Liverpool 3-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in Liverpool to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer David Atkinson.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
Museum of Liverpool
© Robin Clewley
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Although best known for football and the Beatles, Liverpool first earned its place on the global stage as a major port during the Industrial Revolution; at one time, more than 40 percent of the world’s trade was passing through its docks.
This museum, located in a suitably stand-out building, does a fine job of celebrating, preserving and explaining this fascinating city’s heritage – industrial, artistic, cultural and sporting – with a balanced mix of collections and interactive displays.
Don’t miss
There are two emotive films on show, one exploring the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton football clubs, the other focused on the city’s most famous export, The Beatles.
Between 1929-1933 Sir Edwin Lutyens designed an extraordinarily elaborate and immense cathedral for Liverpool that would have been the second largest in the world, had its construction come to fruition. A display exhibit tells the story behind the dramatic structure that could have been the centrepiece of the north.
The Wondrous Place gallery celebrates the city’s creative side — from its burgeoning role as a film set to its vibrant music scene. These new exhibits focus on the stories of the people who have put Liverpool on the global map in sport, comedy, and literature.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Liverpool’s main Lime Street station is a 20-minute walk away; James Street and Moorfields train stations are both less than a 10-minute walk. There’s paid parking at the Capital car park a couple of minutes’ walk from the museum. There are also car parks in the nearby Liverpool One complex opposite the entrance to the Royal Albert Dock.
Booking is not required – just enquire on arrival. The website has a helpful online guide to each of the galleries and their purpose – worth a look before you go.
There also an online guide to family visits, with special kids’ trails.
When to do it
The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Malmaison Liverpool
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
Sexy rooms, cool cocktails and a waterfront location, handy for the Albert Dock, make this a great base for a weekend away. The cheeky, boudoir-chic vibe is one for couples seeking privacy.
Official star rating:
Hard Days Night Hotel
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
For a frisson of Beatlemania, get back to this Cavern Quarter hotel for a night surrounded with memorabilia from Liverpool’s swinging Sixties.
Official star rating:
Baltic Hotel
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
Urban chic and good vibes are always on the menu at this stylish, contemporary hotel in the city’s up-and-coming Baltic Quarter. One for the night owls and people seeking plenty of ‘vibes’.
Official star rating:
Hope Street Hotel
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.7 miles]
Cool Scandinavian-chic style and the best food in town create an unbeatable city centre hotel.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Liverpool
Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
Home of the world’s most successful ever-band and one of the world’s top football clubs, the reborn city is also a cultural powerhouse, with top-notch museums, rich maritime heritage and cultural events galore.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
British Music Experience
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A colourful, interactive museum dedicated to the story of chart-toppers – from The Beatles to Freddie Mercury. Highlights include outfits worn by David Bowie, hand-written song lyrics from Adele and an interactive gallery where you can play instruments along to your favourite tracks.
Best for ages: 8+ | £16
Tate Liverpool
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
The northern counterpart of the world-renowned Tate enterprise, showcasing an eclectic collection of British art.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
Beatles Story
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
This popular museum, located in the Albert Dock, traces the Beatles’ journey from The Cavern, via the dizzy heights of Beatlemania, to the final days. Colourful and engaging with lots of pop trivia, it’s one for curious and serious fans alike.
Best for ages: 13+ | £18
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
The largest collection of art outside London, with works of European art from the 14th-20th centuries.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Website >
Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Three Graces
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A waterfront stroll along the River Mersey banks via the Albert Dock showcases Liverpool’s maritime-heritage architecture. The Pier Head is home to Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, namely The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
Experience
RLB 360
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
This tour offers a rare glimpse inside one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings, the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building. Catch the cityscape views from the 10th floor balcony then climb up the historic clock tower to watch the audio-visual show.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Liverpool Maritime Museum
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
This museum celebrates Liverpool’s seafaring heritage, including links to the Titanic story and a collection of vintage cruise posters. Don’t miss the Life on Board gallery, which documents the golden age of ocean liners from the 20th century to the current day.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
Experience
International Slavery Museum
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
A sobering visit, this thought-provoking museum (part of the Maritime Museum, below) has contemporary artworks responding to the history of transatlantic slavery and its legacy. The modern slavery collection contains oral histories and objects to highlight forms of modern slavery.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Website >
Overview >