Best Things To Do In Liverpool
Planning a trip to Liverpool? Here are the best things to do in Liverpool so you can be sure it'll be boss!
Last updated: 9th Jun 2022
Originally published: 8th Jun 2022
So you’ve decided to visit Liverpool! Let us tell you now you’ve made an excellent decision. The city is known for many things, including its lively nightlife, music scene, foodie spots, and, of course, the footie. So there’s basically something there for anyone and everyone.
Planning your trip and wondering where to visit and what to do? No worries, we’ve got you. Here are the best things to do in Liverpool.
Hop on and off a Liverpool Tour Bus
So you’ve arrived in Liverpool and have no idea what to do. Hopping on a Liverpool tour bus might be the best way to kick off your trip. If you see something you like, you can hop off and check it out. Or you can stay on the whole journey to get your bearings for later exploration!
Get a picture with the Liverpool Sign
It’s just a must! Head over to Liverpool ONE, and you’ll find this glorious Liverpool sign. Perfect for taking photos so you can revisit memories or posting on your Insta feed, this 15-metre long sign looks gorgeous at night when it's all lit up.
Be wowed by incredible views on the St John’s Beacon Tour
If you’re interested in sightseeing, there’s obviously no better way to do it than from above. St John’s Beacon is a radio and observation tower that gives you views of Liverpool and the Wirral. But you can even see as far as North Wales, Lancashire, and Snowdonia. And with 360? views, it’s the perfect spot for a photo opportunity.
Soak in the views on the Wheel of Liverpool
If you haven’t been to a city before, you have to do all the touristy stuff. It’s just what you do. And the Wheel of Liverpool is perfect for that. So naturally, one of the best things to do in Liverpool when you’ve just arrived is to view the city from 196ft in the air. An adult ticket is only a tenner while a kids ticket is just £6.50. And if you want to take it up a level, you can go up in a VIP capsule, complete with glass flooring and a fancy leather interior.
Sail down the River Mersey
Once you’ve overlooked the River Mersey on the wheel, you can sail down it too! Especially enjoyable on a summer's day or a romantic evening, the ferry offers unbeatable views of Liverpool’s skyline as you inhale fresh, clean air. The cruise includes commentary, so you know what landmarks you’re looking at. And you can sit indoors or outdoors, ready for whatever the British weather throws at us.
Indulge in some retail therapy across the whole city
If you’re a shopping addict, Liverpool might just be your portal to bliss. One of the best things to do in Liverpool is to check out the huge array of shops. Liverpool ONE is the most obvious example, with over 170 shops. The MetQuarter has luxury brand shops such as Kurt Geiger and Boss. And there are also independent shops such as the vintage fashion shop Resurrection along Bold Street. Good luck stuffing it all in your suitcase!
Eat your way through the Baltic Market
Photo: Little Furnace Wood Fired Pizzas (Baltic Market) on Facebook
For foodies, The Baltic Market is paradise. The promised land. Everything you could ever want and need. There's British cuisine, Vietnamese, American, Greek, Thai, Middle Eastern, Neapolitan pizza, frozen gin slushies, coffee, desserts and more to stuff your face with. Baltic Market is Liverpool’s first street food market and… we’d tell you how luscious it is, but you'll see for yourself. Go and eat at the Baltic Market and try to tell us it’s not one of the top things to do in Liverpool. We dare you.
Or eat somewhere else
Photo: El Gato Negro on Facebook
If none of the stands at Baltic Market appeal to you, that’s okay. There are only about a million other places you can dine in the city! There's Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza, Bundobust, El Gato Negro, Rosa's Thai Cafe, Mowgli, Yard & Coop, Crazy Pedro's, and so many more mouth-watering grub spots.
Find tickets for food experiences in Liverpool - here
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Be inspired by Liverpool’s impressive art galleries
With many fantastic art galleries in the city, being inspired by art is one of the best things to do in Liverpool for creatives. There’s the Tate, a modern and contemporary art gallery, and entry is free unless you’re going to a special exhibition (they're 100% worth it, by the way). And the Walker Art Gallery holds paintings and sculptures, some of which date back to the 13th century. And if that’s not enough, there are plenty more galleries across the city.
Find tickets for art events in Liverpool - here
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Alternatively, see what street art you can spot
Photo: Liverpool Baltic Triangle on Facebook
As the city’s main creative hub, you’ll probably find the most street art in and around the Baltic Triangle. From murals to seemingly random doodles, geometric patterns, and angel wings perfectly positioned for a picture, the streets are full of art. There are also areas around Fabric District and the North Docks where you can find stunning street art.
Find tickets for art events in Liverpool - here
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Expand your knowledge at Liverpool’s many museums
Where do we begin? In Liverpool, there are many museums to visit, including the World Museum, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, The International Slavery Museum, the Liverpool War Museum, and The Beatles Museum. It’ll always be vital to remember history and visiting these museums is, of course, a brilliant way to do it.
Marvel in the beauty of Liverpool’s cathedrals
Liverpool is home to two hugely different cathedrals. The Liverpool Cathedral is a Grade I listed Anglican cathedral and is the fifth largest in the world, in terms of volume. And the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ is the largest Catholic cathedral in England and has a more modern touch. Both are worlds apart but still gorgeous. Anyone who appreciates architecture will enjoy giving them a visit.
Appreciate St George’s Hall
Photo: St George's Hall on Facebook
If you like stunning architecture, marvelling at the beauty of St George’s Hall is one of the top things to do in Liverpool. The neoclassical Grade I listed building is one of Liverpool’s oldest buildings, is free to enter and is simply amazing. Right in the centre, it’s super accessible, and there are lots of places around to eat and drink if needed.
Catch a performance at a Liverpool theatre
Whether you want to laugh, cry, reflect, or feel fear, the theatre is the place to be. The Royal Court Theatre opened back in 1938, and since then it’s been many theatre fans' go-to venue for quality performances. With a huge range of performances, you're sure to find something that's right up your street.
Find tickets for Liverpool theatre shows - here
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Explore Chinatown, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe
Yep, Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, with the first immigrants arriving in 1834. As you'd expect, the architecture is mind-blowingly pretty, and there's to get up to, such as browsing Chinese supermarkets, eating in unbelievably good restaurants, or just immersing yourself in the culture.
Relax and pamper yourself
After walking around all day sightseeing, you might want to give your muscles some rest. Hope Street Hotel Spa and Titanic Hotel are two brilliant spots that offer a range of dreamy, relaxing treatments to leave you feeling reborn. Whether you choose a quick treatment or a day-long reset, you’ll leave feeling like a million quid!
Find tickets for health and fitness events in Liverpool - here
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Laze around and soak in the sun in Liverpool’s parks
Photo: Birkinhead Park on Facebook
While it's exhilarating to be among the action, one of the best things to do in Liverpool is to take a step back and chill in one of the city’s many parks. Stanley Park is a Grade II listed green space. There you'll find the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, play areas, and fishing lakes. And Birkenhead Park is just breathtaking in the sunshine. Another beautiful park, Sefton Park is a Green Heritage Site Accredited park with lots of pretty features.
Escape the city and hang out with some farm animals
Perfect fun for all the family, Rice Lane City Farm and Croxteth Park Farm are both less than a half-hour drive from the city centre. If you’re happy to go further out, there’s also Farmer Teds Adventure Farm and Acorn Farm. Feeding a little pig, goat or cow is a super wholesome activity that gets you out and about in nature.
Or head to a nature reserve
Photo: National Trust Formby
Okay, we’re cheating a bit here because these nature reserves are a little drive away. But you can’t beat the great outdoors, so we thought we’d make a little exception here! Just outside Liverpool is Formby Red Squirrel Reserve, Formby Coast and Nature Reserve, and Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. All three are perfect for a relaxing walk with fresh air and that unique feeling (for city folk at least) of knowing you’re surrounded by life. Incredibly peaceful and beautiful, strolling nature reserves is one of the top things to do in Liverpool.
Williamson Tunnels
The Williamson Tunnels were created in the early 19th century, but, while there are theories, no one really knows why. The maze of tunnels and underground caverns under Liverpool remain a mystery but are available to tour with a guide. A remarkable sight, the tunnels are well worth a visit for those interested in history.
Find tickets for Williamson Tunnels - here
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Get spooky on a Shiverpool Ghost Tour
Photo: Shiverpool Historic Ghost Walks
Shiverpool is a Liverpool street theatre production that won the Gold Accolade from Visit England, meaning this attraction has outperformed the rest in its category. Actors tell tales of ghosts and other mysterious myths, legends and fables in an entertaining, immersive way. We'd tell you more, but we don't want to ruin it for you!
Get some fresh air at The Otterspool Adventure Centre
With the rise of screens, it’s a fantastic idea to set the littluns loose in the great outdoors. And The Otterspool Adventure Centre might be the best way to do it. There’s a playground, a maze, mini quad bikes, 12 hole mini-golf, digger machines, a sandpit, pedal cars, a boat ride, and so much more. For kiddos, it’s probably the best thing to do in Liverpool!
Find tickets for family friendly events in Liverpool - here
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Discover and learn at Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre
If the kids don’t fancy Otterspool, perhaps they’ll prefer Imagine That! Perfect for curious minds, Imagine That! has lots of hands-on exhibits, such as plasma globes, fridge magnet painting, areas for art, construction, and science, and a slime factory. Both educational and fun, Imagine That! is easily one of the top things to do in Liverpool for littluns.
Find tickets for family friendly events in Liverpool - here
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Channel Total Wipeout vibes at Wild Shore
Another brilliant family-friendly activity in Liverpool is Wild Shore. Situated on the Royal Albert Dock, Wild Shore is an obstacle course with slides taking you into the water and trampolines to cannonball in. Wild Shore also offers paddle boarding and pedalos, both fun ways to get some exercise. For obvious reasons, it’s best to do this in the summer so you don’t freeze.
Find tickets for family friendly events in Liverpool - here
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Feel incredibly British at afternoon tea
Can you beat cake and a hot drink? We didn’t think so! It probably won’t surprise you to hear that there are many places in Liverpool where you can enjoy afternoon tea. Cuthbert’s Bakehouse is one of the best places to go. But then Oh Me Oh My, Panoramic 34, The Palm House, and The London Carriage Works are all brilliant, too.
Appreciate the beautiful game at Liverpool Football Club
If you love football (especially LFC), you’ll love the experiences on offer at Liverpool’s home ground. Marvel at LFC's shiny trophy case, tour the massive Anfield Stadium and walk through the player's tunnel, or even sit in on a Q&A with a club legend. And that’s not even half of it! There’s a lot at Anfield waiting for you!
Tickle the ivories at Liverpool ONE
Between the 1st of July and the 11th of September, Liverpool’s annual street piano busking festival will return to the city. Performers can make some money busking or raise money for charity. All you have to do is book your slot. You could also just have a quick go while no one else is using them or just watch as others play.
Appreciate British music legends at the British Music Experience
We all know Britain has produced some of the best music of… well, ever. And Liverpool also exported many iconic acts. The British Music Experience holds over 600 pieces of music history, from David Bowie's zany outfits to BRIT Awards, and Oasis and Spice Girls memorabilia. There’s even an interactive section, so you can have a go on some guitars, keyboards and drums, and an area to practice dance moves. For rock and pop music fans, a visit here is the best thing to do in Liverpool.
Find tickets for events at The British Music Experience - here
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Unleash your inner Beatles superfan
We already briefly covered The Beatles museum. But there are a lot of other Beatles related shenanigans you can get involved in. Open seven days a week with constant live music, The Cavern Club is a cracking little venue that played a crucial role in shooting The Beatles to stardom.
You can also wander down Penny Lane, the street the song was named after. The city also has four Beatles statues dotted around, why don’t you see if you can find them all? If you really are a megafan, you can even tour the band's childhood homes!
Find tickets for events at The Cavern Club - here
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Enjoy some live music
We all know Liverpool produced The Beatles. But the city was also the home of Echo & The Bunnymen, The La's, Frankie goes To Hollywood and more. With such rich music history, checking out some live music in the city might just be one of the best things to do in Liverpool. And you don’t need to look hard to find it. The Shipping Forecast, The Flanagan's Apple, The Caledonia, The Baltic Social, and Arts Club all regularly host live music.
Find tickets for live music in Liverpool - here
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Cut shapes to some brilliant electronic music at Baltic Weekender
Photo: Baltic Weekender on Facebook
Attending Baltic Weekender is easily one of the best things to do in Liverpool, whether you’re a tourist or a local. The festival features performances from the best in house, techno, bass, grime, disco and beyond. The festival goes down in June, and tickets for the 2023 edition are already available.
Find tickets for Baltic Weekender - here
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Hang out around Baltic Triangle
Photo: Liverpool Baltic Triangle on Facebook
The Baltic Triangle is an area in Liverpool where all the fun is. It’s full of musicians, photographers, artists, architects, filmmakers, and other creatives. Expect nightlife venues, bars, mouth-watering food, arts festivals, and more. It's basically a place for everything, including coffee, brunch, breakfast, takeaway food, drinking, family days out, dates - you name it.
Unleash your competitive side at Liverpool’s arcade bars
Photo: NQ64 on Facebook
Can you really beat sipping a tasty drink while demolishing your mates at a bunch of games? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Lane7 offers UV bowling, American pool, arcade games, and darts. Roxy Ball Room has crazy pool (yep, crazy golf crossed with pool), shuffleboard, table tennis, and more. NQ64 has vintage arcade games, themed cocktails, and console classics. And Boom Battle Bar has axe throwing, AR darts, beer pong, shuffleboard, and more. There’s almost too much to choose from.
Or just chill at a regular bar
With an incredibly vibrant nightlife scene, there are more than enough bars in Liverpool for you to sink a few in. Jenever is best for those who love gin, Crazy Pedro's is great for tequila, and Jenny's serves beautiful cocktails. The Florist might be one of the most Instagrammable bars, and 81 LTD is a hidden bar that you need a password to enter. If you prefer simple, old school pubs, check out Ye Hole In Ye Wall.
Make your signature gin flavour to take home
Yeah, you could get a Liverpool mug or T-shirt as a souvenir, but why would you when you could make your own gin instead? At Liverpool Gin Distillery, you'll be greeted with a G&T before learning how to distil gin. Then you get to make your own using a range of botanicals. We think a beautiful bottle of personalised gin is much better than any standard souvenir that ends up collecting dust on a shelf!
Laugh yourself to a six-pack at a comedy club
Photo: Liverpool Comedy Cellar on Facebook
As the people of Liverpool are known for their unbeatable sense of humour, laughing until you can’t breathe is a great shout. Hot Water Comedy Club, Laughterhouse Comedy, and Liverpool Comedy Cellar are among Liverpool's best comedy clubs to laugh at until you do the silent seal clap.
Find tickets for comedy in Liverpool - here
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Relax as the sunsets on Crosby Beach
Relaxing is underrated. Just chilling out and enjoying the atmosphere is one of the best things to do in Liverpool. Or anywhere, really. And Crosby Beach, with its lovely soft sand and great view of the sunset is the perfect place to do it! Sit back and wave goodbye to the day as the kids build some sand castles.
There are so many brilliant things to do in Liverpool. The city is bursting with life, so whether you’re creative, sciencey, active, or something completely different, you’ll easily find something in the city that speaks to you.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
