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Things to do in
Liverpool

Come for the Beatles, and stay for the culture, football, cuisine, and nightlife in this lively port city.

Our most recommended things to do in Liverpool

Step inside the Liverpool Football Club Museum and Anfield

1. Step inside the Liverpool Football Club Museum and Anfield

Explore Anfield Stadium and learn the history of Liverpool FC at the interactive museum. Visit exclusive areas, including the Player’s Tunnel and Dressing Rooms, with live guides and audio guides on hand. Start your tour in the Main Stand and enjoy views of the pitch and Liverpool’s skyline. Experience how the stadium comes alive on matchdays using immersive technology. Gain an insight into the club’s history and access to must-see areas such as the press conference room, the famous This Is Anfield sign, the player’s tunnel, the managerial dugout, and the dressing rooms.  The stadium tour will be enhanced by a multimedia handset alongside your tour guides on hand to answer any questions. Then head to the Liverpool Football Club Museum. Discover The Liverpool FC Story where you can relieve the achievements of the 19/20 season squad. See The Jamie Carragher Collection that sits alongside the existing Steven Gerrard Collection to form a new exhibit titled "Two Local Lads Who Shook The Kop".

Liverpool: City and Beatles Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

2. Liverpool: City and Beatles Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

Hop aboard the open-top bus tour of Liverpool and The Beatles. Listen to the social history of the city and where the Beatles were born and raised, stayed, and played. See all the city’s historic sights, including the Unesco World Heritage waterfront and the 2 magnificent Cathedrals. Your first stop is Penny Lane and the second Strawberry Field, where you can leave the bus for a priceless photo opportunity. Then you'll go to the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, before traveling back towards the city where you will hear all about the great River Mersey. Once you have completed the City and Beatles tour, use your ticket to join the hop-on hop-off city tour. Ride through the historical landmarks and attractions including The Royal Albert Dock, the iconic UNESCO waterfront, the world-famous Cavern Club, the World Museum, both of the magnificent Cathedrals, The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, China Town, and much more.  You will also have exclusive offers throughout the city, including a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms.

Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

3. Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

Step back in time as you hear about the Beatles and Mersey Ferries on this river cruise in Liverpool. Discover Liverpool’s iconic waterfront from the deck of a legendary Mersey Ferry. Hop aboard the ferry at Liverpool Pier Head and begin your water adventure. Have the option to purchase some delicious refreshments while you admire the city from the water. Listen to commentary as your guide points out sights Sail past the cast iron, brick and stone buildings at the Royal Albert Dock. Take in views of the architectural ensemble of the 1900-era 3 Graces which includes a stunning Gothic-style skyscraper. Hear about the Beatles performing on the Riverboat Shuffle cruises in the early 1960s to tales of smuggling, Mersey Ferries carry a cargo of memories. Find out how they are connected to the Mersey Ferries. Sit back and enjoy the fascinating commentary and absorb the heritage.

Liverpool: The Beatles Story Ticket

4. Liverpool: The Beatles Story Ticket

Embark on a magical mystery tour and see how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to dizzying heights of fame and fortune from humble childhood beginnings. Replicas of Mathew Street and The Cavern authentically capture the early 60s, allowing you to experience firsthand the very places that helped make The Beatles the biggest band in the world. Hear the story unfold through our ‘Living History’ audio guides available in 11 different languages (English, Brazilian-Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Polish, Russian and Spanish). Let all this take you down to the Beatles Story.  In 2018, The Beatles Story celebrates 50 years since The Beatles travelled to India with the launch of a special exhibition. Beatles In India looks at this key period in time with new memorabilia, imagery and personal accounts from people who were there with them.

Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

5. Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Appreciate Merseyside and Liverpool’s iconic waterfront from the vantage point of the River Mersey on a sightseeing cruise. Then, soak in the city's sights from a hop-on and hop-off open-top bus with live commentary. Start the adventure from the Pier Head, where the 50-minute river cruise departs hourly. Enjoy commentary that highlights the city’s waterfront heritage as you take a ferry across the Mersey. Then, head back to dry land for an open-top city bus tour of the city. See the best of Liverpool from your bus and hear commentary on Liverpool's history. Visit iconic places of interest and learn about the city’s culture and history with a live guide on every bus. Hop off and back on to visit sites of interest to you. Bus tour stops: • Albert Dock • Pier Head • Liverpool One • The Cavern Quarter • Museums, Gallery & Library • Queen Square Bus Station • Adelphi Hotel • Metropolitan Cathedral • Philharmonic Pub • Liverpool Cathedral • St Luke's - Bombed Out Church • Chinese Arch • Cain's Brewery Village • M&S Arena & ACC

Liverpool City Sights 24hr Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour

6. Liverpool City Sights 24hr Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour

Explore the historic UNESCO Mercantile Maritime City, taking in the stunning architecture of Liverpool on this entertaining tour of the city's top attractions and historic landmarks. Hop aboard the open-top bus at the Royal Albert Dock, and take a seat on the top deck for the best views.  You will learn about all of Liverpool's major sights, including The Royal Albert Dock, the iconic waterfront, and the world-famous Cavern Club. You will also hear about the World Museum, both of the magnificent cathedrals, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, China Town and much more. The complete tour takes about 50 minutes and returns back to its original starting point at the Royal Albert Dock. You will also have access to exclusive offers throughout the city, including a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms.

Liverpool Beatles Museum Entry Ticket

7. Liverpool Beatles Museum Entry Ticket

Experience the Liverpool Beatles Museum which is home to one of the largest Beatles collections in the world, featuring over 1000 never before seen authentic items across three floors. Enjoy a new perspective on the greatest rock and roll band of all time. The Grade II listed building is situated in the heart of Liverpool on the world-famous Mathew Street, only yards away from the iconic Cavern Club. Visit the museum and embark on a journey through the early days in Liverpool and Hamburg, their rise to worldwide fame, and their innovative studio years. See original guitars and drums from the band’s Hamburg days, John Lennon's Sgt Pepper medals, the white cello from Magical Mystery Tour, Paul McCartney’s bass amp, and more at the Liverpool Beatles Museum. Explore hundreds of other personal items, including never before seen letters, exclusive interviews with the band members, and previously unseen footage of the Beatles at this one-of-a-kind museum.

Liverpool: Strawberry Field Entry Ticket

8. Liverpool: Strawberry Field Entry Ticket

Visit Strawberry Field, a former Salvation Army children’s home in the suburbs of Liverpool, made famous by the 1967 Beatles’ song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. Through archival footage, photographs, timelines, and a specialist media guide, experience the world where John Lennon played as a child and what happened behind the famous red gates. Immerse yourself in the life and times of Lennon through interactive exhibitions, and then enjoy a walk through the garden and woods, which some visitors claim to be a spiritually lifting experience. At Strawberry Field, you can also learn about the links with the Salvation Army and the work carried out here today as part of the ‘Steps to Work’ program. After you’ve explored, relax with some refreshments at the Imagine More Cafe and wander through the onsite gift shop.

Liverpool: British Music Experience Ticket

9. Liverpool: British Music Experience Ticket

Journey through more than 6 decades of popular culture at the British Music Experience in the heart of Liverpool. Whatever age you are, and whatever you are into, there is something here for you. There are outfits worn by artists from Freddie Mercury and Dusty Springfield, to the Spice Girls, and Adam Ant and musical instruments played by some of the world’s most renowned artists from Noel Gallagher to the Sex Pistols. See over 600 artifacts, such as handwritten song lyrics from Adele, the original statues from the Brits, and the Apple Corp front door from Saville Row. You can also get involved. You can learn a musical instrument with the best music equipment available, from drum kits to keyboards, and dance the decades in our dance studio! After the main event, browse an exclusive range of gifts, clothing, books, and memorabilia from the shop and you can rest those dancing feet with a selection of delicious snacks and meals in the Star Café.

Liverpool: Royal Liver Building 360 Degree Tower Tour

10. Liverpool: Royal Liver Building 360 Degree Tower Tour

Gain entry to the Royal Liver Building with this entry ticket and guided tour. Visit the West Clock Tower of the building, witness an Audio Visual experience and behold panoramic views of the city of Liverpool from various outdoor viewing platforms. Start your tour in the visitor's centre in the West Basement. See unique images and pieces from the building's construction as well as information about the creation of Liverpool's most famous residents. Meet your guide in the presentation area and watch a brief safety video before learning about the original owners of the building, the Royal Liver Friendly Society as well as history of the building's creation. Hop in a lift to the first viewing platform and head out onto the 10th floor roof to behold views of the River Mersey towards the Welsh Mountains. Take photos from the highest external point granting you clear views of the Great George Liver Clocks. Head up 89 stairs to the 14th floor to partake in a 270 degree Audio Visual experience. Set behind the clockfaces of the West Tower the projection show utilizes a mixture of lights, sound, and 4D elements like wind machines that will give you a look back through time. Enjoy the AV display that lasts for 9 minutes and tells the story of the city's history over the last 100 years since the creation of the Liver Birds and Liver Building. Using digital mapping the architecture of the room is used as part of the storytelling to give you an experience unlike any other in Liverpool. Move on to the final destination as you ascend 35 stairs to the top of the Royal Liver Building and out onto the 15th floor. Admire the Liver Bird sculptures that sit atop of the building and enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views of the city.

Top activities

Top sights in Liverpool

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Frequently asked questions about Liverpool

What top attractions are a must-see in Liverpool?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Liverpool?

The best day trips and excursions from Liverpool are:

Wales

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Liverpool

Indiana Jo has visited over 60 countries but calls Liverpool home. Her travel blog focuses on independent and solo female travel. Here, she shares here insider tips for visiting her native city of Liverpool. You can read more on her post about Liverpool for First Time Visitors here.

What should I do on my first trip to Liverpool?

Head to the Royal Albert Docks. It's Grade I listed and packed with museums, bars and restaurants. From there, wander along the waterfront where you can visit the Liver Building and hop on the famous Ferry Cross the Mersey.

What are some hidden gems to see in Liverpool?

Bold Street is a pedestrianised area where the locals go to eat. You'll find plenty of independent restaurants and some of the coolest bars in the city are in the nearby streets.

How much time should I spend in Liverpool?

Liverpool is a compact city so it's easy to get around with most of the highlights within the city centre. A weekend visit is perfect for taking in the sights as well as enjoying the nightlife. It's even possible to enjoy a day trip from London if you catch an early train and go back late.

What food is Liverpool known for?

Scouse is the most famous local dish. Similar to Irish stew, it's a slow-cooked medley of beef, root vegetables and potatoes. If you're veggie, look for 'blind scouse' without the meat.

What is the best way to get around Liverpool?

Walking is the best way to get around the city. If you want to explore some of the Beatles' history, there is a City Sightseeing bus. It's a great idea if you don't have a car as many of the sights like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields are in the city's suburbs. Anfield stadium, for Liverpool FC, is also outside the city but it's easy to get to via taxi or the number 17 bus from Queen's Square.

What are the best months to visit Liverpool?

Spring, summer and autumn are the best months to visit. It can be harder to find outdoor dining in summer as the people of Liverpool love a good night out, but the atmosphere is electric with many festivals and events on in the city. Winter is much quieter due to the rain and cold weather. The docks get especially cold in winter so pack a good coat.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Liverpool?

The Royal Albert Dock and Pier Head (waterfront area) are best for first-time visitors. Liverpool One is for people wanting to shop. And Bold Street and Castle Street are great for local dining. Baltic triangle is a bit further out of the city but its seen a lot of regeneration and it's where the cool kids hang out.

What are the best neighborhoods for food? 

Liverpool has a great choice of restaurants ranging from chain brands, mostly around Liverpool One, to more independent restaurants on Bold Street and Castle Street. Baltic Triangle has some of the newest restaurants in the city. Chinatown in Liverpool is also worth a visit since Liverpool has one of the oldest and largest and Chinese communities in Europe.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Liverpool One is the best shopping area in the city. It's part-open-air, part-covered, with some of the more exclusive brands located in beautiful St Peter's Lane. For more high-street brands, head to Church Street, and Met Quarter for a smaller range of shops. All of these areas are within short walking distance of each other. The Royal Albert Dock is perfect if you're looking for souvenirs and postcards.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Liverpool?

Anywhere within the city centre is a good bet and there are plenty of hotels and apartment rentals to choose from. Some of the best hotels and larger chains are situated near the Royal Albert Dock or facing the waterfront.

Explore Liverpool

Read our complete guide to Liverpool, or discover the city's best experiences.

What people are saying about Liverpool

Overall rating

4.7
(14,512 reviews)

Frank was a great host. I was kinda bummed the North Wales tours were filled up and I “settled” for Lake District, but was very happy with the trip.

This tour was amazing. Thanks to the talented bus driver and tour guide. We had such a great time and will definitely do it again.

Very friendly and informative guide. Tailored the day to suit our preferences. The two Cathedrals are really worth a visit .

confusing listening to headphones, reading signs, and enjoying background music. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed

The Beatles museum and the magical mystery tour seeing what Liverpool was all about