Liverpool has undergone a huge regeneration to establish itself as one of the best tourism destinations in the UK, boasting the largest collection of galleries and museums outside of London and (I’ll fight you on this) the friendliest locals in the country. There are so many fun things to do in Liverpool!
The city is as famous for its rich maritime history as it is for the musical legends it has produced, its nightlife is as alluring as the local food scene, and Liverpool’s shops hold as much lure as its cultural attractions.
My Dad is from Liverpool so the city holds a special place in my heart, but in all my years of visiting family there I’d never done Liverpool’s tourist attractions!
Keen to correct that with the help of the lovely people at Visit Liverpool, I set off to discover all the best things to do and see in Liverpool for two fabulous days.
Liverpool has such a unique personality and is a fun place to be, day or night.
I’ve put together a guide to all the top things to do in Liverpool on a 48 hour visit –and many of the attractions listed in this Liverpool itinerary are completely free. I hope it makes you consider a trip!
Best Things To Do In Liverpool: My Two Day Guide
Day One
1. Explore the Albert Dock
Liverpool’s historic Royal Albert Dock has transformed into an aesthetically pleasing leisure destination with an array of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and local attractions.
When the sun is shining, you could easily spend the whole morning there without spending a penny (though who can resist an ice cream from the van?) This area houses the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in England.
If you’ve arrived in Liverpool hungry, grab coffee and a pastry from family-run bakery Rough Hand Made to keep you going until lunchtime.
There’s a calendar of events taking place in the Dock over the summer months, including a pop-up outdoor cinema on the water!
If you’re stuck for things to do in Liverpool when it rains, you won’t be short of indoor attractions. Art lovers can visit Tate Liverpool, which runs various contemporary art shows throughout the year.
If you’re enjoying a weekend break with your partner and looking for romantic things to do in Liverpool, eternalise your devotion by putting a love lock on the chains around the water.
2. Eat lunch in the Royal Albert Dock
After a morning at Albert Dock we stopped for lunch at Peaberry Coffee House, an independent artisan cafe that’s just along from Tate Liverpool. They use local ingredients wherever possible, so eating there supports the local economy. Their homemade bagels are delicious and they do a mean flat white!
3. Explore Liverpool’s Museums
Those visiting Liverpool on a budget will be happy to learn that loads of the museums offer free entry. If the weather doesn’t play nice, you can spend a whole day taking advantage Liverpool’s indoor attractions without blowing loads of cash.
Depending on your interests, visit one of the free museums located on the waterfront: The International Slavery Museum and the Merseyside Maritime Museum are housed in the same building.
We popped into the latter and I was fascinated by the exhibition about Lusitania. The Titanic may have been immortalised in film, but this vessel’s story is just as tragic!
The Museum of Liverpool is hugely impressive and fun for kids as well as adults. There, you can learn how the port and Liverpudlians themselves have shaped their city, and in turn changed the world.
The museum is an absolute Liverpool must-visit and the views from those floor-to-ceiling windows are breathtaking!
4. Learn about The Beatles Story
The city is famous worldwide for four floppy haired local lads who changed the face of music, so even casual fans of The Beatles should devote part of their city break in Liverpool to following the fab four’s adventures.
At The Beatles Story you can tour through replicas of the Casbah, Mathew Street and The Cavern in the early 60s, learning about the band’s journey to fame using an audio guide. I certainly learned a lot!
5. Have a drink in The Cavern Quarter
Once you’ve completed The Beatles Story, head over to Matthew Street and grab a selfie with John Lennon’s statue (Cilla Black, too!).
You can hole up in a dark corner of the iconic Cavern Club with a drink and catch a live band hoping to follow in Paul, John, Ringo and George’s footsteps.
If you would like to delve deeper into The Beatles’ experiences of their home city, you can do a full Beatles tour of Liverpool on this combined bus and walking tour with a local guide.
There’s also the relatively new Magical Beatles Museum, which has never-before-seen memorabilia. One for the true fans!
6. Enjoy dinner in the city
We had a fabulous meal at newly opened Mason’s on Seel Street. The restaurant is the first from hospitality chain EPIC and located directly under the hotel. The duck was to die for, but the sharing platters are a great option for catch-ups with friends.
7. Spend the evening at a co*cktail bar
Liverpool’s nightlife attracts parties of stags and hens all year round, but if you just want to enjoy a drink or two in town there are loads of great co*cktail bars to choose from.
Try Liberte on Brunswick Street, or head to Slater Street for Santa Chupitos and The Merchant. Neighbourhood on Castle Street is the place to be seen at the moment but if you’d prefer a more covert operation, Berry and Rye on Berry Street has a speakeasy vibe.
Day Two
8. Join The Brunch Club
A night out in Liverpool means you will DEFINITELY need a decent feed when you surface the next day. We had an amazing brunch at The Brunch Club on Duke Street. Their mushrooms on toast is something I’ll crave when I’m rough for the rest of my life! Also, the interior decor is very Instagram friendly.
Alternatively, Duke Street Market is opposite The Brunch Club and housessix independent food stalls, a flagship restaurant, three bars and a florist. I peeked in and it’s definitely more upmarket than your average food market. It’s on my to-visit list for my next trip.
Other local faves are Lock and Key (also on Duke Street), Moose for pancakes on Dale Street (prepare for queues) or LEAF on Bold Street.
9. Take the RLB360 tour
This was perhaps the best thing I did in Liverpool. For the first time ever, you can now tour the majestic Royal Liver Building!
The RLB360 tour commences in the basem*nt and involves lifts and stairs, so you need to be physically able to climb. I learned so much and would recommend the tour to anyone even remotely interested in Liverpool’s history.
Afterwards, head across the the waterfront to take in Liverpool’s majestic ‘Three Graces’.
10. Immerse yourself in the British Music Experience
The British Music Experience in Liverpool’s landmark Cunard building (right next door the to Liver Building) is a fun, educational walk through the British music scene, from The Beatles to X Factor finalists.
The exhibition is mainly made up of memorabilia and outfits worn by the stars but there are also some interactive things, like a vocal booth and dance studio that will keep kids entertained.
11. Go shopping at Liverpool ONE
Liverpool is an excellent city for shopping, and the mammoth Liverpool ONE complex is the place to spend. It has all the glitzy shops you can think of.
If you need a little sustenance to fuel your spending, look no further than Chavasse Park, on top of Liverpool ONE. You’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars up there, with loads of outdoor seating if the sun happens to bless your weekend in Liverpool with its appearance.
Clayton Square is a good place to find bargains while there are loads of independent businesses on Bold Street if you prefer quirky stuff.
12. Eat a final dinner in Liverpool
For your final meal in Liverpool, the rooftop bar and restaurant Matau is sure to impress. I’ve previously eaten at Alma de Cuba for a special occasion and it was fab: the building is an 18th century church and they serve Latin-inspired food by candlelight, then the place becomes a party after dark!
13. Toast the end of two days in Liverpool with drinks in Concert Square
Concert Square is a nightlife hub that’s popular with Liverpudlians, students and tourists alike. Grab a table outside Soho and watch the world go by!
We actually ended up there twice during our short visit. It’s just such a great place to people watch (and Liverpool has some real characters, so the show is always top-notch).
More things to do in Liverpool
If you have more time to explore Liverpool, check out these slightly more offbeat points of interest and activities in the city:
- Tour Anfield Stadium and the Club’s interactive museum, The Liverpool FC Story, The Steven Gerrard Collection exhibition and all six European cups on this tour.
- Take a 50 minute cruise on the Mersey
- Do a Peaky Blinders bus tour of Liverpool where you see more than ten locations from the show
- Do a historical ghost tour of the city
- See Liverpool from above by going to the top of the iconic Radio City Tower to take in panoramic views from the 400-foot (121-meter) high observation deck.
- See Open Eye Gallery, an independent not-for-profit photographygallery on the Waterfront. Entry is free!
- Watch a show at theEveryman, Empire orPlayhousetheatres, thePhilharmonic HallorEcho Arena.
- See Liverpool Cathedral (the largest in Britain!) and the Metropolitan Cathedral on Hope Street
- Grab a bite in China Town and see the Chinese Arch
- Go to Crosby Beach to seeAntony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’:100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore
- See St Luke’s Church, or ‘the Bombed Out Church’ as it’s known locally
Where to stay in Liverpool
We were hosted by EPIC Hotel on Seel Street and thought it was the ideal base for our two days in Liverpool. The staff couldn’t do enough for you (but that’s just a Scouse thing!), the design was super slick and fun, and the beds were very comfortable.
It’s near Concert Square and takes just a few minutes to walk from the hotel to Liverpool ONE and the Albert Dock.
My mum usually stays at the nearby The Nadler as she likes the location but having spent two nights at EPIC Hotel, she said she’s converted and will be booking her new favourite in future.
If you’re on a tight budget and just need somewhere cheap and cheerful, I’ve also spent a night at CARO Short Stay. It’s basic but surprisingly nice!
On the more luxury end of the scale, I reviewed The Titanic Hotel in the docks recently and would definitely recommend. You can check prices and availability here.
Alternatively, The Shankly and the Beatles-themed Hard Day’s Night are popular choices.
For groups (hen and stag parties, take note), I’ve stayed at Signature Living apartments on a hen do and we couldn’t fault it.
How to get to Liverpool
I travelled to Liverpool by train and arrived at Lime Street Station. EPIC Hotel is a ten minute walk from there. I use TrainGenius to find the cheapest UK train fares.
It’s a walkable destination and you wouldn’t need to pay for taxis etc if you’re physically fit, but rainy days might call for cover! The Hop On Hop Off bus is a good option for getting around Liverpool if the weather doesn’t go in your favour.
I may be biased, but if you’re visiting Liverpool I think you should also book a ferry trip to my home, Isle of Man and experience island life for a few days. Check out my list of things to do in Isle of Man if you’re tempted!
More UK Travel Guides
Leeds city guide
Manchester city guide
Chester city guide
Yorks city guide
Durham guide: city, countryside and coastal attractions
Berwick-Upon-Tweed guide
Newcastle city guide
Knaresborough guide
Scarborough guide
North Tyneside guide
Guide to seven days in England
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As mentioned at the beginning of this Liverpool city guide, I was a guest of Marketing Liverpool and some of the attractions mentioned were covered by them. Views are my own.
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