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.
Bucket list experience:
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
© Tate Liverpool, Rachel Ryan Photography
The northern counterpart of the world-renowned Tate enterprise occupies a converted warehouse on the waterfront at Liverpool’s iconic, cast-iron Albert Dock. Built in 1846, this grand complex of Grade-I listed buildings was considered revolutionary in its design; a suitable environment, then, to house the Tate’s eclectic collection of British art dating from 1500 to the modern day.
Expect a diverse and inspired programme of special exhibitions plus plenty of children’s activities on offer. There’s also a great on-site shop and café with a strong art motif.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
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.
Albert Dock is in the heart of Liverpool. Park either at the multi-storey car park at Kings Dock or on Strand Street. The nearest train station is James Street Station, a ten-minute walk away.
Tickets are usually available on the door, but can sell out, and it’s recommended to book online in advance. The main collection is free but visiting exhibitions are charged. At time of writing, there are no guided tours, and unfortunately, no audio guides either.
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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
For a frisson of Beatlemania, get back to this Cavern Quarter hotel for a night surrounded with memorabilia from Liverpool’s swinging Sixties.
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Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 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.
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Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 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’.
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Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.5 miles]
Cool Scandinavian-chic style and the best food in town create an unbeatable city centre hotel.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
Fascinating waterside museum exploring Liverpool’s industrial, cultural and social heritage – including the Beatles and football.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.4 miles]
The largest collection of art outside London, with works of European art from the 14th-20th centuries.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 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