The 14 best things to do in Liverpool that’ll make you love the city
Liverpool is a city that has something for everyone. Every street in my beloved hometown has a story, and behind every Instagrammable destination is a variety of things to do.
It’s true—Liverpool is where you get to soak in art and culture, discover history and music, and find the most breathtaking views.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local looking to learn more about the city or a tourist hoping to make the most of your stay here—you’re in for a treat.
And to help you get started, here are the top things to do in Liverpool waiting for you.
1. Visit the iconic Royal Albert Dock
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Website: https://albertdock.com/
Address: 3-4 The Colonnades, L3 4AA
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
The Royal Albert Dock is the heart of my city’s waterfront. Tourists often visit it to enjoy stunning views and stroll along the dock’s cobbled walkways.
The complex is rich in history. For instance, I learned recently that the Pump House (a historic pub) once held what was then a first-of-its-kind hydraulic pumping system. An older friend told me it’s popular among locals and tourists.
Outside Royal Albert are artworks that show Liverpool’s creative side. The sculpture “The Crossing,” which depicts a family migrating to the US, is a personal favourite and is among the most famous of these artworks.
Pro Tip:
For the most stunning view of Liverpool, visit Royal Albert Dock at sundown. The breathtaking sunset is totally worth it and perfect for your Instagram.
2. Explore The Beatles Story
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Address: Britannia Vaults, The Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AD
Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4 PM) | Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 5 PM)
Pricing: £
The UK is deeply connected to The Beatles. As a Beatles fan myself, I’d say there’s no better way to pay homage to this iconic band and know more about it than by visiting The Beatles Story.
This Beatles-themed museum brings to life the story of the world’s most famous quartet. It’s got rare memorabilia, including John Lennon’s iconic white piano and never-before-seen photographs of the UK’s best band ever.
Even better, fans can listen to the band’s earliest recordings—including unreleased ones—that shaped the music of arguably the most popular band in history. Listening to their unreleased tunes gave me an even greater appreciation of the Fab Four.
Pro Tip:
Take your sweet time in The Discovery Zone. It’s got interactive exhibits that’ll let you know more about The Beatles and play instruments. It also has a replica of a 1970s music shop where you can play the band’s timeless hits on vinyl.
3. Cheer for your team at Anfield Stadium
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Website: https://www.liverpoolfc.com/info/anfield/
Address: Anfield Road, Anfield, L4 0TH
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM (last entry at 2:30 PM)
Pricing: ££
Liverpool lives and breathes football, and at the heart of it all is Anfield Stadium—home to Liverpool FC.
Being a certified Kopite (a Liverpool FC fan), I’d say it’s best to drop by Anfield from August to May during the Premier League season.
Take it from me: There’s nothing like watching Liverpool in action in front of the loud home crowd. Even if you’re not a sports fan, I guarantee you’ll get chills as a packed Anfield belts a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before a match.
If you can’t catch Liverpool FC in action, take the Anfield Stadium Tour by all means. It lets you walk through the players’ tunnel, explore the manager’s dugout, and step inside Kop stand—a section of Anfield reserved for the club’s most passionate fans.
Pro Tip:
If you can spare £445, opt for The Ultimate Anfield LFC Experience. You’ll ride the Liverpool FC bus, visit the club’s training facility, and get a guided tour of Anfield.
4. Uncover history at the Museum of Liverpool
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Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/museum-of-liverpool
Address: Pier Head, Mann Island, L3 1DG
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday: Closed
Pricing: £
There’s no better place to dive into Liverpool’s rich history, culture, and identity than in the Museum of Liverpool—I can vouch for that!
That’s exactly what the museum’s social and community history collection is about. It’s home to countless artefacts that tell the story of the city’s ever-changing landscape.
One of my favourite parts? The Lusitania collection at the Maritime Museum. This exhibit highlights Liverpool’s unique connection to the RMS Lusitania—a British ocean liner operated by the Liverpool-based Cunard Line that was torpedoed in World War I.
Pro Tip:
Check the “What’s On” section of the Museum of Liverpool’s website. The museum regularly holds events like exhibits, roundtables, and guided tours. Chances are you’d find something that’ll interest you.
5. Marvel at contemporary art in Tate Liverpool
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Website: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Address: Mann Island, L3 1BP
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5:50 PM
Pricing: Free
The UK has a thriving art scene, and Tate Liverpool showcases it. Among the collections you’ll see here are from Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney—just to name a few.
It also showcases photographs, drawings, and sculptures from some of the finest UK artists in the 20th and 21st centuries.
One of the things I love about Tate Liverpool is that it’s not just for the serious art buffs—it’s for everyone. They host family-friendly exhibits, workshops, and artist talks.
And if you love artsy finds, don’t miss their art store! It’s packed with handcrafted gifts, homeware, and some really great art books.
Pro Tip:
When you look at the galleries, follow Tate Liverpool’s slow-looking recommendation. It means taking time out (5 to 15 minutes) to appreciate selected artworks. Read the guide in full here.
6. Stroll through the scenic Sefton Park
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Website: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/sefton-park/9032101/
Address: Aigburth, Merseyside L17 1AP
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Sefton Park is Liverpool’s largest and most loved park. It’s near the city centre, so you’ll enjoy the sprawling green space, scenic bridges, and meandering pathways.
The reason why locals love Sefton Park is that it’s an ideal spot for families. It has boating lakes and several play areas to keep the kids entertained.
Another attraction in Sefton Park is Sefton Park Palm House. It’s a Victorian glass conservatory full of rare plants and colourful flowers. It also serves as the park’s venue for live music and other social gatherings—you can find me here on random days.
Pro Tip:
Because of Sefton Park’s sheer size, it can be easy to miss some beautiful spots. One of them is the artificial waterfall called Fairy Glen. You can find it by following the path directly behind the lake.
7. Sail on the iconic Mersey Ferry
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Website: https://www.merseyferries.co.uk/
Address: Pier Head, George Parade, L3 1DP
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:20 AM – 6:40 PM | Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Pricing: £
The 50-minute River Explorer Cruise is easily my favourite way to experience the River Mersey—and I’m not alone. It’s the most popular Mersey Ferry tour, taking locals and tourists across the water aboard one of the world’s most iconic vessels.
An alternative would be the evening cruise that starts at sunset. I love just sitting back and enjoying the breathtaking view of the Liverpool skyline as day turns into night.
But instead of River Mersey, you can also try The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise for a more laid-back experience. You’ll pass by stunning scenery and bridges, which is the kind of trip that lets you slow down.
Pro Tip:
The best views on the Mersey Ferry cruises are atop the open-air upper deck, but it can be chilly up there. So, bring a jacket or long-sleeved shirt.
8. Wander along Crosby Beach
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Website: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/crosby-beach/24456101/
Address: Mariners Road, Crosby, L23 6SX
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Despite not being a bathing beach (meaning you can’t swim in it), I believe Crosby Beach is still an attraction in Liverpool. That’s because it’s where art meets nature.
This beach in Merseyside is known for Antony Gormley’s “Another Place”—100 cast-iron figures stretching along the Crosby Beach coastline. I’d describe them as eerie, making the perfect photoshoot setting.
The other thing I love about Crosby is that visitors can enjoy food and drinks at The Bus Yard at Crosby Marina. It’s a bus converted into a bar that serves great street food using locally sourced ingredients. It also has live music almost every day.
Pro Tip:
Visit during low tide. Doing so will give you a better view of Gormley’s cast-iron figures, as low tide reveals more figures typically submerged during high tide.
9. Rock out at The Cavern Club
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Website: https://www.cavernclub.com/
Address: 10 Mathew St., L2 6RE
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 12 AM | Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM | Friday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Pricing: £
Music buffs like me know that the legend of the Beatles began at The Cavern Club, which was established in 1957. The club’s main attractions include the various Beatles-related tours it offers.
I highly recommend the Magical Mystery Tours. These are certified crowd pleasers, as guests are taken to locations connected to the Fab Four—their homes, hangout places, and more!
The club itself is a haven for great music. Most of Liverpool’s best under-the-radar bands do their thing here, and I can attest that quite a few are exceptionally talented.
Pro Tip:
Time your visit for mid- to late-August. This is when The Cavern Club hosts the annual International Beatleweek Festival. It’s a weeklong celebration of The Beatles’ outsized legacy that features exhibitions, memorabilia sales, great music, and more.
10. Enjoy a show at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
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Website: https://www.liverpoolphil.com/
Address: Philharmonic Hall, Hope St., L1 9BP
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Pricing: ££
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is a hub for classical music, jazz, and a little bit of pop. It’s also a venue for film screenings, live concerts, and more! It’s even home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the UK’s oldest.
I especially love that it also gives opportunities to emerging artists and local acts looking for their big break.
But my guilty pleasure when I come here is going to Royal’s 1840 Lounge before the main show and during intervals. This VIP section is available for a minimum spend of only £25, offering exclusive drinks and full table service.
Pro Tip:
For a truly unique dining experience, contact the Royal and reserve one of their spaces for hire. The spacious, elegantly designed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Music Room are the best.
11. Shop and dine at Liverpool ONE
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Website: https://www.liverpool-one.com/
Address: 5 Wall St., L1 8JQ
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Pricing: ££
Located right at the heart of Liverpool City Centre is this massive open-air complex where you can dine and shop… and shop and dine some more.
Liverpool ONE is a shopper’s paradise, with two floors of the sprawling South John Street full of shopping destinations. It’s got global brand names like Levi’s and Dr. Martens, along with UK favourites such as Jo Malone London and retail giant M&S.
Dining won’t be a problem either. I tried the juicy burgers at Gourmet Burger Kitchen and enjoyed a great coffee at Costa afterwards. It was a feast, and I even grabbed pizza at Pizza Express on the way home.
Pro Tip:
Parking can be difficult and pricey at Liverpool ONE. Parking at the nearby Q-Park Hanover Street or Chinatown Car Park is a good hack. It’s cheaper, less crowded, and lets you take a short scenic walk to the complex.
12. Hunt for treasures at Red Brick Vintage Market
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Website: https://redbrickmarkets.co.uk/
Address: 70 Stanhope St., L8 5RF
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: £
Red Brick Vintage Market offers one of Liverpool’s most unique shopping experiences. Rather than name brands and high-end items, Red Brick boasts an eclectic but expansive mix of vintage, handmade, and artisan goods.
I’ve visited Red Brick quite a few times already. I found rare vinyl records and quirky home ornaments made by Liverpool’s best artisans.
Aside from finding collectables and one-of-a-kind items, I recommend you check out the artworks and graffiti in different areas around Red Brick. You may also wander around the greater Baltic Triangle area and soak in Liverpool’s urban street vibe.
Pro Tip:
Bring cash. While cashless payments are becoming popular, some Red Brick merchants still prefer or only accept cash.
13. Explore the fun at the Quirky Quarter
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Website: https://www.quirkyquarter.com/
Address: The Arch, 142 Duke St., L1 5DR
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Tuesday: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
Pricing: £
Quirky Quarters at The Arch is all about quirks and oddities, and I’m a repeat visitor because I love the immersive interactive experiences it offers. What I love the most is figuring out odd puzzles and solving mind-bending brain teasers.
Apart from these, guests will love exploring different rooms full of optical illusions. For instance, there are areas where everything looks upside-down and spaces where reflections seem odd.
Quirky Quarters has hands-on exhibits as well. I’m particularly fond of its mini-escape room and interactive music shows.
Pro Tip:
Wear high-contrast colours, mainly black and white. These colours make the optical illusions pop out even more. They also ensure your photos look their best.
14. Party at Bongo’s Bingo
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Website: https://www.bongosbingo.co.uk/
Address: Cains Brewery Village, L8 5RE
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM | Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Pricing: £
The UK is a bingo nation, and it’s very evident in Bongo Bingo. You should try playing in the UK’s most famous bingo hall to get a firsthand feel of this bingo fixation.
But on my first visit, I found out that Bongo Bingo is more than just a bingo hall. It’s also a party venue where you can drink and dance the night away. You can join the nightly dance-offs and other outrageous challenges if you’re up for it.
In other words, Bongo Bingo isn’t your traditional formal-style bingo place. It’s a vibrant venue with energetic DJ sets, comedy skits, and never-ending surprises.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t mind getting into some playful banter with the hosts of the games, choose the seats nearest the stage. This increases your chances of being called up.