The ultimate local’s Liverpool travel guide (2026)
Of everywhere I’ve ever visited, my home city of Liverpool remains one of my favourite places in the world.
Before the true Scousers come at me, I’m from the Wirral. But from years living nearby, in the city (including through lockdown – a strange bubble in time of its own!) and even studying at the University of Liverpool, I’d say I’m pretty qualified to create this Liverpool travel guide.
This guide is tried & tested; no crap, but built from watching the city change over the years and knowing which bits of advice are out of date or just plain wrong.
And Liverpool has changed. Since it became Capital of Culture in 2008, it kicked off a genuine revival: negative in some eyes as thriving independent businesses (remember the iconic Quiggins?) were shunted out the way to create megalith Liverpool One, but undoubtedly a period that transformed the city.
Now, South Liverpool has become an incredibly sought-after place to live and the Baltic Triangle has evolved from a cluster of abandoned warehouses to a multitude of bars and restaurants with a brand new train line being built to serve it. Most guides created by tourists passing through can’t capture that.
So, consider this your complete Liverpool travel guide: where to stay, eat, prioritise seeing and the practical stuff you might not get elsewhere.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to visit Liverpool?
If you ask me, the UK in winter is a pretty grim place to be. So, while there’s no season I’d tell you to avoid outright, November to April brings a bigger chance of wind, storms and rain for days on end. Not that summer guarantees a sun-filled trip either!
What will impact your trip more are events. For example:
Match days
Prepare for crowded public transport to Anfield and the Hill Dickinson Stadium, packed out pubs and, depending on your view, a lively or slightly chaotic atmosphere. Hotel prices can spike around major games and there’ll be heavier traffic if you’re driving.
Festival season
Liverpool is home to a few smaller summer festivals; think On The Waterfront (frequented by Snow Patrol, Paul Weller, CamelPhat and more in recent years) and Africa Oyé, a formerly free festival at Sefton Park that’s just started charging for day or weekend passes.
There are also popular arty events, such as Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art and the River of Light, a two-week spectacle around Bonfire Night that’s super popular with families.
Christmas
Like any major city, Christmas sees central Liverpool flooded with shoppers and bars hosting excellent themed evenings.
We even have our own small scale Christmas market outside St George’s Hall, complete with a few fairground rides and all your classic food stalls charging extortionate prices for a Bailey’s hot chocolate (my festive tipple of choice), toasted marshmallows and Belgian fries.
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, pack for typical UK weather and expect it to be windy at our coastal location.
Getting to Liverpool and getting around
By air
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is small but excellent to travel from if there’s a direct flight to your destination. There’s not a huge amount of shops and bars but you can be through security and onto your plane relatively quickly. There are a few bus routes operating from the airport to Liverpool City Centre, including the 500 (the fastest option), 86A and 80A.
For long-haul flights, Manchester Airport is usually the better bet. You can take a train directly from Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street in just over an hour.
By train or bus
Liverpool is connected to many major UK cities by train, including a two hour high speed service from London. Typically for this country, fares can be expensive so try to book ahead or use a railcard.
Bus and coach connections are plentiful and usually cheaper, but can take considerably longer so I’d only recommend this option if you’re on a tight budget.
Once you’re here
If you’re staying in the city centre and don’t plan to venture far away, everywhere is really walkable or a short Uber/taxi ride away.
Black cabs are the most expensive and Uber is really convenient but I prefer to use a local service like Alpha or Delta Taxis where available, as they don’t charge their drivers such ridiculously high fees.
You can also hire e-scooters and e-bikes via Bolt – scooters require you to have at least a provisional driving licence, as you must ride on the road.
The famous ferry across the Mersey will take you for a scenic ride from £14 per adult or a day trip to the Wirral for £4.20 per adult return. It’s a cool thing to do as the view of Liverpool’s skyline is pretty epic, but not essential if you’re short on time.
Where to stay in Liverpool
Location-wise, you can’t go wrong in the city centre – just avoid Concert Square if you want any sleep! Here are some of my favourite hotel picks:
The Municipal Hotel: well-known for its beautiful restaurant and bar area, The Municipal Hotel is right in the heart of the action on Dale Street.
The Resident: if you do want to be close to the main bar area for going out, The Resident’s rooms are on the small side but perfectly comfortable for a night or two.
Hope Street Hotel: a gorgeous spot on scenic Hope Street in easy reach of some brilliant dining spots and both of Liverpool’s incredible cathedrals. Stays here are pretty affordable considering the lovely aesthetic and booking a spa package is worth the small upgrade fee.
Cove Paradise Street: right in the heart of Liverpool One, Cove Paradise Street is the ideal place for a shopping stay.
Titanic Hotel: this one is around 20 minutes walk to the city centre, located down on Stanley Dock. If you’re looking for a quieter location and don’t mind the walk or cab ride, rooms are beautiful and it also comes equipped with a beautiful underground spa.
If you’re looking to stay slightly outside the city centre, consider Aigburth, Allerton or Lark Lane. Each has tons of independent cafes, a more village-y feel and is still relatively close to town – you can walk from Lark Lane in around 50 minutes if you so desire! For coastal vibes, Crosby or Formby are decent options to grab an Airbnb with the best of both.
Top things to do in Liverpool
All the famous attractions are that way for a reason: I’d genuinely recommend a lot of them for first-time visitors. First up, I’ll talk through my favourites before going into those less up my street that might be more your vibe.
1. Liverpool’s two cathedrals
I’d definitely recommend popping into both the Metropolitan Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral. My personal favourite is Liverpool Cathedral, a spectacular red brick building and the largest religious building in Britain.
They often host different art installations and music events, as well as their famous tower climb with views well worth the ticket price.
2. Royal Albert Dock
From its 19th century trading history to its cultural role in the city today, the Albert Dock is an essential part of any first-timer’s trip to Liverpool. As well as The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool, there are many great restaurants to enjoy from chains like Rudy’s and Rosa’s Thai Cafe to some independent spots I’ve listed below.
3. World Museum
Of all the museums in Liverpool, I’d recommend the World Museum. Ok, it has nothing to do with the city (unlike the Museum of Liverpool on the docks), but from the Egyptian section to the Planetarium, the exhibits are genuinely awesome. A must-visit if you have kids or for a rainy day!
4. A football stadium tour
If you aren’t in town to catch a match, a tour of one of the city’s two stadiums is a great thing to do – even if you aren’t a huge footy fan. Obviously, if you support Liverpool FC or Everton FC, you’ll go with the stadium of your allegiance. I’m biased but if you don’t mind which, Anfield is by far the more iconic!
Stop for a famous pie at Homebaked while you’re out there too!
5. Royal Liver Building 360 tour
Still on my list of Liverpool cultural attractions to visit is the Royal Liver Building 360, an immersive tour of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. As well as checking out the visitor centre, you’ll get spectacular views from the viewing platform of the Liver Birds and city beyond.
6. Shop, shop, shop
Liverpool ONE is where you’ll find all the big chains and most stores have decent ranges! Bold Street and the Baltic Triangle have far fewer big names and far more independents. Out of town, Lark Lane is another great shout if independent shopping is what you’re after.
7. Sefton Park
Accessible by bus, taxi or on foot if you’re up for a longer walk (around 50 mins), a walk in Sefton Park and bite to eat on Lark Lane is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The Palm House is a gorgeous place to pop in if there’s not a wedding on, otherwise just stroll through the park.
8. The International Slavery Museum [closed for refurbishment]
A thoughtful nod to Liverpool’s history is currently undergoing major upgrades and being linked to the adjacent Maritime Museum. While it’s currently scheduled to reopen in 2029, I wanted to include it in this Liverpool travel guide for future reference.
9. Queen’s Avenue
Hidden in plain sight just off Castle Street and Dale Street, Queen’s Avenue is Liverpool’s most scenic street where you won’t regret taking a minute to step back in time. As well as snapping the obligatory Instagram photo, it’s home to wine and art shopping plus a couple of excellent food spots – more on that below.
10. St Luke’s ‘Bombed Out’ Church
A victim of WWII’s Blitz, the shell of St Luke’s Church has been beautifully preserved for visitors. As well as hosting weddings, you can visit the site for food festivals, markets and even cinema nights. Find it at the bottom of Hardman Street.
11. The Cavern Club
My honest opinion? If you’re a mega Beatles fan, check it out. If not, skip it! In fact, if you’re a Beatles fan, I’d recommend this instead…
12. Take a Beatles tour
Anyone I meet from abroad knows Liverpool for either LFC or The Beatles. If you’re a fan, there are tons of attractions around the city so a dedicated tour can be a great way to see everything with some facts and knowledge thrown in too.
Just some of the top spots include the Beatles statue on the waterfront (opposite the Three Graces), Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby’s grave, Penny Lane and The Beatles Story exhibition.
13. Picton Reading Room at Liverpool Central Library
Another photo-only stop (unless you have some essential work to crack on with), the Picton Reading Room is famous for its beautiful glass dome and symmetrical stacks of tomes lining the walls.
14. Williamson Tunnels
Back in the early 19th century, an eccentric businessman named Joseph Williamson constructed secret tunnels under Liverpool’s Edge Hill region. Yep, it’s as mad as it sounds. The registered heritage society runs tours every hour on Friday – Sundays for £5 per adult.
15. The toilets at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Before you think I’ve gone totally mad including toilets in this Liverpool travel guide, hear me out. As well as The Phil being one of Hope Street’s finest pubs, the Grade I listed men’s toilets with marble urinals are a sight to behold,
Just check with a staff member if you don’t have a certain appendage, otherwise you might walk in on something you don’t want to see!
16. Find the secret third Liver bird
Bella and Bertie, the two birds decorating the top of Liverpool’s Liver building, are incredibly famous but did you know there’s a third to find? My husband actually revealed this to me on an early date when we stood in the gardens of Our Lady and St Nicholas Church.
The white-painted bird is actually the original, said to be the mother bird watching the city that dates a fair few decades earlier than its well-known children. Stand in the garden, look up at the chambers and see if you can find it too!
Where to eat & drink in Liverpool
Eating my way around Liverpool has always been one of my favourite pastimes and the scene just keeps growing. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or somewhere worth dressing up for, the city’s got it covered.
I’ll be working on full guides to each of these soon, but in the meantime, here’s a quick peek into where I rate highest.
Breakfast and brunch
Breakfast out is the ultimate indulgence and if I’m headed into the city, my first ports of call are Ezra & Gil, Hardware, Bamboo and of course, the iconic Moose – first timers can’t miss this one!
After something a little more boozy? My full guide to the best bottomless brunches in Liverpool will point you in the right direction.
Lunch
For a quick and tasty bite, Rococo, Paolo & Donato’s Italian Deli and Rise give your classic cafe vibes. For something a little more substantial, I’d choose a banh mi at Doux Chanton, takeaway from Pasta Cosa or Listo Burrito or a few slices from Crust or American Pizza Slice.
Something sweet
If you’ve got room for dessert, Gooey’s cookies and doughnuts, Fluffy Fluffy souffle pancakes and pretty much anything from Heavenly Desserts will sort you right out. I’ve been raving about the afternoon tea at Cuthbert’s Bakehouse for years too!
Doogle’s Donuts on Lark Lane or Mon Petit Chou on Aigburth Road are also great shouts if you’re out of town.
Food markets
I always like a food market when you’re with a group or can’t decide what to choose. In recent years, more and more have opened in Liverpool but I’d recommend the Baltic Market (the OG) for vibes, Duke Street Market for a central Insta-worthy location or Renshaw Street Market for plenty of authentic Asian picks.
Dinner
This could easily be the longest section in my Liverpool travel guide but I’ll keep it brief for the sake of your time. The full lowdown is coming soon in a separate post!
Top tier are Bacaro (so much so that I’ve written a full Bacaro restaurant review), The Pen Factory, Papillon – we actually had our wedding party here and the food was UNREAL – Buyers Club and Bakchich.
You’ll also find local chains like Maray, Mowgli (now a national treasure), Tiger Rock and Maggie Fu in a few locations, making it easier to book a table. Final shout out goes to Yum Cha on Lark Lane for some of my favourite salt & pepper chicken with crispy noodles.
Somewhere special
When you want to push the boat out with a spot of fine dining, Liverpool is light on actual Michelin stars but heavy on ‘Selected’ restaurants such as “8″ by Andrew Sheridan, The Art School, NORD, Manifest and Pilgrim.
For special but slightly more relaxed, try Etsu‘s exceptional sushi, London Carriage Works and the tiny Queens Bistro.
Drinks
There are so many spots to drink in Liverpool, whether it’s loud and lairy karaoke on Matthew Street, sitting outdoors in Concert Square or hopping along Hope Street on a Saturday afternoon.
On a sunny afternoon, I’d always make a beeline for the Botanical Garden (read my Liverpool’s first gin garden review from over 10 years ago!), established favourite Kazimir Gardens or Daffodil, the far newer bar on an old ferry at the Albert Dock.
Otherwise, for more of a night out, hop between speakeasy-style Little Hardware, Tabac and Jenny’s or get on it at Frederick’s, Ye Cracke, White Hart Pub or The Merchant.
Practical tips for visiting Liverpool
Safety
Comparable to any other medium sized city in the UK, take the same sensible precautions in Liverpool and you should be fine. Don’t let outdated stereotypes put you off!
Budget
It’s noticeably cheaper than London and the South, but the UK isn’t cheap anymore! Budget accordingly, but affordable stays and eats are definitely out there to be found.
Tours
Hop-on hop-off tours run across the city centre but I wouldn’t say they’re essential for most visitors as Liverpool is genuinely walkable. However, if you’re specifically after some out-of-town attractions (like sights made famous by The Beatles) or of limited mobility makes walking difficult, they could be useful.
City passes
The Liverpool Pass bundles the bus and entry to the British Music Experience, River Explorer Cruise, The Beatles Story, Strawberry Field and The Liverpool FC Museum.
For £64.99 across 24 hours, consider it if you’ve got all of the above on your must-see list. Otherwise, pay as you go!
More Liverpool travel guide tips
Check out my guide to under the radar things to do in Liverpool. Plus, keep your eye out for more posts landing very soon!
Laura x
