External waterside view of the Titanic Hotel, in Liverpool
Photo by Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Liverpool is the kind of city where you can spend the morning by the Mersey, the afternoon tracing music history and the evening at a match, gig or bar.

The city centre is compact and walkable. It’s packed with well-known landmarks from the Royal Albert Dock and the Royal Liver Building to The Cavern Club, Liverpool ONE and various museums.

Arrive at Liverpool Lime Street with Transport for Wales and you’re well placed to start exploring straight away.

 

Liverpool’s waterfront

Royal Albert Dock

A walk around Royal Albert Dock is a great way to get your bearings, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

The Grade I-listed dock buildings house excellent restaurants, shops and visitor attractions, with some of Liverpool’s most recognisable waterfront views just outside.

Royal Liver Building 360

Fancy seeing Liverpool from above? Royal Liver Building 360 lets you step inside one of the city’s most famous landmarks. While here, you can head up towards the viewing areas overlooking the Mersey and skyline.

It’s not just the views the attraction is famed for. Learn more about the building, its famous clock towers and the Liver Birds that have watched over the waterfront for generations.

Mersey Ferry

Take to the water on a Mersey Ferry. The River Explorer Cruise travels between Liverpool and the Wirral, with commentary covering the area’s maritime, musical and social history.

 

Music in Liverpool

The Beatles Story

Liverpool’s connection with The Beatles needs little introduction. The Beatles Story is a good place to learn more about their famous story.

Based at Royal Albert Dock, the attraction follows the band from their early days in Liverpool through to global fame. It features memorabilia, recreated locations and interactive displays.

The Cavern Quarter

Mathew Street and the surrounding Cavern Quarter remain at the heart of Liverpool’s music scene.

The Cavern Club still hosts live performances, while the surrounding streets are packed with bars, venues and Beatles-related landmarks.

If you want to go further, tours around the city also take in places including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

British Music Experience

Liverpool’s musical story reaches well beyond the Fab Four.

The British Music Experience covers decades of British music through costumes, instruments, memorabilia and interactive exhibits from some of the country’s best-known performers.

 

Museums and galleries

Museum of Liverpool

Sitting on the waterfront, the Museum of Liverpool looks at the people, industries and events that have shaped the city.

Its collections cover subjects including transport, social history, music and football. It’s a useful stop if you want to understand more about Liverpool itself.

Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery has one of the largest art collections in England outside London.

Works spans several centuries, including paintings, sculpture and decorative art, with a particularly strong collection of Pre-Raphaelite pieces.

Looking to discover Liverpool for less? Entry to the main collection is completely free.

World Museum

The World Museum covers everything from ancient cultures and natural history to space and science.

There are several floors to make your way through, especially handy for families or anyone looking for an indoor activity close to Lime Street station.

 

Football in Liverpool

Football runs deep in Liverpool, with both of the city’s major clubs closely tied to its identity.

At Anfield, visitors can take a stadium tour, visit the Liverpool FC Museum or tackle the Anfield Abseil.

Everton’s new home, Hill Dickinson Stadium sits on the waterfront at Bramley-Moore Dock and has already begun hosting not only major sporting, but entertainment events, too.

Even outside matchdays, both sides of the city’s football story are well worth seeing if sport is one of your passions.

 

Shopping in Liverpool

Liverpool ONE puts more than 170 shops, restaurants and bars into one open-air city-centre venue, all within easy reach of the waterfront and Lime Street.

For something less mainstream, make your way towards Bold Street and the Ropewalks for vintage independent shops and record stores.

 

Food and drink in Liverpool

Liverpool’s neighbourhoods each offer something different when it comes to food and drink.

Bold Street is a favourite for independent restaurants and food from around the world. Castle Street has smart bars and dining spots. Royal Albert Dock gives you the option of eating beside the waterfront.

For something more casual, the Baltic Triangle has street food, bars and converted warehouse spaces.

Want to try a local classic? Look out for Scouse, a hearty stew that’s full of history.

 

What’s on in Liverpool?

Liverpool has a packed calendar of concerts, theatre, comedy, sport, exhibitions and festivals.

The M&S Bank Arena hosts major live events, while the Cavern Club and smaller venues across the city keep Liverpool’s music scene busy all year.

There’s also a good mix of cultural festivals, sporting fixtures and family events. It’s well worth checking what’s on during your stay.

 

What to visit in Liverpool for the first time

Not sure where to visit in Liverpool first?

Start around the waterfront with Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head and the Museum of Liverpool. Then make your way towards Liverpool ONE and the Cavern Quarter.

Music fans may want to spend longer around The Beatles Story and Mathew Street, while football supporters could make Anfield or Hill Dickinson Stadium the focus of the day.

With so much concentrated around the centre, you can cover plenty without rushing from one side of the city to the other.

 

Getting to Liverpool by train

Liverpool Lime Street is the city’s main railway station and gets you close to St George’s Hall, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool ONE and many of the main shopping and entertainment areas.

Use our journey planner to check live train times and buy your tickets through our website or app with no booking fees.

Popular routes to Liverpool include:

 

Plan your day in Liverpool

There’s no shortage of ideas if you’re deciding what to see and do in Liverpool. Build your day around the waterfront and music, make football the main event or spend more time getting to know areas such as Bold Street and the Baltic Triangle.

For more ideas on what to visit in Liverpool and the latest events taking place across the city, check Visit Liverpool before you set off.