does a great version of this popular dish.

Highlights:

The Cavern Club is famous for hosting the Beatles' first gigs and is still a buzzing live music venue.

Address and opening hours:

10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE. Open 11:00 AM-12:00 AM Sunday-Wednesday, 11:00 AM-1:00 AM Thursday-Friday, 11:00 AM-2:00 AM Saturday.

17. Sip cocktails in Liverpool's hottest bars

Liverpool is renowned for its nightlife, and in recent years, several chic cocktail bars have sprung up in the city center. Discover the best bars and drink delicious handmade cocktails on this Liverpool Cocktail Crawl. It'll get you ready to dance the night away.

Highlights:

The tour includes entry to the famous Gospel Brunch, where you're guaranteed a whale of a time.

Meeting point:

15-17 Duke Street, L1 5AP.

18. Become an expert on craft beers

Beer has come a long way since the days of tasteless, watery lagers; craft beer breweries are booming in Liverpool. Expand your list of unique things to do with this Brewery Bus Tour. Visit the city's artisanal breweries and discover a huge range of delicious brews.

Highlights:

The tour includes a tasty pizza in a local pizzeria, so you won't be sampling beers on an empty stomach.

Meeting points and start times vary

19. Tuck into a chippy tea on the Waterfront

Fish and chips is one of the UK's most popular dishes, and the best spot to eat it in Liverpool is down on the docks. Enjoy a stroll on the iconic Liverpool Waterfront to work up an appetite, then head to the world-famous Docklands chippy.

Highlights:

Docklands' specialties are haddock, cod, and scampi. All the fish are freshly caught in the Irish Sea.

Address and opening hours:

Unit 15 The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA. Open daily 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

20. Find the best Chinese food in Liverpool

Liverpool's Chinatown is the oldest of its kind in Europe, and it's a wonderland for lovers of Chinese food. From its extensive collection of Asian supermarkets to some of the best restaurants in the city, this area should be top of your list of things to do in Liverpool, especially if you've got a hankering for noodles.

Highlights:

ChinaCity is a restaurant and karaoke bar that serves delicious Chinese and Szechuan food.

Address and opening hours:

Lord Nelson St, Liverpool L1 5EW

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Liverpool at night?

There's something for everyone with Liverpool's vibrant nightlife. Dance the night away in a converted warehouse in the Baltic Triangle, eat in a chic tapas bar on Royal Albert Dock, or gaze down at the city's lights on the Liverpool Wheel.

Are there any fun day trips from Liverpool that I should consider?

Liverpool is surrounded by areas of great natural beauty. The Lake District, the Peak District, and North Wales are all accessible on a day trip. You can also visit the neighboring historic cities of Manchester and Chester, both an hour away by train. If you're looking for a beach trip, there are many stunning beaches near the city, including Formby Beach.

What are some popular festivals or events in Liverpool?

Liverpool has festivals year-round. The Food and Drink Festival takes place in mid-September, and the Africa Oye Festival in June is the UK's biggest celebration of African culture and music.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Liverpool?

There are plenty of fun and interactive museums that kids will love in Liverpool. Head to the Maritime Museum, the World Museum, or the Museum of Liverpool. A working farm at Croxteth Hall is a firm favorite with families.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Liverpool?

If you're an adventurous soul, try the Anfield Abseil, a 100-ft descent from the top of Liverpool FC's stadium. If you're looking for something a little calmer, Liverpool has plenty of beautiful parks. Pack a picnic and head to Sefton Park, a local favorite.