Capital of Culture
Best known as the home of the Reds and Blues, The Fab Four and Cilla Black, Liverpool is a city built on its maritime and trading history. With easy access to the Irish Sea, Liverpool was a major port for the world’s trade throughout the 18th and 19th century, with the dockyard buildings and shipbuilding history still there for visitors to see today.
Then, in the mid 1960s, the city exploded onto the global cultural scene with its best known export, The Beatles. Today, the city still has a rich music culture, with musicians from Liverpool producing 56 No. 1 hit singles — more than any other city in the world. This rich culture and history is what drives tourists to the city, with plenty of exhibitions, attractions and museums for families, couples or individuals to enjoy.
Best of Liverpool
Liverpool’s history and culture makes it a unique place to visit and explore. If you’re looking for a sightseeing experience, then the best way to view the city is from the Mersey River. With plenty of river tours running every day, make sure you keep an eye out for the iconic Liver Building, Royal Albert Docks and the Wheel of Liverpool.
Once you’ve disembarked, head out on foot to enjoy even more exciting attractions such as the shopping centre Liverpool One, the World Museum and the British Music Experience. Indeed, if you’ve come to the city because of its musical reputation, the Beatles Museum, Cavern Club and 24 Kitchen Street are great plays to tour or try and catch a gig. Alternatively, for football lovers, Anfield Stadium is only a short trip away by public transport.
Things to do in Liverpool
For culture lovers, sports fans and families, there’s plenty to explore in this friendly and fun city. Music fans will feel right at home here. As the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool has several museums, venues and experiences dedicated to this iconic band, including the Magical Beatles Museum and the Cavern Club, which is still open to local live acts as well as tourists. Plus, the British Music Experience has memorabilia, instruments and even the costumes worn by legends like Freddie Mercury and Dusty Springfield alongside interactive experiences.
Even if you don’t support the city’s home team, a tour of Anfield or Goodison Park is recommended to get a sense of Liverpool’s football-obsessed culture. It’s also a great day out for families, who can also enjoy all the riverside attractions that the Royal Albert Docks have to offer, from the Maritime Museum to the Wild Shore Aqua Park and the Tate Gallery. Alternatively, venture further into the city for some retail therapy at Liverpool One or a run around at Sefton Park.
For an afternoon of exploration, head to the underground Williamson Tunnels to find out more about their mysterious story, discover one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe with a visit to Chinatown or try to find the giant ‘Liverpool’ sign on Thomas Steers Way for a selfie. If you fancy a day of play, take a trip to the UK’s largest inflatable park at Velocity Widnes, see the animals at Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm or try your hand at Bubble Football or Crazy Golf.
Then, when it comes to nightlife, there’s nowhere better than Liverpool. A university city, Liverpool has bars, clubs and restaurants that will suit everyone, particularly in the Concert Square, Hardman Street and Mathew Street areas. If you’re looking to try some delicious dishes, then Chinatown and the Georgian Quarter have plenty of options.
There’s also something to suit everyone’s budget. Treat yourself to a meal at the high-end Lerpwl at Albert Dock or try out the casual surroundings of Buyers Club on Hardman Street. Can’t decide what you fancy? Then the Duke Street and Baltic Markets will give you the best of the city’s food and drink to try and are great places to start your evening out in the city.
FAQs
➤ Why choose a day out in Liverpool?
There’s nowhere quite like Liverpool. With a deep history and an alternative culture, the hundreds of attractions, quality eateries and exciting nightlife will be sure to keep you entertained on any day (or night) out.
➤ What are the best day trips from Liverpool?
Take a trip on two of the UK’s most famous and iconic rivers with a day trip from Liverpool to London. In just over three and a half hours, you could be taking a boat tour up the Thames after a morning of sightseeing along the Mersey thanks to Avanti’s regular and direct trains.
➤ What to do in Liverpool with children?
Make sure your little ones bring their dancing shoes. Head to the British Music Experience and the Beatles Museum to sing, dance and play the day away with their interactive experiences and unique artefacts. Alternatively, take a tour of the iconic Liver Building to find out more about Liverpool and its rich history.
