My favorite city in the UK (outside of London of course) has to be the magical city of Liverpool. The city is bursting with culture and character. From locals with larger than life personalities to buildings with deep and meaningful histories - this city will have you begging to come back again and again. The former port city, which suffered the effects of depression in the 20th-century, was transformed in the 2005 Capital of Culture after injections of cash turned this city into a regenerated haven for people from all walks of life. If I could, I would write a book about all my favorite places to see and things to do in the city, but instead, I have listed the most popular spots in Liverpool that any newbie needs to see when visiting for the first time.
1. The Museum of Liverpool
Where best to find out about this marvelous city then in a museum dedicated to telling its story? Standing out against the backdrop of the Mersey, this riverside museum consists of 3 floors and numerous exhibitions about the places and people that make this city so great. Starting with the legend of the Liver Birds and ending with architectural models of future plans for the city, this building gives every visitor a real understanding of their surroundings. If you’re pressed for time and can’t dedicate time to seeing the full museum, here are my top two exhibitions to visit:
Global Families: Discover the dark past of Liverpool’s dock workers and the immigrants who were snatched from their families in the middle of the night and sent to China.
The People’s Republic: Find out what it means to be a Liverpudlian. Read the events that have shaped their collective consciousness such as Hillsborough and the campaign for justice.
The Museum of Liverpool
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DG
Price: Free
Website: The Museum of Liverpool
2. The Cavern Club
A must-see for all music fans, the Cavern Club has been the stage for hundreds of performers over the decades. Hundreds of rock fans make the pilgrimage to Mathew Street in order to pay homage to the underground bar where so many famous bands and musicians started out. Marvel at the inscriptions on the walls left by some of your favorite artists. Revel in the music and drink in the atmosphere. But, most importantly, travel back in time to when The Beatles formed and spent nights rocking out in the Cavern Club before they started their journey towards global domination.
The Cavern Club
Address: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE
Website: The Cavern Club
3. Radio City Tower viewing experience
Standing out like a beacon in the city skyline is the Radio City Tower. Not for the fainthearted, the tilted 360 windows provide an unobstructed view of the entire surrounding area. The brave souls who journey up to the top of the tower will see some amazing panoramas of Liverpool stretching out from city centre across the river to the Wirral.
Radio City Tower
Address: St John’s Beacon, 1 Houghton Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1RL
Price: Adult 5.50 GBP (7.40 USD) Child 3.50 GBP (4.40 USD)
Website: St John’s Beacon
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4. Cathedrals
That’s right, cathedrals - plural. Liverpool is lucky enough to have two cathedrals proudly standing at either end of Hope Street. The Metropolitan Cathedral (Catholic) is an unusual structure nicknamed ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’ as a result of the controversial shape and the high percentage of Irish catholics residing in the city.
The Anglican Cathedral down the road is designed in a traditional Gothic manner and is now Britain’s largest cathedral. Neither of these cathedrals are your typical churches. The Met hosts Liverpool’s annual beer festival in the crypt and the Anglican doubles up as an events hall for awards shows and ‘Light night’ each year. (Light night is a city wide festival when the museums are open later and different arts and drama groups take over the streets to showcase their talent).
The Anglican
Address: St James Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZ
Website: The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
The Metropolitan
Address: Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ
Liverpool Tour Guide
Marc Hughes
Hi I'm Marc! I was a tour guide for 6 years at Liverpool FC and I also spent 2 years as a guide on the LFC city explorer bus. I am very proud of my city and I love sharing my passion for Liverpool with new people. Liverpool is famous for its hospitality and I am no exception to that. While you're here you're one of us! Whether it be The Beatles, football, ships or historic buildings, Liverpool... Read more
Tours by Marc
5. The Albert Dock
Apart from being a very insta-worthy spot, the Albert Dock is a place of learning and relaxing. The embodiment of the lifestyle shared by the city’s thousands of students. Museums are interspersed with independent bars and restaurants and a few quirky shops. Slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Albert Dock is the best place to go if you want some fresh air (to recover from your Cavern Club hangover). There are so many wonderful places to visit on the docks and I’m sure I couldn’t do them all justice, so instead I shall list a few:
The Maritime Museum: A port city proud of its past. Stroll past models of important ships and discover the city’s link to the infamous Titanic.
The International Slavery Museum: The slave trade financed the growth of this port city. Then the city turned its back on slavery and lead the abolition movement. See how this legacy continues to shape the city.
The Maritime Museum
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4AQ
Website: The Maritime Museum
The International Slavery Museum
Address: 3rd Floor of Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AX
Website: The ISM
6. Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE is a legacy of the funding the city received in its quest for regeneration. The centre of town was transformed from what was once a small high street spotted with shut shops to a massive open air shopping centre full of boutiques and everyone’s favorite brands. Locals are spoilt for choice with numerous shopping malls within a few metres of each other.
For those looking to splash the cash look no further than The Met Quarter (think Armani, Gucci and YSL). The bargain hunters among us should head to St John’s for quirky independent shops offering sales every day of the year. Those among us who like to make a full day of a shopping trip should make their way to Liverpool ONE (L1). L1 contains cafes for breakfast, shops for all types of cloths, accessories, beauty salons, restaurants, bars, a cinema and, seasonally, a fun fair and ice-skating rink. What more could you ask for?
Liverpool ONE
Website: L1
7. Liverpool Central Library
Experience a real ‘Beauty and the Beast’ moment when you step into the reading room at Liverpool Central Library. If you’re in need of a quiet moment or a good reading spot, this is the place to come. The circular reading room is filled wall to wall with beautiful book cases, which in turn, are filled with classic reading material. Lose yourself in the words of your favorite author in this quiet getaway spot.
Liverpool Central Library
Address: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW
Website: Liverpool Central Library
8. Bond Street
After a full day of exploring the city you’ll need a bite to eat. Bold Street is home to a number of quaint independent cafes and restaurants all serving unique dishes. Whether you’re looking for something local or something global, there will be something for you. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to satisfy their cravings.
Mowgli serves up Indian dishes in traditional tins bursting with flavor in a cosy minimalist restaurant. Bakchich Liverpool is trendy restaurant serving Lebanese street food where customers share benches with strangers and good memories with friends. Leaf is the most popular tea house in Liverpool. You will be lucky to get a space here during peak times but it is worth the wait. Treat yourself to lunch (soup and sandwiches) and a tea infusions.
Mowgli
Website: Mowgli
Bakchich
Website: Bakchich
Leaf
Website: Leaf
9. Football stadiums
Red or blue? A serious question around Liverpool. The city is divided between Liverpool FC and Everton FC and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a blue or a red - the football stadiums are definitely worth a visit. My personal favorite stadium is Anfield. The atmosphere within the gates is infectious as you suddenly find yourself wanting to run through the tunnel and have a kickabout. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a day when Liverpool and Everton are playing against each other, be ready to be swept up in match fever as the game will be played all over the city - pubs, shops and even on the buses!
Anfield Stadium
Address: Anfield Rd, Liverpool L4 0TH
Website: Liverpool FC
Goodison Park
Address: Goodison Rd, Liverpool L4 4EL
Website: Everton FC
10. The Bombed Out Church
Nestled in the streets of Liverpool is a local landmark. Officially named St Luke’s Church, it’s more affectionately known as the Bombed Out Church. In the early twentieth century it was a victim of the Blitz, but today it stands strong as a cultural centre (and a taxi pick-up point after a night out). Keep an eye out for events held in the ruins of the church. Popular nights include the outdoor cinema for Valentine’s Day and Halloween, Shakespeare plays in the summer, and pop up charity fundraising events.
St Luke's Bombed Out Church
Address: Leece St, Liverpool L1 2TR
Website: Bombed Out Church
You'll never walk alone...
This is by no means the most extensive list of amazing things to do in Liverpool. The city is jam-packed with restaurants, bars, pubs, event halls, museums and friendly people willing to show you how great their city is. It is almost impossible to list everything here, but the items above are a good place to start your holiday. Trust me, before you even leave the city you’ll be planning another trip here.
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