Some posts on this website comprise affiliate hyperlinks. In case you guide or purchase one thing by these hyperlinks, I earn a small fee (at no additional value to you). Check out my privateness coverage for extra data.
Planning a metropolis break in Liverpool, England? This information ought to allow you to profit from your journey…
Capital of Tradition in 2008, host of the Eurovision in 2023, and a UNESCO Metropolis of Music… Liverpool is FULL of tradition.
In spite of everything, that is town that gave us The Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Zutons, the Wombats, Mel C, Cilla Black… the checklist simply goes on and on!
The unbelievable musical heritage is simply the tip of the iceberg, although. The town centre is bursting with tradition and historical past, from the superbly regenerated waterfront space to the beautiful Cultural Quarter, filled with listed buildings and artwork galleries.
So when Radisson RED reached out to see if I needed to expertise Liverpool from their sizzling new metropolis centre property, I jumped on the likelihood. A metropolis break stuffed with artwork, tradition, and heritage, staying in one in all Liverpool’s most iconic buildings, seemed like the proper approach to kick off the 12 months.
Right here’s my information that will help you plan the proper Liverpool metropolis break – particularly helpful for first-time guests or anybody who solely has a day or two within the metropolis. Take pleasure in…
I used to be hosted by Radisson RED Liverpool with an itinerary supported by Museums Liverpool. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are completely my very own.
The place to Keep in your Liverpool Metropolis Break
What’s the greatest space to remain in Liverpool?
If it’s your first time visiting Liverpool, I extremely suggest staying within the Metropolis Centre. That is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s main museums and sights so that you’ll have the ability to see loads when you’re there.
There’s additionally a terrific mixture of motels, bars, and eating places to swimsuit all budgets, from standard chains to independents and hidden gems. Search for motels near Lime Avenue Station and St George’s Place to be inside strolling distance of all the highest sights. The Radisson RED Liverpool can be my primary selection – extra on that beneath.
- Metropolis Centre – greatest to your first go to to Liverpool.
- The Baltic Triangle and the Ropewalks space – two artistic, different neighbourhoods. Keep in these areas should you’re in search of nightlife & cool vibes.
- Royal Albert Dock – nice for waterfront views. This regenerated waterfront space has a number of price range motels – and can be the place you’ll discover Liverpool’s YHA hostel.
Keep on the Radisson RED Liverpool within the Metropolis Centre
In case you’re in search of the BEST place to remain in Liverpool metropolis centre, look no additional than the Radisson RED Liverpool. It’s straight subsequent door to Liverpool’s Lime Avenue Station and inside strolling distance of all town centre sights. I used to be fortunate sufficient to remain right here on my current journey and may verify that it’s each bit as beautiful because it appears to be like!
This stunning, historic constructing started life because the North Western Corridor, a grand railway lodge that opened in 1871, closed in 1933, and was used as scholar lodging within the Nineties!
Radisson RED restored and renovated the long-lasting Grade-II-listed constructing – giving it a enjoyable, up to date makeover while nonetheless benefiting from these unbelievable unique options, just like the grand sandstone staircase and an enormous Nineteenth-century stained glass window.
I liked how a lot character the lodge had. There’s quirky decor all through and a lot artwork in every single place it seems like staying inside an artwork gallery. Plus, there are many enjoyable nods to Liverpool’s historical past and tradition – together with a number of nods to town’s most well-known export, The Beatles.
The enjoyable decor and historic-meets-contemporary vibes proceed within the bedrooms, with uncovered brick partitions and industrial-chic steel trim. There’s extra artwork right here, too, with bespoke items created by native artist Indigo Artwork adorning the partitions. Oh, and the mattress was one of many comfiest I’ve slept on shortly – excellent after an extended day exploring town.
Ebook one of many St George’s View rooms, that are discovered on the entrance of the property, for beautiful views of the grand, neoclassical St George’s Corridor.
Downstairs, the fashionable Stoke restaurant is well probably the greatest locations to eat within the metropolis centre – with superb meals, cool decor, and extra nice views of St George’s Place. Gas up with their unbelievable breakfasts earlier than a day of sightseeing – however you’ll want to dine right here within the night throughout your keep too, or a minimum of swing by the bar for a cocktail (I can extremely suggest the RED Cosmo).
Prime Issues to Do on a Metropolis Break in Liverpool
In case you solely have a day or two in Liverpool, you’ll most likely wish to keep on with town centre. In your first go to, I’d suggest specializing in the Cultural Quarter and the Docklands areas of Pier Head and Royal Albert Docks. Click on right here for a map displaying the place these characterful neighbourhoods are.
These are the place you’ll discover a lot of Liverpool’s most historic listed buildings – in addition to town’s greatest museums and artwork galleries. You possibly can discover all three neighbourhoods on foot, or get round rapidly and simply utilizing public transport or Uber. The Business District between the 2 can be residence to some stunning previous buildings, together with Liverpool City Corridor.
Beneath, I’ve damaged down a few of the greatest issues to do within the metropolis centre on a brief break in Liverpool….
1. Pier Head and Royal Albert Docks
Climb the Royal Liver Constructing for the Greatest View of Liverpool
This was one of many BEST issues we did on my current metropolis break in Liverpool. The enduring, Grade-I-Listed Royal Liver Constructing was Europe’s first skyscraper when it opened in 1911 – and stays one of many tallest buildings within the metropolis at 322ft tall.
Be a part of the Royal Liver Constructing 360 guided tour and climb to the Fifteenth-floor viewing platform for beautiful 360° views of town.
On a transparent day, you may even see the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) in Northern Wales. On the way in which up, you’ll be taught the fascinating historical past of the constructing – and watch a fab audio-visual present contained in the historic clock tower.
Look out for the 2 Liver Birds, nicknamed Bella and Bertie, who sit atop the 2 towers of the constructing. Bella appears to be like out to sea, whereas Bertie appears to be like inland – both to observe over town, or to see which pubs are open, relying on which native legend you take heed to!
Information: Grownup tickets value £16 and there are excursions each quarter-hour from 9am (topic to demand). Click on right here to pre-book.
Wander the Docklands Space for Merseyside Views
Hop throughout the highway from the Liver Constructing to discover Liverpool’s stunning waterfront space: particularly Pier Head and the Royal Albert Docks.
Courting again to the 18th century, this space was as soon as a hub of commercial exercise. The unique Outdated Dock was inbuilt 1715, and later the Albert Dock formally opened in 1846.
Neighbouring Pier Head was adorned with three iconic buildings within the early twentieth century: the Royal Liver Constructing, The Cunard Constructing and the Port of Liverpool Constructing. Often known as the Three Graces, this beautiful skyline was constructed to symbolise Liverpool’s worldwide status and business prowess.
Following Liverpool’s 12 months because the Metropolis of Tradition in 2008, an enormous regeneration challenge reworked the waterfront, respiratory new life into the world. In the present day, the Royal Albert Docks’ warehouses and industrial buildings are residence to museums and artwork galleries – together with the Tate Liverpool – in addition to retailers, eating places, and motels.
Wander the walkways of this engaging waterfront space to absorb views of the Mersey, the Three Graces, and the historic red-brick buildings of the docks.
Study the Metropolis’s Story on the Museum of Liverpool
It’s not simply concerning the historic buildings within the docklands areas, although. One unbelievable new addition to Pier Head is the Museum of Liverpool: a powerful, angular constructing clad in gentle gray Jura limestone.
In case you solely go to one museum in Liverpool, make it this one. The unbelievable area is residence to exhibitions charting the historical past and tradition of town and the story of Liverpool life.
DON’T miss the sensible Wonderous Place gallery on the highest ground. That is the story of Liverpool as a artistic and cultural hub: a unbelievable, interactive exhibition showcasing the sporting, TV, movie, artwork, and music legends Liverpool has produced – in addition to a small part highlighting Liverpool’s position within the video gaming business.
The music part seems like one of the best one right here (though sports activities followers will most likely disagree with me)! Predictably, there’s quite a lot of Beatles memorabilia – together with the St Peter’s Church Corridor stage the place John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met. However there are many different legendary Liverpudlian musicians to have fun – I used to be rather more excited by Mel C’s stage costume if I’m being trustworthy!
Prime Tip: you’ll want to try the view from the Individuals’s Republic gallery for a tremendous view of Pier Head and the Liver Constructing:
Don’t Miss the Worldwide Slavery Museum
One of many important sights in Royal Albert Docks is the unbelievable Maritime Museum, housed inside a historic red-brick constructing proper on the waterfront. There are a number of flooring devoted to Liverpool’s shipbuilding and seafaring historical past – together with the favored Titanic exhibition on the second ground.
However the one you actually shouldn’t miss is the Worldwide Slavery Museum on the third ground.
This vital and thoughtfully-curated museum tells the story of Liverpool’s position within the transatlantic slave commerce – and the way that commerce impacted town, the UK, and the world typically.
Throughout the 18th century, Liverpool was Britain’s important slaving port, with ships from town transporting some 1.5 million Africans throughout the Atlantic. The museum shines a lightweight on that historical past – but additionally addresses up to date human rights points. Don’t miss this glorious and thought-provoking museum.
2. The Cultural Quarter
Take a Tour of St George’s Corridor
You possibly can’t miss St George’s Corridor while you go to Liverpool. Actually, the truth is – it’s proper reverse Lime Avenue Station and the neighbouring Radisson RED lodge. So will probably be one of many first buildings you see should you arrive by prepare, and is a little bit of a focus within the metropolis centre.
That is one in all Liverpool’s many Grade-I-listed buildings, with putting Neoclassical structure.
Opened in 1854, the attractive exterior homes an eclectic combination of regulation courts, cells, and lavish live performance halls. Initially, the plan was for 2 separate buildings – however the identical architect was employed for each and the plans had been mixed to create one grand corridor.
You possibly can take a guided tour to peep into the underground jail cells, the courtroom, and the 2 elaborately embellished live performance halls. There are additionally common concert events held at St George’s Corridor, so try what’s on throughout your go to!
Enjoyable truth: St George’s Corridor is a well-liked filming location, not too long ago showing in Incredible Beasts and The place to Discover Them, Peaky Blinders, and The Batman. The Civic Court docket has appeared in lots of a UK TV drama and cleaning soap opera, together with Brookside, Coronation Avenue, and Hollyoaks!
See What’s On on the Walker Artwork Gallery
Simply throughout the highway from St George’s Corridor, the Walker Artwork Gallery boasts an enormous assortment of artwork – from the thirteenth century to the current day.
It’s free to go to and has some unbelievable items – together with works by the likes of Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, and Degas.
The gallery can be residence to the UK’s longest-running portray competitors, the John Moore’s Portray Prize. Happening each two years, this contest is open to all UK-based painters, with works submitted and judged anonymously.
The exhibition was on after I visited and encompasses a unbelievable vary of up to date work. I liked seeing work by established painters alongside items by undiscovered and rising painters.
Every winner’s work can be added to the gallery’s everlasting assortment – together with the prize’s very first winner, David Hockney. So even when the exhibition isn’t on while you head to Liverpool, you may nonetheless try the work of previous winners.
Benefit from the Eclectic Collections on the World Museum
One other must-see attraction within the “Cultural Quarter” is the World Museum. That is one other stunning, neo-classical constructing very near St George’s Corridor, with a sweeping stone staircase in entrance.
The museum’s collections are wide-ranging: from archaeology and antiquities to pure historical past and bodily sciences. There’s additionally a small aquarium (with residing reveals) and a full dome planetarium on the highest ground.
Briefly, there’s actually one thing for everybody at this fab, free museum – and it’s a terrific place to take the children should you’re visiting Liverpool as a household.
Beatles Sights in Liverpool
Liverpool has produced a few of the most well-known British bands and musicians over the many years – and none are extra well-known than the Beatles! The enduring rock group had been born within the metropolis and their legacy can nonetheless be felt immediately.
If you wish to be taught extra, there’s not one however two Beatles museums in Liverpool – and a number of other different sights to think about including to your itinerary:
- Liverpool Beatles Museum – one of many largest Beatles collections on this planet. Click on right here to pre-book tickets.
- The Beatles Story – an immersive journey by the lives, instances, and music of The Beatles. Click on right here to pre-book tickets.
- The Cavern Membership – the so-called “birthplace of the Beatles”, a historic underground nightclub which nonetheless boasts a thriving stay music scene.
- The Beatles Statue – bronze statues of the 4 Beatles created by sculptor Andy Edwards. You’ll discover it reverse the Liver Constructing on Pier Head.
- Strolling tour – try this Beatles and Cavern Quarter Strolling Tour (from £15.40pp) for an in-depth tour led by an area information.
Extra Nice Museums and Galleries in Liverpool
- Merseyside Maritime Museum – uncover Liverpool’s seafaring historical past. Don’t miss the Titanic exhibition right here.
- The Bluecoat – Liverpool’s oldest constructing, now a artistic area internet hosting common occasions and exhibitions.
- Tate Liverpool – iconic artwork gallery, quickly housed at RIBA North on Mann Island whereas the Albert Dock constructing undergoes refurbishment.
- The British Music Expertise – uncover the last word historical past of British pop and rock.
In case you Have Extra Time in Liverpool
Searching for extra? My blogger pal Steph has a fab information to the 21 greatest issues to do in Liverpool, so test that out for masses extra journey inspo. Listed below are a few fast extras to your time in Liverpool…
- Go to the soccer stadiums. Liverpool has two premier league groups: Liverpool FC play at Anfield Stadium, whereas Everton play at Goodison Park. A tour of Liverpool Soccer Membership Museum and Stadium is a should for any soccer fan! Click on right here to test costs.
- Go to the cathedral. Liverpool’s cathedral is the biggest spiritual constructing within the UK. Go to this stunning, red-brick cathedral to marvel on the historic structure. You may as well guide the Above and Past Tour (£25pp) to climb the cathedral tower for beautiful views.
- Take a ship trip on the Mersey. Take in views of Liverpool from the long-lasting Mersey River estuary (and take a look at to withstand singing the well-known Gerry and the Pacemakers track when you accomplish that). The ten-minute ferry trip between Liverpool and the Wirral prices £3.80 for an grownup return. Alternatively, this Sightseeing River Cruise (from £12pp) is an effective way to see the waterfront and be taught somewhat native historical past.
- Discover Chinatown. Do you know Liverpool’s Chinatown was the primary to be established in Europe? Head to the world round Nelson Avenue and Duke Avenue to find this numerous space.
- Uncover Liverpool’s different districts. The Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks neighbourhoods are two previously industrial areas close to the Royal Albert Docks. Historic warehouses present properties for artistic areas, quirky start-ups, and unbiased companies. Each have nice nightlife and meals scenes – don’t miss them!
Greatest Excursions in Liverpool
In case you’re quick on time, a tour may be an effective way to get a great intro to Liverpool and discover with an area information. I at all times use Get Your Information to seek out and guide excursions as they’ve a terrific vary and a stable evaluate system that will help you know what to anticipate. Listed below are a few of the top-rated excursions in Liverpool to your metropolis break…
Get to Liverpool
By Automotive (Least expensive Metropolis Centre Parking in Liverpool)
In case you’re coming by automobile, you may drive into Liverpool metropolis centre pretty simply by way of the M62. The most affordable automobile parking within the metropolis centre may be discovered at St Johns purchasing centre (use postcode L1 1NQ). It prices £5.50 for twenty-four hours – however it’s a must to pre-register to get this charge.
It is a little bit of a Liverpool journey hack that apparently not even many locals find out about! Merely join right here and add your automobile registration quantity (licence plate) and card particulars prematurely. Your automobile reg shall be scanned on arrival and once more while you go away – and your card will routinely be charged the correct quantity. It’s really easy to make use of!
By Practice
The central prepare station is Liverpool Lime Avenue. There are direct trains to Liverpool Lime Avenue Station from many stations within the UK, together with close by Manchester (54 minutes) and London Euston (2 hours 21 minutes).
You may as well take a direct prepare from Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Avenue which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Verify rail instances and schedules on Nationwide Rail. In case you are travelling by rail, I extremely suggest staying on the Radisson RED Liverpool, which is straight subsequent door to the prepare station.
By Air
Liverpool has a world airport, the John Lennon Airport, which has direct routes to over 60 locations all through Europe. Inside the UK, there are additionally direct flights between Liverpool and Belfast, Derry, and the Isle of Man.
Liverpool Airport is a couple of 20 to 30-minute drive from town centre – costing round £20 in an Uber.
Alternatively, you may take Arriva’s 500 bus service from the airport to Liverpool Metropolis Centre (together with Nice Charlotte Avenue for Lime Avenue Rail Station). Buses function each half-hour from 4am till midnight. You may as well take the 80A or the 86A into town centre, or there are a number of different bus networks from the airport to different elements of town – click on right here for a route map.
Alternatively, you may take the five hundred or 86A buses to Liverpool South Parkway, then take a prepare to Liverpool Lime Avenue or Liverpool Central. Click on right here for extra particulars on journey between town centre and the airport.
Getting Round
Liverpool is a reasonably small metropolis, so strolling is one of the best and best approach to get round. There’s additionally a terrific public transport community in place: use Mersey Journey to test timetables and to plan your journey.
You may as well take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus round Liverpool. I’ve used these in different cities and so they’re an effective way to see loads in sooner or later, with out exhausting your self by strolling everywhere. Tickets begin from £18pp – click on right here to test costs and availability.
In case you’re going outdoors the principle metropolis centre, Uber, taxis, buses, and the underground stations of Liverpool Central, Lime Avenue, Moorfield’s, and James Avenue are additionally choices.
Extra Ideas for Your Metropolis Break in Liverpool
What number of days do I would like in Liverpool?
Because it’s a reasonably compact metropolis, you could possibly see a lot of the metropolis centre in two days. That’s why Liverpool makes such an superior weekend metropolis break vacation spot.
In case you’re quick on time, you may cram loads into simply sooner or later in Liverpool. However I’d suggest staying for a minimum of two nights. That means, you may see a lot of the main sights, profit from the unbelievable meals and nightlife scene, and possibly catch a few of the stay music town is so well-known for. There’s a motive Liverpool is ranked as one of many UK’s greatest cities for nightlife!
When to Go to
Like most cities, Liverpool could be a year-round vacation spot. Summer time usually has one of the best climate, however the shoulder seasons of spring and summer season may be very fairly. And with so many fab museums and indoor sights, Liverpool will also be good enjoyable in winter. I visited in January and had beautiful, frosty sunshine – nice sightseeing climate!
Might to September is the height journey season within the UK, with hotter climate and fewer rain. However the “Nice British Climate” is unpredictable (it’s why we love to speak about it a lot) so there can nonetheless be rain in the course of summer season generally!
Remember that financial institution vacation weekends and college holidays may be busier and costlier to journey – particularly the Easter holidays (often every week both facet of Easter) and the 6-week summer season vacation (finish of July to starting of September).
Put together for All Weathers
As talked about above, British climate may be unpredictable all 12 months spherical. Even should you’re visiting in summer season, you should still expertise rain: so pack a lightweight raincoat and/or an umbrella.
In winter, there’s an opportunity of ice or snow in very chilly climate. So pack some sneakers or boots with good grip – and ensure to convey numerous layers. We frequently joke about having “4 seasons in a day” within the UK – dressing in layers makes it simple to regulate your outfit as wanted all through the day.
Take a look at my England Autumn Packing Record for ideas should you’re visiting within the shoulder season.
Is Liverpool a walkable metropolis?
As talked about earlier, Liverpool has a reasonably compact metropolis centre and could be very walkable. If you wish to journey to one of many neighbourhoods outdoors of town centre, there’s a terrific public transport community in place – or you may hop in an Uber.
Extra in Liverpool and Close by
You probably have extra time in Liverpool, or wish to discover extra of the world, try these different guides…
Additionally, try @get_reviewed_liverpool on Instagram for a great deal of fab native ideas concerning the newest cool locations to eat and issues to do within the metropolis. I met the girl behind the account on my journey there and may verify she is aware of ALL one of the best stuff in Liverpool!
Are there another ideas, journey hacks, or issues to do this you’d add to this Liverpool metropolis break information? Share within the feedback beneath!
