Bucketlist Travels logo

Bucket list destination:

Liverpool

  • Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: David Atkinson

Culture. Nightlife. Sport. Renaissance Liverpool has been reborn since its tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 — and the cultural evolution continues apace.

Sited on the banks of the river Mersey, with a rich maritime heritage, it retains a friendly reputation and wide-ranging appeal — from hedonistic nightlife to heritage architecture (some 27 Grade I-listed buildings), plus an annual programme of lively sporting and cultural events.

Football aside, it’s best known as the birthplace of the world’s greatest-ever band – the Beatles. Many of their greatest worldwide hit songs were inspired by the city landmarks – and fans come from the world over to walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four.

Orientation

The city centre divides into a series of quarters — all of them accessible on foot. Only the outlaying Baltic Quarter makes for a long walk.

The Waterfront has the most obvious draw for visitors with a series of attractions and museums along the River Mersey. The Cavern Quarter, meanwhile, is small but bustling with Beatles fans and the Georgian Quarter is quieter with some international standard hotels and visits to the city’s twin cathedrals. Moorfields, finally, is business district with fewer attractions but some excellent places to stay and eat, plus fine examples of heritage architecture.

Tours, tickets & transfers

11

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Liverpool

With a choice between lively local guides or a multilingual audio system offering commentary in 10 languages, our staff are set to whisk you away on a narrated journey through Liverpool's sensational sights and sounds. Picture this: you'll be cruising past the Royal Albert Dock, soaking in its maritime history and modern charm. Then, brace yourself for the electric vibes at the world-famous Cavern Club, a haven for music enthusiasts. Not to mention, you'll be waving at the iconic Three Graces, standing tall and proud on the waterfront, and basking in the architectural glory of BOTH of our magnificent Cathedrals. But wait, there's more—wind through Europe's oldest Chinatown, a cultural gem, and roll by the elegant Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a visual treat that offers a FREE glass of bubbly to our customers!

Price £12

Min age 3

Rating 4.67 / 5 [1204 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Liverpool

Join us for a River Explorer Cruise aboard our world-famous Mersey Ferry. For just under an hour, you can sit back, relax and soak in the riverside scenery and landmarks that have put Liverpool on the map. Our expert recorded commentary will make you feel right at home as you discover the things that make our city region so vibrant today. The cruise is a 'must do' as part of any visit to Liverpool. Your ticket is valid at any time during the day that you have booked. The cruises depart every hour on the hour from Liverpool Pier Head Gerry Marsden Terminal (just arrive at least 20mins prior to departure to redeem your voucher) Language translation sheets are available on request at the ferry terminal.

Price £13

Min age 5

Rating 4.18 / 5 [975 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Liverpool

Come and join us on a Walk through Time. Discover and Learn the Full Real History of Liverpool through the ages with our History Walking Tour through Time. Discover how Liverpool developed from a Medieval Trading Town to the Second City of the British Empire from 1207-Present. See and Learn the Fascinating History of the City with your own Professional Tour Guide. We provide a Unique and Entertaining Experience for all ages that’s Fun for the whole family. Our Tour Guides are Professional Local Historians trained to Post-Graduate Degree Level. Our Tours provide an in- depth History of Liverpool and are a great way to see its heritage, famous sites and streets. For the price of just one ticket for £17.00 you will receive your own Tour and Professional, Historian Tour Guide for Liverpool. Take advantage of this Quality and Affordable service now and visit Liverpool in style.

Price £14

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [702 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Liverpool

See the best of Liverpool's unique views and explore its fascinating history with this combo-sightseeing ticket. Join us for a River Explorer Cruise aboard the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Sit back, relax and soak in the riverside scenery and landmarks. The cruise gives you the opportunity to see the stunning Liverpool waterfront from the river. Your ferry ticket is valid at any time during the day that you have booked. The cruises depart every hour on the hour from Liverpool Pier Head Gerry Marsden Terminal (just arrive at least 20mins prior to departure to redeem your voucher) Language sheets are available on request at the ferry terminal. Following the cruise take the City Explorer Open Top Bus Tour and discover the best sights of this fascinating city. The hop-on hop-off bus provides views of all of the main sights and attractions. Your City Explorer Bus Tour can be used on the same day as your cruise and the following day giving you maximum sightseeing opportunity.

Price £24

Min age 5

Rating 4.52 / 5 [441 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Travel advice

When to go

Liverpool is a year-round city. Clearly, it’s busier during school holidays with child-friendly activities staged at many of the galleries and museums. That makes early spring and autumn the optimum times to visit.

It’s busy when the city’s two Premiership teams are playing home games, and when headline acts are playing live events at the Echo Arena, so expect accommodation to come at a premium.

The excellent museums are ideal for rainy days, but the city really comes alive from spring, the perfect time for mooching around the street art of the Baltic Quarter or summer-evening strolls along the waterfront, marvelling at the architecture with drinks to follow.

Getting there and away

Most international arrivals to the Merseyside region are coming via Liverpool John Lennon Airport (transfer: 45 mins by bus), or the Cruise Terminal (conveniently, located right on the waterfront). UK visitors transit through the busy Lime Street mainline rail hub and a small network of underground stations loops around four stations across the city.liv

Getting around

Most of the main attractions are accessible on foot with the majority within the city centre and waterfront areas.

There are regular bus services, centred on the Liverpool ONE interchange, to attractions in the outlying areas, such as Woolton for the Beatles homes and Anfield for the stadium tour.

The Liverpool metro has four stations, including James St for the waterfront. Otherwise, pick up an Uber. Public parking is plentiful but only some hotels have private parking and city-centre traffic is busy.

Where to stay

Picking your district is key. The best is the architecturally interesting Georgian Quarter, which offers a classy counterpoint to the city-centre chain hotels. It’s quieter, away from the stag parties, and handy for performances at the Liverpool Everyman theatre and Liverpool Philharmonic concert hall. It’s also a short walk to attractions, such as the twin cathedrals.

The Moorfields business district is lesser-known but has some great hotels within easy walking distance of the waterfront area. Expect to pick up taxis to get you to dinner reservations and live events — unless you’re heading for the Albert Dock.

The Cavern Quarter is the hub for Beatles fans but expect hotel rates to target high-spending international guests. Avoid Lime Street. While it’s the main rail interchange, it’s not the best district to stay.

Where to eat or drink

Bold Street, behind Central Station, is the foodie hub with al-fresco dining, world-food options, and prices for all budgets. The Ropewalks area a few streets across is lively for late-night action but beware the weekend stag parties.

The Albert Dock has a host of independents, plus outdoor dining, buzzy early-evening bars and sunset views with your cocktails. The London Carriage Works, located near the Philharmonic, remains the centrepoint of Hope’s Street understated yet solidly upmarket restaurant scene.

Where to shop

The behemoth Liverpool ONE shopping centre has all the big-name brands. Alternatively, head to Bold Street for vintage clothes, art supplies and a radical bookshop from the growing band of Liverpool indies.

The Baltic Quarter is also a good hunting ground with the Red Brick Vintage market open daily. Finally, the Albert Dock has some interesting boutiques and galleries for local crafts — plus the Tate Liverpool store.

Health & Safety

Central Liverpool is generally safe and compact to explore on foot, although it’s wise to always take sensible precautions. There are generally plenty of people about after a performance at one of the theatres, for example, and train services run until after 11pm.

You may want to avoid the streets around Ropewalks and Bold Street, however, at kicking-out time when the stag and hen parties are at their well-oiled worst.