Liverpool Travel guide
Liverpool is of course synonymous with one of the greatest bands of all time – the Beatles. But there is so much more to this northern city which contributes to its position as one of the top 5 visited cities in the UK.
Recommended stay: 2-3 days
Day trips: Chester, Manchester, Blackpool.
Brief Overview
This maritime-heritage city on the banks of the Mersey is a perennial city break favourite. Its waterfront may have controversially lost its status as a Unesco world heritage site, but the city retains its wide-ranging appeal — from hedonistic nightlife to architecture (some 27 grade I listed buildings) via major sporting and cultural events. Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and its renaissance has continued apace ever since. Major new attractions, such as the 350-seat Shakespeare North Playhouse, ensuring the city continues to reinvent itself.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Liverpool is during late spring and summer season, while early autumn is less crowded and relatively pleasant weather. Winters are not the most ideal time for warm weather enthusiasts, given the long and cold nights Liverpool experiences.
If you prefer dry weather, then the months with the lowest chances of rains are April, March and then June, with occasional rain or snow around mid-April.
Getting around Liverpool
The most pleasant way to explore central Liverpool is on foot. The city centre is rather compact and it hosts landmarks and attractions such as the Cavern Pub, the Albert Dock and the Merseyside Maritime Museum which can be found within 1 km of the Town Hall.
Public Transport
For longer journeys, the city’s transport services are efficient and affordable. Run by Merseytravel, a connected bus, urban train and ferry network can take you almost anywhere in Liverpool.
- The ticketing system looks rather complicated at first sight as a wide range of tickets and passes are available: urban train only, bus only or a combination of bus, train and ferry.
- Liverpool is also divided into 10 areas of travel. The city centre belongs to the area C.
- The urban train network is underground in the city centre.
- A 1-day bus ticket in the Merseyside area covers 7 out of 10 areas.
- A 1-day Saveaway ticket covers all public transport in the entire city including suburbs.
Cycling
Liverpool features a bike sharing scheme named CityBike. It’s a great way to explore the city on clear days. All you need to do is to register online and instantly receive login and PIN by email and SMS. Over 50 docking stations can be found throughout the city centre.
Taxis
- Many taxi and black cab companies operate in Liverpool. The most popular of them include LCR Taxis, Alpha Taxis, and Delta Taxis.
- Over 20 black-cab ranks can be found near the train stations, city landmarks and shopping areas throughout the city centre.
- Taxis can be hailed on the street unless a taxi rank is at hand nearby.
- Prices are higher at night, on weekends and on special days such as Christmas.
- Payment of the fare by credit card is usually possible but it’s best to ask the driver before you start your journey.
- Popular mobile phone apps such as Uber, MyTaxi and GetTaxi, just to name a few, can be used to hail a taxi in Liverpool.
Things to see and do
Mersey Ferries
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey? Yes, please. Taking a voyage on the wildly colourful Mersey Ferry is one of the most fun things to do in Liverpool.
These 50-minute long sightseeing cruises give visitors a unique riverside perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks and skyline. Expert commentary plays overhead and explains all the sights while you sit back and relax.
If the sea air is a bit nippy, there’s a café on board that offers hot drinks and snacks. As an added bonus, you can hop on and hop off at the Seacombe and Woodside ferry terminals.
Book your ticket for the ferry only or combine a Mersey Ferry ride with other Liverpool attractions like the city tour bus and the Liverpool Cathedral Tower Experience.
The Cavern Club
In the early 60s, the epicentre of beat music was The Cavern Club, a cosy underground jazz and skiffle room. A little band called The Quarrymen rocked its stage, honing their skills before launching themselves into history as The Beatles.
Though today’s Cavern Club is not the original, visiting it is still one of the best things to do in Liverpool. Now, all under one roof, you’ll find the Cavern Club, the Cavern Lounge and the Cavern Pub. There’s even a restaurant on site.
Bands play daily, and every Saturday there’s a Beatles tribute band who’ll knock your socks off. Bring a pen and sign your name on those famous walls. Children should visit during the day only, as there is a strict 18-and-over policy after 8:00 p.m.
Find tickets and more information here
Albert Dock
Albert Dock is evocative of Liverpool’s rich industrial history, made up of docks and warehouses along the waterfront. Standing since 1846, Albert Dock was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world, as the complex uses iron and brick in place of wood. Albert Dock has historically been one of the foremost and innovative docks in the world, and a front runner in technology such as hydraulic cranes. Today, Albert Dock is a heritage site and attracts around 4,000,000 tourists every year. This is a great place to find entertainment and food, as well as explore the well-preserved history of this maritime city.
Take a cruise here
World Museum
The World Museum is one of Liverpool’s biggest museums, featuring exhibits on natural science, historical culture, space and more. The museum has existed since 1851 but has been renovated multiple times to accommodate its growing collections (and popularity with visitors!) The museum currently houses an aquarium and live bug house, home to a variety of exotic beasties. There is even a planetarium which puts on regular shows for those interested in astronomy. The museum is free to visit, making it an ideal location for a day out.
For more information click here
Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is located on the historical Albert Dock and is the best place to go to learn more about Liverpool’s industrial history. The museum celebrates Liverpool’s international importance, acting as a gateway to the world and connecting Britain to many other nations and cultures. At the museum, you can learn about Liverpool’s role in emigration – with many people travelling to America from Liverpool throughout America’s history – as well as the famous ship Titanic, which had strong links to its registered city of Liverpool. The museum also holds regular events on subjects of interest to Liverpool’s history so there’s always something new to learn.
The museum is Free to enter.
For more information click here
Liverpool Cathedral
One of two cathedrals in the city, Liverpool Cathedral was built in 1904 but has been altered and re-imagined many times since. The cathedral was originally designed by Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed Battersea Power Station in London, and England’s iconic red telephone box. Liverpool Cathedral is the longest in the world, with an external length of 189 metres. It is also one of the world’s tallest, soaring 101 metres high, and the fifth largest in the world. Entry to the cathedral is free and it hosts a variety of community events and services. Stick around long enough to hear the bells ringing as they are the highest worldwide.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is the city’s newest museum and explores the cultural significance and history of Liverpool and its people. The museum’s collections feature a variety of culturally-important items such as fashion, décor and art, archaeological items and photographs. Liverpool is examined through its importance as a port and a gateway for diverse communities into England, as well as its impact on industry, music and art. The museum celebrates the city’s strong sense of identity and place in the world through interesting exhibits and interactive, family-friendly resources. The Museum of Liverpool provides an insightful and absorbing journey through the history of the city and its multi-cultural people.
The museum is Free to enter and more information can be found here
The Beatles Story
For music fans, a visit to Liverpool isn’t complete without experiencing The Beatles Story. This exhibition is dedicated to telling the history and influence of the international phenomenon, The Beatles. The exhibition features a range of artefacts from the Beatles and their career, including John Lennon’s round glasses, George Harrison’s first guitar, rare photographs and other memorabilia. Explore the history and wider influence of The Beatles, including their formation, their rise in popularity, the ‘British Invasion’, and each of the members’ solo careers.
Book online: The Beatles Story Ticket
Liverpool ONE
A trip to Liverpool is incomplete without stopping by Liverpool ONE. This large shopping complex is at the heart of Liverpool’s city centre and holds all of the most popular chain stores and entertainment facilities. Complete with a cinema, adventure golf, and even two hotels, Liverpool ONE is the largest open-air shopping centre in the UK. Liverpool ONE consists of six districts, providing street markets, fashion, department stores, restaurants and more. Liverpool ONE is easy to access with excellent transport links, and the perfect way to spend a day in the bustling centre of Liverpool.
Where to stay
Liverpool city centre is always the best place to stay when visiting. Here are the featured best places to stay:
Where to Eat
Aldente Restaurant & Barn
Aldente offers Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and provides options for all dietary requirements. Rated number one on Tripadvisor, Aldente is consistently praised for value for money, excellent service and lovely staff.
Recent reviewers have said: “Never been anywhere this nice before” and “the best carbonara I’ve ever had.”
For more information visit the Tripadvisor website.
Luca
Italian restaurant Luca, is a fan favourite, offering Italian ‘tapas’ style small-plates. Often fully booked due to demand, Luca is praised for fair prices, large portions and great customer service.
Recent reviewers said: “Amazing food and service (with a smile)” and “I don’t eat meat or fish and there was a good choice for me as that had been well considered on the menu.”
For more information visist the Tripadvisor website.
Turtle bay
The popular Caribbean chain, Turtle Bay, has two restaurants in the city centre, with the Hanover Street branch rated the best. With a vast cocktail menu and variety of options for dietary requirements, Turtle Bay is at number 7 on Tripadvisor.
A recent reviewer said: “I had an excellent time, the staff were amazing and the drinks were sensational. Can’t wait to go again.”
For more information visist the Tripadvisor website
Getting to Liverpool
By car
Liverpool is located 220 miles from London a journey of approximately 4 hours by car. Click here for driving instructions. If you are planning to drive to Liverpool do check that your accommodation has parking included.
By train
I recommend this option as it is the quickest and easiest route to Liverpool. There are hourly train service from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street. Journey time is a little over 2 hours. For train bookings, timetables and fares click here.
By bus
This is the cheapest way to get to Liverpool from London with coaches leaving from London’s Victoria Coach Station throughout the day. The journey time is around 6 hours.
Click here for more information for National Express coaches to Liverpool.
By plane
If you want to come to Liverpool from further afield, you will want to get a flight to Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Book tours and Purchase Tickets
Final thoughts and tips
This Essential Liverpool Travel Guide has taken you through all you need to start planning a trip to Liverpool! You’ve got all the practical info sorted, and have started building a list of things to see and do, and another list of places to eat and drink.
Tips
- Avoid visiting the city on match day (for either of the football teams – Liverpool or Everton) If you are a football fan and wish to visit one of the stadiums (or even a match) you can find more information at Liverpool Fc and Everton Fc
- Book tours in advance – the most popular Beatles tours are often booked months ahead.
- The main train station in Liverpool Lime Street. The city is very walkable with many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the station.
- Don’t miss a visit to the Cavern Club – an absolute must for any Beatles fan. You are given a free ticket to the club if you take the Magical Mystery Beatles Tour bus. I recommend staying at the Hard Days Night Hotel if you plan an evening at the Club as it is just around the corner!
- For best views of Liverpool’s Waterfront take the Mersey Ferry. The trip takes 50 minutes and you will learn all about the city’s history during the journey.
- Why not include Liverpool in a road trip/ rail trip around the UK? Other cities to consider visiting in the north include Manchester, Chester, Newcastle, York and Durham.
- If you enjoy art don’t miss Tate Liverpool which is located at the Albert Docks Waterfront. Other attractions at the Waterfront include the international slavery museum.
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Other England Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to England:
We love Liverpool! Make sure it’s on your list.
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