Liverpool is a port city in northwest England, found where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea.
From its historic beginning as a prominent trade and migration port to its more recent history as the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool has a wonderfully diverse and varied culture.
From famous architecture to beautiful scenery and vibrant nightlife, there’s a lot on offer here. Many visitors also attest that Scousers are some of the most friendly and welcoming people you could meet, making your trip even better.
Here’s a list of the top attractions in Liverpool…
The Three Graces (Pier Head)
Pier Head is an absolute must-see when you visit Liverpool. This beautiful waterfront is best known as being home to the Three Graces – the Liverpool Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Each of the Three Graces is iconic in its own right, each dating from the early 1900s. Together they create a stunning ensemble of architectural merit that has become synonymous with Liverpool itself, showcasing the innovation and enduring history that makes this city so special.
You’ll want to bring your camera to capture this ultimate ‘Liverpool’ photo.
Royal Albert Dock
This scenic part of Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and always draws a crowd. Here you will find the world-famous Tate gallery, the Maritime Museum, and the Beatles Museum.
The renovated dock area is an attraction by itself, with historic ships that showcase Liverpool’s industrial port roots, surrounded by a great selection of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here there really is something for everyone.
Liverpool Cathedral
The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain’s biggest Cathedral, and it took over 70 years to complete. The building was first designed by Architect Sir Giles Scott in 1904, and it didn’t open its doors to the public until 1978.
This stunning Cathedral is impressive from the outside and peaceful on the inside. Whether you’re just passing and want to snap a photo or you’re planning a tour, Liverpool Cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
Liverpool National Museum
The National Museum is dedicated to showcasing Liverpool’s unique history and contribution to the world. It has exhibits including the stage where Lennon and Mccratney first met, the first-ever Ford Anglia off the production line, and of course the history of the Beatles.
The museum is entertaining for adults and children alike, and you can easily spend a few hours looking around the different sections and getting to know Liverpool better.
Beatles Statue
Here you will find the Beatles forever immortalized in a statue. The life-size figures are the work of sculptor Andy Edwards and were unveiled in 2015 to capture another piece of Liverpool’s impressive history.
The statues of the Fab Four are a favourite selfie spot for tourists and a must-see for any fan. You’ll find them at Pier Head, along the picturesque and bustling quayside.
The Beatles Story
This award-winning exhibition tells the story of the Beatles rise to fame. Located by the Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive journey through the history and culture that surrounded the Beatles phenomenon.
From the band’s humble beginning to their world tours, you will see recreations of the stages and arenas that the Beatles performed at, as well as audio guides available in 12 languages.
Seel Street
Voted as the fourth hippest street in the entire UK for its nightlife, Seel Street has everything from classic 90s style clubs to modern cocktail lounges and lively bars.
Relatively quiet during the day, it comes alike at night and turns into a hub of activity.
If you find yourself pondering what to do in the evening, Seel Street will have the answer, this really is where it all happens!
Liverpool Central Library
This public library is of note not only for its fantastic collection of books but also for its architecture. The original building dates back to 1860 and has been carefully preserved despite new, modern additions.
Inside, it’s more than just a library. You’ll find a tourist information centre, a cafe, study areas, free computer and printing access and a terrace on the roof with wonderful views over the city centre.
There are also exhibitions of rare books found in the Hornby Library section, and other historic collections of books and manuscripts in the Oak Room. If you love books, this is the place for you!
World Museum
A visit to the World Museum makes the perfect family day out. The museum covers five floors and includes exhibitions on everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to black holes.
There is also an Aquarium, a Planetarium, and a Bug House that are always big hits with youngsters.
The World Museum is a fascinating combination of nature and history that is definitely worth adding to your list, especially if you’re a little tired from exploring the city and don’t want to travel too far from the city centre.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is made up of four entire floors of galleries, each telling a different part of the story of Liverpool’s history as a prominent port city.
There are exhibitions on borders and customs, immigration, Liverpool as a world gateway, and the Titanic. You’re sure to enjoy exploring and learning about seafaring history here, and you’ll leave with plenty of knowledge to share about your trip when you get back home.
You can also visit the Maritime Dining Rooms, which are listed in the 2012 Michelin Guide, and consist of a cafe, a lecture theatre, and a small shop.
International Slavery Museum
On a more sombre note, Liverpool also has the International Slavery Museum. This museum is actually part of the Merseyside Maritime Museum above but deserves its own section.
The museum is dedicated to explaining the history and impacts of the transatlantic slave trade. It ensures that this part of history is never forgotten or glossed over and that people continue to learn about both the good and the bad parts of Liverpool’s past.
Speke Hall
Part of the National Trust, Speke Hall is a traditional wood-framed Tudor manor house. It is a Grade I listed building that is considered one the finest examples of enduring and preserved architecture from that era.
Visitors can enjoy looking around the different rooms and getting a feel of what life was like back then. The grounds surrounding the manor are also a point of interest and are sure to delight any gardening enthusiast. Last but not least is the onsite cafe, which is said to serve particularly excellent tea.
Sefton Park
This picturesque park is a lovely change of pace after spending time in the city. If you’re after some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the lively city centre, then this is the place for you.
In the centre of Sefton Park, you’ll find a beautiful boating lake gently winding its way through the park. The lake is especially lovely in the summer, but if the weather is not so great when you visit, you can take refuge inside one of the many greenhouses filled with tropical plants and palm trees.
Palm House (Sefton Park)
This beautiful, classic Concert Hall will be a lovely addition to your itinerary. Located inside Sefton Park, this unique building looks something like a greenhouse, except larger and much more elegant.
Here you can book your seats and listen to an evening of classical music such as Vivaldi and Mozart.
If music isn’t your thing, you might be interested in the afternoon tea options instead. Delicate portions are served on ornate cake stands, with miniature sandwiches, rolls, cakes, and, of course, scones. Afternoon tea here truly feels like a special occasion and will be a very memorable part of your trip.
St George’s Hall
St George’s Hall is an impressive Neoclassical building that was first opened in 1854. Today, this Grade I listed building is a multipurpose venue that is home to everything from concert halls to conference centres to wedding venues.
There are also tours held here where visitors can explore the old prison cells and courtrooms and learn about the statue of Prince Albert at the entrance. This grand building is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city centre, so if you’re stuck for things to do, definitely consider a tour of St George’s Hall.
The Wheel of Liverpool
The Liverpool Wheel is a popular attraction, but only for those who don’t mind heights! It has a 60 metre high rotation and offers some spectacular views over the waterfront of the River Mersey and out towards the Irish Sea.
It’s a fun activity for adults and children alike, just try to pick a good, clear day (easier said than done, I know) to get the best views.
Liverpool ONE
This vast shopping complex is the perfect place to grab some stunning souvenirs. Spanning over 42 acres of land, this retail, residential, and leisure complex is one of the largest of its kind and the largest open-air shopping centre in the UK.
During development, it was considered important to bring in some green space, so at the centre of Liverpool ONE, you will find Chavasse Park where you can enjoy a short walk or a picnic if the weather permits before trying your hand at the 36 hole mini-golf course nearby.
Most important of all are of course the shops you can find here, which include; Adidas, Apple Store, Boux Avenue, Pandora, Zara, Waterstones, Victoria’s Secret, Too Faced, The Body Shop, The North Face, Quiz, Pandora New Look, Lindt, Ernest Jones and much more.
Many people from surrounding cities will travel here to enjoy the selection, putting Liverpool ONE in the Top 10 shopping centers in the whole of the UK, and what better excuse for a shopping spree during your trip?
