Europe England The Top 15 Things to Do in Liverpool By Emily Zemler Emily Zemler Emily Zemler is an American journalist living in London. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Elle, Rolling Stone, and Fodors. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Published on 02/25/22 GordonBellPhotography / Getty Images Liverpool, located in the northwest of England, is a vibrant city with a major cultural scene. The city is accessible by train from Manchester, as well as London and Wales, and is a great place to spend a few days while visiting England. Whether you're looking to experience a traditional English football match, see the music venue where the Beatles made their debut, or explore the shops and restaurants around Royal Albert Dock, the city has something for everyone. Here are 15 of the best things to do when visiting Liverpool. 01 of 15 Visit the Tate Liverpool todamo / Getty Images Located along the Royal Albert Dock, the Tate Liverpool is an off-shoot of London's Tate Modern and Tate Britain art museums. The collection focuses on modern and contemporary art from around the world, while families will appreciate the museum's kid-centric displays and activities. The Tate Liverpool is also accessible for visitors with disabilities. Don't miss the colorful café, which features the designs of British pop artist Sir Peter Blake. This location is free for all visitors, although some special exhibitions are ticketed. View Map Address Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 702 7400 Web Visit website 02 of 15 Tour Liverpool Cathedral Andrew Turner / Getty Images Liverpool Cathedral, built on St. James's Mount, is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, the impressive building was constructed over several decades starting in 1904. Today, visitors are welcome to explore the architecture with a self-guided tour or by attending a worship service. You can also ascend Vestey Tower, which boasts open-air, 360-degree views of Liverpool with a paid ticket. For an extra special experience, check the cathedral's bell-ringing calendar and plan accordingly. View Map Address St James Mt, Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool, Saint James Road, Liverpool L1 7AZ, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 709 6271 Web Visit website 03 of 15 Shop in St. George’s Quarter Dating back to the Victorian era, St. George's Quarter is a central neighborhood of Liverpool, directly accessible from the city's main train station, Lime Street Station. It's home to several museums, including the Walker Art Gallery, while the city's Central Library is nearby. St. George's Quarter is also a popular shopping district, with numerous high street shops and boutiques ready for perusing. Look for St. Johns Shopping Centre, an expansive indoor mall, and popular British department store John Lewis, located just a few blocks south. View Map Address St George's Quarter, Liverpool, UK Get directions 04 of 15 Explore the World Museum Colin McPherson / Getty Images The World Museum is Liverpool's oldest museum is the World Museum, which initially opened its doors in 1853. It hosts extensive collections covering topics such as archaeology, ethnology, and the natural and physical sciences, as well as special exhibitions. There is also a café and an indoor picnic room for those who prefer to pack a lunch. Don't skip the planetarium, which showcases space-themed programs for a small ticket fee. Admission itself is free, making this an ideal stop for budget travelers and families. View Map Address William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 478 4393 Web Visit website Continue to 5 of 15 below. 05 of 15 See a Show at the Cavern Club Carlos Muina / Getty Images Around since the 1950s, the Cavern Club is best known as the birthplace of the Beatles and is a must-do for all music lovers in Liverpool. The music venue, of course, frequently books Beatles tribute bands, who put on lively shows of all your favorite tunes. There is an assortment of other resident musicians who regularly perform at the Cavern Club, so don't worry if the Beatles aren't your thing. There are two stages—the front stage and the Cavern Live Lounge—so check the calendar in advance and book tickets accordingly; live music beings at 11 a.m. every day. View Map 06 of 15 Cheer on Liverpool Football Club DeFodi Images / Getty Images Liverpool Football Club, also known as Liverpool F.C., competes in the Premier League. Even if you're not a soccer fan, seeing a match in England is a memorable experience, especially when cheering on the home team. The team plays at Anfield Stadium, so plan in advance if you want to score some tickets. If there are no games taking place during your visit to Liverpool, Anfield offers stadium tours, which showcase the team's museum, trophy display, and player's tunnel. While it's not recommended to bring young kids to football matches, the stadium tour is appropriate for visitors of all ages. View Map Address Anfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 260 6677 Web Visit website 07 of 15 Stroll Through Sefton Park Glen_Pearson / Getty Images Found in south Liverpool, Sefton Park is one of the city's best public parks, featuring more than 235 acres of greenery. The park, officially created in 1872, is open 24 hours a day and has numerous things to see and do. Walk along the lake, or explore Palm House, a three-tier dome conservatory that frequently hosts events and performances. You'll also find a playground, several cafés, an aviary, and numerous fountains and monuments. Be sure to see the Victorian-era bandstand, which is said to be the inspiration for the popular Beatles' song "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." View Map Address Sefton Park, Liverpool L17, UK Get directions Web Visit website 08 of 15 Visit Crosby Beach Philip Openshaw / Getty Images At first glance, Crosby Beach might seem to be populated by a slew of lone figures, staring into the horizon. But the beach, located on the Merseyside coastline in north Liverpool, is actually the permanent home to "Another Place," a compelling sculpture by artist Antony Gormley. Free parking is available in several nearby lots, or visitors can arrive from central Liverpool by train. It's a beautiful place to walk, and the beach is also the starting point for the 22-mile Sefton Coastal Path. Crosby Beach isn't very welcoming to swimmers, although it does have lifeguards. Those who do want to take a dip should venture over to Formby, Ainsdale, and Southport beaches, which can be found slightly further north. View Map Address Crosby Beach, United Kingdom Get directions Continue to 9 of 15 below. 09 of 15 Explore Royal Albert Dock Rob Atherton / Getty Images Liverpool's thriving waterfront, Royal Albert Dock, has been redeveloped over the past few years and is now a vibrant cultural hub. It's within walking distance of central Liverpool, making it a must-do while visiting the northern city. There are numerous restaurants and bars to choose from, including Turncoat, a local gin distillery and bar, and The Smugglers Cove, which offers 141 rums and 80 beers. Royal Albert Dock is a good option for those searching for a unique souvenir, as the area boasts more local boutiques than chains. Additionally, the waterfront is home to the Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. View Map Address 3-4 The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 707 8384 Web Visit website 10 of 15 Go Back in History at The Beatles Story CaronB / Getty Images The Beatles are an integral part of Liverpool's history. Fans can immerse themselves in the band's music and legacy at The Beatles Story, the world's largest permanent exhibition about the lives and times of the English rock band. The exhibition features replicas of the Casbah, Mathew Street, Abbey Road Studios, and the Cavern Club, as well as memorabilia and photographs. There is also a café and shop, where you can buy all sorts of Beatles-themed gifts and merchandise. The Beatles Story is located on Royal Albert Dock, easily accessible from central Liverpool by foot or public transportation. Visitors are recommended to book tickets online in advance. View Map Address Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD, UK Get directions Web Visit website 11 of 15 Visit the Walker Art Gallery P A Thompson / Getty Images Liverpool's acclaimed Walker Art Gallery houses one of the largest art collections in England outside London, and features paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. For families, there is also a dedicated children's gallery dubbed "Big Art for Little Artists." The collection is vast, so give yourself a few hours to fully explore the rooms. Admission is free, with the exception of special exhibits; tickets don't need to be booked in advance, so head over any time during your stay in Liverpool. View Map Address William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 478 4199 Web Visit website 12 of 15 Ride Mersey Ferries P A Thompson / Getty Images Get a unique look at the Liverpool skyline by embarking on a River Mersey cruise with Mersey Ferries. During the 50-minute ride, not only will you enjoy the beautiful views, but you will also hear expert commentary on the history and culture of Liverpool. Passengers will have the option to hop off the ferry at Woodside to visit Woodside Ferry Village, too. Be sure to wear layers when taking the ferry during the winter months. View Map Address Pier Head, George Parade, Liverpool L3 1DP, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 330 1003 Web Visit website Continue to 13 of 15 below. 13 of 15 Ascend Radio City Tower ilbusca / Getty Images The 457-foot-tall Radio City Tower, also known as St Johns Beacon, was built in 1969 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. While the tower is home to a working radio station, travelers can still visit the 394-foot observation deck for panoramic views of the city. (On clear days, you can even see as far as the Lake District, Blackpool, and Snowdonia!) There are no stairs involved in the ascent, making the deck accessible for all visitors. Tickets can be booked online in advance. View Map Address Radio City Tower, Liverpool L1 1EL, UK Get directions 14 of 15 Grab a Pint at the Shipping Forecast The Shipping Forecast, one of Liverpool's favorite pubs, doubles as a music venue that has hosted the likes of Mark Ronson and Disclosure. It has a laid-back atmosphere, with lots of different brews on tap, and there's a solid food menu featuring pub classics like fish and chips. Stop by during a sports match or come for the live music. Tables can be booked in advance online, which is recommended on weekends or holidays. View Map Address 15 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BW, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 709 6901 15 of 15 Embark on the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Heritage Images While visitors to Liverpool can of course make their way to all the Beatles sites on their own, the easiest way to experience Liverpool's Fab Four history is via tour bus. The two-hour Magical Mystery Tour, hosted by the Cavern Club, stops by all the places associated with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Tours start at the Royal Albert Dock and continue on to the Beatles' childhood homes, schools, and colleges, as well as the real-life places that inspired some of their most memorable songs like "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Field." Buy tickets in advance to ensure you get a spot onboard the whimsical bus. View Map Address Anchor Courtyard, 32 Gower Street, Liverpool L3 4AS, UK Get directions Phone +44 151 703 9100 Web Visit website Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! 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