Top 10: Things to Do in Liverpool
While London garners the vast majority of attention when it comes to holidaying in English cities, there are a number of other worthwhile options, including Liverpool. Despite its size, Liverpool packs a mighty punch. Home to two Premier League football clubs (Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.), the most successful band in history—the Beatles—and a fascinating maritime history… the city is well worth visiting. Today with Civitatis, we’re running through the top things to do in Liverpool, and hopefully, we’ll inspire you to pack a bag and book your flight over!
The historic city of Liverpool
Founded as a port in 1207 by King John of England, Liverpool would become one of the world’s most important trading centres in the eighteenth century thanks to triangular trade and a thriving shipping industry. As a symbol of the Industrial Revolution, it played a crucial role in transatlantic trade for over 300 years. Today, Liverpool is renowned for its cultural heritage, architecture and vibrant music scene.
The easiest way to make your way around the city, seeing its main landmarks and learning about its history, is by booking this Liverpool history tour.
1. Visit Anfield Stadium, Home of Liverpool F.C.
A must-see for its electric atmosphere, Anfield is a sanctuary for football fans. Liverpool FC’s stadium is the most popular in England and, indeed, one of the most famous in the world. This stadium was the setting of some of football’s most iconic matches—relive the magic of the Champions League Semifinal in 2019, featuring Liverpool vs Barcelona, when Liverpool produced a stunning 4-0 victory having gone lost 3-0 in the away leg. Just imagine what it would have been like to listen to You’ll Never Walk Alone echoing from the stands—electric!
On this official Anfield Stadium tour, you’ll get to walk the stadium and gain an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. See the press room, the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign, and walk through the players’ tunnel, and then out onto the pitch! Also visit the LFC Story Museum (included in the stadium tour) to gain an insight into the history of the club, as well as the legendary players who have worn the red jersey.
2. Check Out the Beatles Story
For fans of music, Liverpool is a truly magical city to visit. It was here that the ‘Fab Four’ grew up and came together, starting the most successful band in history. Throughout the city, you’ll find a number of iconic landmarks and dedications to the band, but we recommend starting with a ticket to the Beatles Story Experience.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Beatles in a unique, interactive museum at the Beatles Story Experience. Through interactive exhibitions and recreations of such locations as the Casbah Club, the Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios, you’ll be transported back to the 1960s, from when the band had begun to achieve local fame in Liverpool, right up to their rise to international stardom.
With the band’s songs in the background, you’ll learn all about the Beatles’ career, from the Cavern Club to the Abbey Road recording studios. For those still experiencing Beatlemania as well as more casual fans, the Beatles Story Experience is one of the must-dos in Liverpool.
3. Learn the History of the Royal Albert Dock
A walk around the Royal Albert Dock is a must. In this historic and iconic port district, you’ll see magnificent red-brick Georgian buildings, bustling quaysides and restored warehouses, which would have once formed part of the Port of London. The dock was granted a royal charter in 2018, adding the honorific ‘Royal’ to its title.
The dock played a central part in the city’s development and allowed Liverpool to become such an important commercial and maritime city during the 19th and early 20th centuries. To see it for yourself, and to learn more about the dock’s history, check out our Royal Albert Dock free tour.
4. Soak in the Atmosphere of the Cavern Club
Another entry for music lovers! The Cavern Club is one of the most famous venues in the city, and indeed, one of the most famous in the world of music as a whole. ‘The Cavern’ opened in the 1950s as a jazz club, but in the 1960s it became the centre of rock and roll in the city. Between 1961 and 1963, the Beatles made nearly 300 appearances, perfecting their stage show in the process. Subsequently, the Cavern Club has hosted the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Elton John, Queen, the Who, and many more. The building was reconstructed in the 1970s, though the newly built venue continues to attract crowds from all over the world who come for the atmosphere and a diverse range of exciting acts.
We recommend grabbing a ticket for a show at the venue so you can soak in the atmosphere for yourself and see why it has etched its name into music history. Alternatively, the Cavern Club is part of the Liverpool Beatles free tour, during which you can learn more about the band’s history in the city.
5. Go on a Pub Crawl at Liverpool’s Historic Venues
Liverpool’s pubs are iconic institutions steeped in history and tradition. From cosy taverns to lively bars, each one offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors come together to share a moment of togetherness.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub or a trendy bar, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in Liverpool. The most famous areas in the city for nightlife are Mathew Street (home to the Cavern Club) and Castle Street. We recommend taking a stroll down these streets and seeing which vibe is for you! If you’re looking for specific venues in the city, these are three of the most famous:
- For classic pub food: The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a magnificent Victorian pub and the most famous in the city.
- For live music: The Grapes, an establishment on Liverpool’s quayside, frequented by the Beatles.
- For a traditional pub: Ye Hole in ye Wall, the city’s oldest pub.
6. Enjoy a Magical Mystery Tour through Penny Lane
‘Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes…’ How can you miss the street that inspired one of the Beatles’ most famous songs? The story goes that Paul McCartney and John Lennon would travel through Penny Lane when going to each others’ houses, changing bus at the terminus. The song is a reflection on the time that they spent together, recalling nostalgically various elements of the street which had remained in McCartney’s mind through the years.
On this Beatles history tour, a very special Magical Mystery bus tour around Liverpool, you’ll see Penny Lane and the places the song is about the barbershop, the newsagent and the bench on the corner, as well as the homes of the band members. Learn about the history of this area and a deeper insight into the fascinating history of the band which has attracted a fanbase that transcends generations.
7. Marvel at the Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The largest cathedral in the UK and the fifth largest in the world, construction began in 1904 but was not completed until 1978. With its towers rising to a height of over 100 metres (328 ft), this is a marvel of modern Gothic architecture.
Inside the cathedral, you can admire impressive vaulted ceilings, colourful stained glass windows and ornate sculptures that fill this sacred space. You’ll also find the Willis & Walker pipe organ, one of the largest in the world, as well as an impressive altar. Admission is free!
8. Vibe at the British Music Experience
While Liverpool is primarily known for the Beatles, Liverpool is a must-stop destination for everyone interested in music. Liverpool has been classified as a UNESCO City of Music and music is at the heart of the city’s cultural identity. The British Music Experience provides an ultimate history of British rock and pop, both in Liverpool and across the country.
With your ticket for the British Music Experience, located on Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, you can enjoy an unforgettable visit to discover the country’s most brilliant artists and groups: Freddie Mercury and Queen, David Bowie, Oasis, Adele, the Spice Girls, the Beatles and many others!
9. Escape to Strawberry Fields Forever
What is Strawberry Field, made famous by the lyrics of the hit Strawberry Fields Forever? Now a pop culture icon, it was once a Salvation Army children’s home near John Lennon’s childhood home. As a boy, Lennon would play in the gardens of this house. With your ticket to Strawberry Field, you can push open the famous red gate and discover the history of Strawberry Field through an interactive exhibition.
10. Gain an Insight into Liverpool at the Merseyside Maritime Museum
Also located in the iconic Albert Dock, this museum will immerse you in the maritime history of Liverpool and its region. There are interactive displays on maritime trade and shipbuilding, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the Titanic, which was built by a Liverpool company. You’ll also discover an impressive collection of historical artefacts, models and captivating accounts of the city’s maritime history. A must-see for history buffs!
How to Get to Liverpool
Liverpool is easily accessible from all of England’s major cities. You can take the train from London, Manchester, Birmingham or other major cities. John Lennon Airport also caters for national and international flights, and Civitatis offers transfers to Liverpool. Locally, you can get around easily by bus, train or on foot to tour the city and explore all the treasures Liverpool has to offer.
A city steeped in history and culture: there’s plenty of things to do in Liverpool—and you can do it all with Civitatis! With its iconic landmarks, museums and unique atmosphere, Liverpool is sure to impress. If you’re still not inspired enough to book your ticket, check out more activities in Liverpool with Civitatis and fill your trip!
