Recommended itinerary:
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.
Editor note – David has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Liverpool destination guide.
Start on the waterfront by the Royal Liver Building. The short walk along the banks of the River Mersey leads to the Albert Dock and the Beatles Story Museum.
Afterwards, head for an al-fresco lunch at the Albert Dock with waterfront views. There are plenty of cafe-bars to choose from — try the Peaberry Coffee House.
Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Liverpool and Liverpool Maritime Museum’s ‘Life on Board’ gallery.
All the attractions are within walking distance for a city-explorer day on foot, including dinner in the Albert Dock at Lerpwl.
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
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
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
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)
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)
Fascinating waterside museum exploring Liverpool’s industrial, cultural and social heritage – including the Beatles and football.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
A Beatles theme day starts in the city centre with a visit to the Cavern Quarter and the Liverpool Beatles Museum.
Matthew Street is the Mecca for Beatles fans, and you can pick up lunch, with a live-music accompaniment, at the modelled Cavern Club.
Afterwards, jump in a taxi to the city suburbs for a tour of the childhood homes of Lennon and McCartney, both now managed by The National Trust.
Finally, pop into re-opened Strawberry Field to visit the exhibition about Lennon’s early life.
Finally, dine at Beatles-themed Blakes Restaurant, part of the Cavern Quarter Hard Days Night Hotel.
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
The Fab Four lads from Liverpool changed the world of pop music forever. Walk in their footsteps, visit the attractions that tell their unique story then catch a tribute live session.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
This museum in the Cavern Quarter, run by the local Best family, focuses on the early years, notably The Quarrymen, the late Fifties skiffle band featuring a young Lennon, McCartney and Harrison. Pete Best, the owner’s brother, was the band’s first drummer before Ringo.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
Heart of the Mathew Street Cavern Quarter, home to Beatles-themed bars, shops and the Hard Days Night Hotel, this cellar-like music venue is where The Beatles played their first gig at a lunchtime session in 1961. It hosts live music to this day.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
A visit to Forthlin Road, the McCartney’s family home from 1955 to 1964, highlights the stories from Paul’s teenage years and illustrates how his gentler character complemented John’s humour and spikiness to form the ultimate songwriting partnership. The guided tours also include a visit to Mendips, former childhood home of John Lennon.
Best for ages: 18+ | £29
Football fans kick off with the LFC Stadium Tour of the famous Anfield stadium (and a chance to check out the silverware). Don’t miss a selfie with the Shankly statue.
Non-football fans could head to Tate Liverpool and/or the Walker Art Gallery before meeting up for lunch at Leaf on Bold Street.
The Liverpool ONE shopping centre is home to the flagship LFC Store, or stroll through the city’s Baltic Quarter, where an urban-art trail includes the famous mural of Jurgen Klopp.
Head back to Bold Street for dinner at the brand-new bierkeller and cook house, Albert Schloss.
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
The ultimate footballing pilgrimage, this behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous stadium includes the chance to walk down the players’ tunnel and to sit in the manager’s dugout seat.
Best for ages: 5+ | £23
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
The northern counterpart of the world-renowned Tate enterprise, showcasing an eclectic collection of British art.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)
The largest collection of art outside London, with works of European art from the 14th-20th centuries.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
