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Liverpool - city in Merseyside, England, United Kingdom

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside, England, within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire, famed for its football teams, the Grand National horse race, music (including The Beatles), vibrant nightlife and its links with the arts and culture.

The city served as one of the leading ports linking Europe to the Americas, expanding to become England's second most populated city by the census of 1861, before slowly declining after 1921 as levels of transatlantic shipping dropped. Before airline travel, many Europeans migrating to the New World passed through the city, particularly the Italians and Irish; to this day the city enjoys a large Irish community, with impressive cathedrals for the Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths. In the 18th and early 19th century the port also acted as a gateway for the slave trade, with echoes of this period still evident in places around the city.

A comprehensive regeneration of the city centre has caused an influx of new shops, boutiques, and large performance/conference arenas near the waterfront; this has resulted in an upturn in population figures. The regenerated city now plays regular host to national and international conference, media and music events; examples include major political party conferences, the BBC Worldwide Showcase, the MTV Europe Awards, and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress.

Understand

The Three Graces, Pier Head, Liverpool Liverpool is a city with great cultural heritage and was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2008, with the famous Pier Head Waterfront being a UNESCO World Heritage site between 2004 and 2021. Liverpool is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and is also renowned for nurturing the talents of a wide range of musicians and band such as The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Elvis Costello. The city possesses the largest national museum collection outside of London and has a fascinating and turbulent history as a great world maritime centre. Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest Chinatown. The famous Grand National Horse Race takes place in the outskirts of the city (Aintree). It is also home to two very successful Premier League football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. People from Liverpool are called Liverpudlians, or more popularly, Scousers. The latter name comes from the local lamb stew recipe, scouse. The word "Liverpudlian" can also refer to supporters of Liverpool FC, while "Scouser" is seen as more inclusive of Evertonians.

Although historically part of Lancashire, in contrast to natives of neighbouring Manchester, most Scousers have a strong local identity and do not identify as Lancastrians.

Get in

By plane

Liverpool John Lennon Airport Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL), 53.333611°, -2.849722°. Around 160 flights arrive daily from within the UK and Europe. The airport is well-served by low-cost airlines including Easyjet and Ryanair. For a complete listing of airlines and destinations, please see the
destination list. 2022-06-29

Immediately outside the arrivals area, you will find a taxi rank and bus stops. Taxis to the city centre cost around £12 for the 20-minute journey.

Several bus routes go directly to the city centre from the airport:

  • The No. 500 Airport Express runs every 30 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre. Cost is £2.60 for adults, £1.40 for students, £1 for children and £5 for families.

The following local buses cost £2.30 to get into the city centre. They are as quick and cheaper to use than the Airport Express:

  • The No. 80A, run by Arriva, runs every 15 minutes and takes 45 minutes to the city centre.
  • The No. 82A, also run by Arriva, runs every 30 minutes and takes around 40 minutes to the city centre. This runs directly to Paradise Street interchange without stopping elsewhere in the city centre.
  • The No. 86A (Arriva) runs every 15 minutes during the day and now runs through the night, every half hour. This takes a little less time than the 80A as it is a more direct route down Smithdown Road. The journey time is 40 minutes but may be longer at peak traffic times.
  • The No. 81A also serves the airport but does not go into the city centre. It may prove useful if you want to visit Woolton or the north of the city, as the route goes around the city ring road, Queens Drive, and terminates in Bootle.

Liverpool South Parkway station, 53.3577°, -2.8897°. The 80A and 86A buses also stop here. It's a 10-minute journey from where a frequent train service runs to the city centre in about 15 minutes. This may be a better option at times of peak road traffic (8AM-9AM, 5PM-6PM). 2022-06-29

The airport has two onsite car parks and Skypark is nearby.

The airport offers a Fast Track service, which for a charge, means you can bypass the queue at security, but this tends to be worthwhile only for first flights of the day or if you risk missing your flight.

Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN) can also be used and may be a better option. It is about a 45-60 minute drive away from Liverpool. Direct train services also run between Liverpool Lime Street Station and Manchester Airport operated by Northern Rail. Manchester Airport serves a variety of long haul destinations in North America and Asia, as well as short haul services throughout Europe.

By train

Liverpool Lime Street Station Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain.

Liverpool is served by Liverpool Lime Street station 📍 which is in the heart of the city centre. Trains arrive frequently from many parts of England. Trains from London Euston arrive on the south side (right when viewed from the main entrance), while those from Manchester arrive on the north side. The Wirral Line of the city's underground network (detailed in the Merseyrail section below) stops in a tube tunnel under the station.

Liverpool is easily arrived at from London, Manchester, and the major cities of northern England by high-speed rail (by British standards - 125 mph) without changing trains. These services are provided by Avanti for London and the west coast and Transpennine Express for the north. Glasgow will also be added to this list, courtesy of Transpennine Express, in late 2019. These destinations are served by other companies, including Northern, EMR, and LNWR, which offer regional stopping services calling smaller destinations on the route. Birmingham and Norwich are the odd-ones-out, and are only connected by stopping services provided by LNWR and EMR respectively. Like all rail travel in the UK, there is no cost premium for using a high-speed service over a stopping one, and high-speed trains are often more modern and comfortable than stopping ones.

Liverpool is only about two hours from London by train. There's a train about every hour, with extra weekday evening peak services from London, and it's not too expensive to get there. You can get a saver ticket for £60 on the day of travel, or for as little as £8 if you book a couple of weeks in advance. Tickets are released three months in advance.

There is a direct train from Manchester Airport to Liverpool every hour at peak times (around 6:30AM–7:30PM). In addition, it is possible to reach Liverpool from Manchester Airport by changing at Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road.

Other main services:

  • Birmingham, 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min, half hourly
  • Manchester, 50 min – 1 hr 10 min, 5 trains an hour (3 fast to Piccadilly and Oxford Road, of which 1 via Earlestown and 2 via Warrington, 1 slow to Oxford Road (extra services in peak times) and 1 slow to Victoria)
  • Leeds, 2 hours, hourly. These trains continue to York (2 hr 15 min) and Newcastle upon Tyne (3 hr 15 mins).
  • Sheffield and Nottingham, 1 hr 30 min and 3 hours respectively, hourly

By bus

Liverpool Motorways

  • National Express, the UK's largest scheduled coach company, uses Liverpool One Bus Station. London is 4-5 hours away by coach and is served by a half a dozen services per day. Manchester is served by an hourly service taking a similar time to the train (except at rush hour). Manchester Airport can be reached by coach in under one hour, six coaches run per day.
  • Megabus operates a network across the UK. There is one bus daily from London to Liverpool. Journey time 4–5 hours. Prices also start at £1 and then increase depending on how far in advance you book. Megabus use the Liverpool One Coach Station.

A Park and Ride scheme aims to provide easy access to the city centre, for more information see National Park and Ride Directory.

By car

Liverpool has good motorway connections, being served by the M62 (from the M6), M53, M57 and M58.

If you are travelling from the south, your journey may take you across the River Mersey through one of the two road tunnels from Birkenhead or Wallasey, or across the Mersey Gateway or Silver Jubilee bridges from Runcorn to Widnes. Each of these crossings are tolled. At the tunnels, payment can be made in cash at the toll booth, but the bridges have only e-tolls. You must pay online at Merseyflow by midnight the following day or face a penalty charge through the post.

By boat

RMS Queen Mary 2 with HSC Manannan (Isle of Man Steam Packet) Liverpool Cruise Terminal opened in the city centre in 2007. Isle of Man Steam Packet services aboard HSC Manannan operate between Douglas and Liverpool city centre during summertime. At other times of the year, ferries going to the Isle of Man dock at Birkenhead, on the other side of the Mersey; for Liverpool, take the train or Mersey Ferry to get to Birkenhead ferry terminal. Gladstone Dock, Port of Liverpool, in neighbouring Bootle, has P&O Ferries to and from Dublin. For leisure boats coming from inland, there is a direct connection between the Mersey and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

From Birkenhead, pedestrians and cyclists can catch the Mersey Ferries commuter service every 20 minutes between 7:20AM and 9:40AM, with a journey time of 10 minutes to Liverpool's Pier Head. The evening return service operates every 20 min between 5PM and 6:40PM. An adult ticket costs £3/£3.80 single/return, and a child ticket costs £1.45/£2 single/return. You can also bring your bicycle for free. Between rush hours, the ferries operate a river cruise service which provides an hourly link from Birkenhead to Liverpool. However, this is aimed at tourists so the crossing is much more leisurely and the tickets cost three times as much.

Get around

VOI escooters for hire at the Albert Dock Bus providers strongly encourage contactless payment, but will take exact fares at a pinch. More information can be found on Merseytravel's Rethink Travel webpage. The Liverpool City Centre map by Andrew Taylor has a scale of 1:3,500, i.e. 18 inches to one mile. The map is so detailed it even names shops and so on. It can be bought at News from Nowhere in Bold St.

Liverpool City Centre is walkable, but those with mobility impairments or who are feeling lazy may prefer buses, Merseyrail, or taxis (including Uber, Ola, and local Delta as well as well as plentiful black cabs).

By public transport

By bus

Buses run out from the centre regularly from Liverpool One Bus Station in Canning Place (mainly to the south) and Queen Square Bus Station in Roe and Hood Sts. (mainly north/east). Both bus stations have travel centres with staff who will assist with which bus to get and from where. These travel centres also stock free transport guides and detailed timetable leaflets for each bus and train service. Highly recommended are the free 'map and guide' leaflets of the four main transport subdivisions of the Liverpool metropolitan area: Liverpool, Wirral (west), Southport (north) and St. Helens (east); these giant fold-out street maps show at a glance the route of every bus service (individual service leaflets are required for timetable information).

By Merseyrail (underground / metro)

Liverpool and the surrounding region is served by an excellent mass-transit system, which is indispensable for the visitor who wishes to explore outside the city centre. Destinations such as Chester, the Anthony Gormley sculpture "Another Place" (in Crosby), and the seaside town of Southport are popular tourist destinations on the network.

Due to the short distances involved, and the few central stations, the Merseyrail network is of limited value for money getting around the City Centre as the stations can be usually be walked between in the time it takes to descend, travel, and ascend, with the possible exception of James Street to Lime Street. The network has several gaps in coverage as the latest expansions of the City Centre (such as the Baltic Triangle and North Docks), and Anfield Stadium do not have nearby stations. The Knowledge Quarter university district also suffers from poor Merseyrail connectivity, with the nearest station down a steep hill. The local government is seeking to amend some of these deficits - for example, funding has been approved to re-open a defunct station in the Baltic Triangle.

Map of the Merseyrail network and City Line.

The Merseyrail lines are:

  • Northern Line (blue): This runs south-north from Hunts Cross to Southport, with branches to Ormskirk and Kirkby. Each branch runs at least twice an hour from 6AM (8AM on Sunday) to midnight, as does the main line, & the Ormskirk and Kirkby branches run along the main line as far as Liverpool Central.
  • Wirral Line (green): Trains on this line serve the city centre in a loop (James Street > Moorfields > Lime Street > Central > James Street), before running through a tunnel under the Mersey to Birkenhead. There, they branch out to West Kirby and Chester, with further branches to New Brighton and Ellesmere Port. Each branch runs at least twice an hour from 6AM (8AM on Sundays) to midnight, and all 4 branches run onto the loop.

Merseytravel also manages:

  • City Line (red): Not really a Merseyrail line, but a collective name encompassing all mainline local services from Lime Street. It has 4 branches, unusually named "books" after the booklets the timetables are distributed in:
    • Book 1 serves the Liverpool to Manchester route via Warrington.
    • Book 2 serves Liverpool South Parkway, branching out there to Runcorn and Crewe (local half-hourly; expresses to London and Birmingham also use this line), and to Warrington Central and Manchester Oxford Road & Piccadilly (local half-hourly, express half-hourly).
    • Book 3 services, along the world's first mainline railway, run to Manchester (hourly stopping trains to Victoria, hourly expresses to Oxford Road and Piccadilly (local services half-hourly, expresses half-hourly).
    • Book 4 connects Liverpool with St Helens and Wigan North Western, and Blackpool. Local services at least twice an hour run 6AM (9AM on Sundays) to midnight. Hourly express services continue to Preston. On their previous journey into Lime Street, many of these expresses came via South Parkway, which may be beneficial to passengers bearing luggage.

The City Centre is served by four stations. The Wirral Line serves all in a clockwise loop, while the Northern Line runs both ways north-south and serves Liverpool Central and Moorfields. City Line trains use ground-level platforms at Lime Street.

  • Moorfields 📍 is located on a small one-way street between Dale and Tithebarn Sts. in the business district.
  • Lime Street 📍 is in a prominent position in the north-east of the city centre. It is closest to the museums on William Brown St.
  • Liverpool Central 📍 is in a shopping centre accessed from Ranelagh and Bold Sts. It is most convenient for the shopping area & cathedrals.
  • James Street 📍 is accessed by lifts on James St. or a steep ramp (limited access, rush hours only) on Water St. Nearby sights include the Liver Building on Pier Head. Liverpool South Parkway, on the City and Northern Lines. It is the closest station to John Lennon Airport, to which it has a shuttle bus. It also provides a direct interchange from regional and long-distance services to the Northern Line, should your train stop there.

If you are switching from Merseyrail to the National Rail network, use Lime Street, which Liverpool's main station; Liverpool Central is only the central station of the Merseyrail network. In addition, some locals may refer to services on the City Line as the Northern, named after the regional train operating company, which should not be confused with the Northern Line run by Merseyrail_._

A common mistake made by visitors is to think of the Wirral Line's city-centre loop as a circular line - implying that if one misses their stop, they may wait for it to come around again. In reality the loop is shaped like a lasso; if you stay on a train after passing through James Street a second time you will unexpectedly find yourself in Birkenhead.

Ticketing

Although an urban system, Merseyrail is a National Rail operator, meaning that ticketing is seamless between it and mainline rail services. A ticket can be bought from anywhere in the country to a Merseyrail station, and vice-versa, with no need to purchase a separate ticket for the Merseyrail network. This saves money and is very useful if you wish to travel directly to a part of the Liverpool City Region with no mainline rail service. Buying a simple single or return ticket from a ticket office or machine is the same as buying any other National Rail ticket.

Northern Line trains at Liverpool Central, a major interchange between the two lines of the Merseyrail network.

Saveaway, Solo and Trio travel passes can be purchased from travel centres or Merseyrail stations. Liverpool and its surrounding areas are divided up into areas, each sub-divided into zones: the cost of each ticket typically depends upon how many zones/areas you want to travel in. If a journey takes you outside the boundary allowed by your ticket, you can typically purchase a regular ticket on the bus or train to cover just the extra required.

  • Solo and Trio passes are weekly, monthly or annual travel passes, usable at any time of the day. Solo tickets may be used only on buses; Trio tickets may be used on buses, ferries or Merseyrail trains. The pass may only be purchased from Merseytravel centres, but it can be renewed (up to three days before expiry) at any travel or train station in Merseyside.
  • A Merseyrail Only Railpass is a cheaper alternative, but is not valid on the City Line (despite stations carrying Merseyrail branding, the train service is provided by regional operator Northern).
  • Walrus cards are smart travel cards that are ideal for the majority of short term visitors. They are cheap, off-peak (after 9:30AM M-F, all day Sa & Su) single-day tickets that cover buses, ferries and Merseyrail trains. They may also be used by more than one person (although not at the same time). They are £3.90 for unlimited off-peak travel in 'Area C' (covering the city centre, west out to Huyton, north to Crosby and south to Speke), and £5.20 for an 'All-Zone' ticket covering the whole of the Merseytravel area (perfect for visiting the Wirral, Chester or Southport). Cards are available from all stations, Travelcentres, and shops displaying the yellow 'PayPoint' sign.
  • The Walrus card is being phased out in favour of the Metro Card, to which Merseytravel plan to add advanced features including online ticket purchasing and eventually tap-in-tap-out ticketing. As of 2019, the two systems are both in use and functionally indistinguishable.

Adult bus fares on the main operators are: Arriva flat fare of £2.30 throughout the Liverpool area, £3.70 for Liverpool area Day Ticket, £4.40 for Northwest area. Stagecoach flat fare of £2.00 throughout the Liverpool area, £3.30 for Liverpool area Day Ticket, £3.60 for Northwest area. Arriva and Stagecoach Day and Weekly tickets may be used on either companies buses on new Quality Partnership Routes 10/10A/10B/10C (Huyton,St Helens), 86/86A/86D/86E( Speke,Airport,South Parkway), 53/53A (Crosby,Aintree), 14/14X (Croxteth,Kirkby). Similar flat fares are available from the other operators as well. There are a few night bus services on a Saturday night costing £3.00. (All prices correct as of April 2017.)

Some buses, such as early morning and hospital services, have a fixed fare of £1.10. This includes the City Centre Circular buses C1 to C5.

If you plan to travel a lot, a pass presents much better value. Generally speaking, you save money with two or more train trips or three or more bus journeys.

As of 2019, both major bus companies accept contactless payment (including Apple Pay and Google Pay, although unlike London you still have to buy a ticket from the driver). Having spare cash is recommended as some buses on minor routes may not yet be equipped.

By bike

National Cycle Route 56, Albert Dock National Cycle Route 56, National Cycle Route 62 and 810 run into Liverpool.

A useful cycle map of Liverpool called 'Liverpool Cycle Map' is apparently jointly issued by Merseytravel, the Liverpool City Council, and Travelwise Merseyside. It is free and can be ordered at 0151 330 1253, or http://www.letstravelwise.org/content227_Cycling.html. You might be lucky to be given one at a store, such as GIANT.

  • Voi Liverpool. Liverpool’s Voi cycle hire scheme offers bike hire from more than 140 stations across the city.
  • Giant, Parliament St, opposite Grafton St. Opens at 10AM. A bicycle dealer which also rents out bikes of the very upmarket type. Their policy seems to be not to rent out locks to avoid any responsibility if the bike gets stolen (which seems an unusual idea, but that seems to be what they do), so be prepared to bring a lock or buy one from them. Nice staff. £40 for 2 days 2015-08-02

Talk

English is the main language, but it is spoken with a very distinctive Scouse accent that has strong Irish and Welsh influences, and differs greatly even from that of the surrounding areas. There was historically a large Welsh-speaking population in Liverpool, to the extent that the National Eisteddfod was held in the city three times between 1884 and 1929. While there is still a Welsh-speaking minority, most Welsh-descended people adopted English as their sole native language over the course of the 20th century. Due to the city's status as a port city and waves of immigration over the centuries, Chinese, Italian, French, and Spanish are spoken by some. Indeed, Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest permanent Chinese community. In some parts, South American Spanish is spoken due to immigration from Latin America. Creole languages can be heard occasionally due to the large Afro-Caribbean community.

See

Old (St. Nicholas and Our Lady Church) and new architecture Liverpool is particularly famous for its architecture, to the point where English Heritage consider it England's finest Victorian city. Once dilapidated and dirty during the dark times of the 1980s, modern Liverpool presents its architecture with full civic pride.

Pier Head

Museum of Liverpool The Wheel The harbour of Liverpool has played a very important role in modern history of the city. The wharf area drained by the Mersey River gives to the city an air of antiquity, which is quite strange and interesting because of the contrast between modern buildings and conventional buildings. The Pier Head was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO between 2004 and 2021, when it was controversially delisted due to modern development.

  • Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG (on the riverside, get off at James St station), 53.402939°, -2.995625°, +44 151 478 4545. 10AM-5PM. A large museum all about the city of Liverpool and its history from ancient inhabitants of the area to its modern revival. Not to be confused with the World Museum, which is more "general" in scope. Free 2022-07-05
  • Royal Liver Building, 53.40585°, -2.99592°. Iconic symbol of Liverpool waterfront. This 1911 skyscraper still dominates the distinctive Liverpool skyline. It is the home of the legendary Liver Birds that sit on top of the building looking out across to the Wirral. The river-facing face of the clock is six feet larger in diameter than that of the clock tower at Westminster.
  • Titanic Memorial is north side of the Royal Liver Building, a sober granite monument to the 244 engineers lost with the ship.
  • The Beatles Story (Fab4D Cinema), Pier Head, 53.399°, -2.992°. A film telling a story using The Beatles as a theme.
  • Canada Boulevard, The Pierhead, 53.40454°, -2.99605°. Runs the entire length of the Three Graces frontage and consists of a boulevard of maple trees with plaques laid into the pavement listing the Canadian ships lost during the Second World war.
  • British Music Experience, 53.405229153066664°, -2.9953810572624206°, +44 151 519 0915. 10-6. £14 2019-08-07
  • Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, L3 1BP, 53.40378546789892°, -2.9936260537887165°, +44 151 236 6768. 10-5. 2019-08-07

Albert Dock

Albert Dock, 53.40032°, -2.99264°. This is one of the more sophisticated places in Liverpool and is situated in the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK. Old warehouses have been converted into shops, apartments, restaurants, pubs, hotels, galleries and museums. For fans of the old This Morning with Richard and Judy TV programme, this is also where the 3D island weather map was in the centre of the dock on the water. Free

City centre

  • St George's Hall, Lime St (near railway station), 53.40867°, -2.98017°. A mammoth of a Greco-Roman-style building which was built by wealthy merchants for the people of the city. It is arguably the finest neo-classical building in Western Europe, and has been thoroughly restored for Capital of Culture Year. Inside it has one of the best church organs in Europe. On the outside it has a selection of classical murals which were thought quite shocking in their day (due to the shameful female nudity). Free
  • World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, L3 8EN (near St. George's Hall), 53.40992°, -2.98162°. This is a fine building and well worth a visit. It contains an excellent collection of British rocketry exhibits, as well as the best Egyptological collection outside London. Free
  • Liverpool Central Library, 53.40983°, -2.98062°. This is another fine building, boasting a beautiful circular reading room. Free
  • Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, L3 8EL (near St George's Hall), 53.41002°, -2.97959°, +44 151 478-4199. Daily 10AM-5PM. A nice neoclassical building opened in 1871, which forms an ensemble with the Central Library. Free
  • Liverpool Town Hall, 53.40713°, -2.99165°. Built in 1754, the Official Residence of Liverpool's Lord Mayor is an elegant stone building, having two fronts; one towards Castle Street, the other towards the area formed by the New Exchange Buildings. Each front consists of an elegant range of Corinthian columns, supporting a pediment, and are themselves supported by a rustic base. Between the capitals are heads, and emblems of commerce in basso-relievo; and on the pediment of the grand front is a noble piece of sculpture representing Commerce committing her treasures to the race of Neptune.
  • Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, L69 3DR (near the Catholic Cathedral), 53.40613°, -2.96615°, +44 151 794-2348, vgm@liv.ac.uk. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. The University of Liverpool's museum comprising their art collection and artefacts housed in an amazing Gothic building which coined the term 'red brick university'.
  • Williamson's Tunnels, The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, L7 3EE, 53.40617°, -2.95717°, +44 151 709-6868, enquiries@williamsontunnels.co.uk. Heritage Centre Tu-Su. In the early 1800s, a Liverpool tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson, funded the construction of an enormous labyrinth of tunnels under the Edge Hill area of Liverpool. Nobody knows his reasons for doing so though many guess it as an act of philanthropy, using his wealth to provide jobs and training for thousands of Liverpool workers. There is also a Williamson's Tunnels Heritage Centre.
  • The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, 53.40415°, -2.98389°, +44 151 702-5324, info@thebluecoat.org.uk. Daily 10AM-6PM. The Bluecoat is the oldest Grade 1 listed building in Liverpool’s city centre, dating back to 1717. Following a £14.5 million redevelopment, it re-opened in March 2008 with a new wing of galleries and a state-of-the-art performance space. It showcases talent across artistic disciplines including visual art, music, literature, dance and live art. It helps nurture new talent by providing studio spaces for artists. Free
  • FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology), 88 Wood Street, L1 4QD, 53.4022°, -2.9778°, +44 151 707-4444, operations@fact.co.uk. Offers exhibitions, film and participant-led art projects. The building is home to three galleries (showing four exhibitions per year), a beautiful café operated by the team behind LEAF on Bold Street, a cosy bar and four film screens. Usualy free

Religious buildings

The Anglican Cathedral

  • Our Lady and St Nicholas church, 53.40704°, -2.99481°. This is the city's parish church and home to the third Liver Bird (there are in fact three of them, not two).
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King (Paddy's Wigwam), Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ, 53.40496°, -2.96854°, +44 151 709-9222. Catholic. Affectionately known by the locals as Paddy's Wigwam or "the Pope's launching pad". Visit on a sunny day as the stained glass ceiling looks fantastic! Free
  • Liverpool Cathedral (Anglican Cathedral), St James Mount, L1 7AZ, 53.39740°, -2.97311°, +44 151 709-6271. It may not look like a wigwam, but is so imposing that the architect of Lord Derby's tomb claimed that no self-respecting church mouse would live there. As a result, he incorporated a mouse into the design of the tomb - it's just under Lord Derby's pillow. Liverpool Cathedral is one of the finest examples in the world of Gothic revival architecture. The building is truly vast, as the largest religious building in the UK and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. On a clear day, the tower affords breathtaking views over Liverpool, Merseyside and beyond, with some of Manchester's skyscrapers visible if weather permits. Free 2019-07-22
  • Princes Road Synagogue (Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation), 53.39502°, -2.96506°. This is an impressive combination of Gothic and Moorish architecture by the Audsley brothers. The colourful interior has to be seen to be believed. Tours can be arranged through their web site.
  • Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Princess Road, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 1XB, 53.39316°, -2.96169°, +44 151 724-3500, friakovos@gmail.com. Dedicated to St Nicholas the patron saint of seafarers. Built between 1865 and 1870, it was the second purpose built Greek Orthodox Church in England. The architecture of the building is a typical example of the Byzantine style as used in many Eastern Greek Churches. A typical feature is the four domes of the building. Henry Summers, a master builder who built many fine buildings in the city, was commissioned to build the church.
  • St Brides, Percy St, L8 7LT, 53.397457°, -2.969661°.
  • St Philip Neri Church, 53.399°, -2.969°. Byzantine inspired design, built between 1914 and 1920
  • The Nordic Church (Gustaf Adolfs Kyrka, or locally as the Swedish Church), 138 Park Lane, L1 8HG, 53.398794°, -2.982673°, +44 151 709-7763.
  • St Luke's Church (The Bombed-Out Church, Church of St Luke), on the corner of Berry St and Leece St (From the city centre, just walk up Bold St), 53.40175°, -2.97516°. St Luke's Church was badly damaged during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, and remains as a roofless shell. It now stands as a memorial to those who were lost in the war, and is also a venue for exhibitions and events (such as, open-air cinema). 2015-08-15

Around Liverpool

Speke Hall

  • Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD (near John Lennon Airport, national cycle network route 62), 53.33678°, -2.87421°, +44 151 427-7231, spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk. This is a half-timbered Tudor house set on large grounds. It has parts dating back to the 1530s. Easily accessible from John Lennon Airport, as these days it is practically at the end of the runway. 2019-07-22
  • Croxteth Hall and Country Park, 53.44283°, -2.89207°. This is one of Liverpool's most important heritage sites, one of "the finest working country estates in the North West" and was the winner of the European Capital of Culture 2008. The park is at the heart of what was once a great country estate stretching hundreds of square miles and was the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton. After the death of the last Earl it was given to the City of Liverpool. The estate has four main attractions - The Historic Hall, Croxteth Home Farm, the Victorian Walled Garden and a 500-acre country park including the new Croxteth Local Nature Reserve. A new addition to what's on offer at Croxteth is the West Derby Courthouse. Dating from the reign of Elizabeth I, this is one of the oldest public buildings in Liverpool.
  • Sefton Park Palm House, Sefton Park (national cycle network route 56). Grade II* listed conservatory of exotic plants with cafe and public events. Free
  • Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Aigburth, 53.37356°, -2.92146°. An art gallery which contains the collection of George Holt in its original setting. It includes work by Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, Edwin Landseer and J. M. W. Turner. Free
  • Wavertree Botanic Gardens, 53.406°, -2.942°. Free

Guided tours

Replica of John Lennons Rolls Royce Phantom V For those in a hurry there are a number of operators offering guided tours, either using their own transportation or offering their services as "hop-on, hop-off Guides" on your coach or offering guided walks. The best way of getting an overview of the city, is by taking the City Explorer open-top bus run by Maghull Coaches. With 12 stops you can hop on and off all day. Qualified local guides provide the commentary and can answer your questions about the city. For Beatles fans, there is the Magical Mystery Tour which will take you around the places associated with the Beatles both in the city centre and in the suburbs. For a more tailored tour, there's Liverpool Entente Cordiale Tours. Their Liverpool tour guides can plan a walk for you or hop on your coach and guide you around the city. They offer tours in English or French.

Do

  • The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, 53.4042°, -2.9839°, +44 151 702-5324, info@thebluecoat.org.uk. The Bluecoat (not to be confused with The Bluecoat School, which is a grammar school in Wavertree) is a world-famous prestigious school dating back to the 18th century, and is one of the oldest arts schools in Europe. It hosts arts exhibitions as well as music and literary events, but also offers tuition in fine art, music and literature.
  • Liverpool Arena (M&S Bank Arena), Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP (Merseyrail: James Street [wirral]), 53.39756°, -2.99164°, +44 844 800 0400. 11,000-capacity arena for music, comedy and theatre performances. 2022-11-29

Mersey Ferry Snowdrop

  • Mersey Ferries, Pier Head, George Parade, L3 1DP (in front of the Cunard Building), 53.4046°, -2.9971°, +44 151 330 1003. Departures hourly M-F 10AM-4PM Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Immortalised by the hit song "Ferry Cross the Mersey" by Gerry & the Pacemakers, the ferries offer a fun 50-minute cruise with commentary up and down the river and across to Birkenhead, where you may disembark. There's no better way to see Liverpool's skyline. No matter the time of year or the weather conditions on land, bring warm clothing. See Mersey Ferry for more. River explorer: adult £11.50, child (aged 5-15) £7.50, under 5 free, concession £10

Music

  • The Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Liverpool 9–13 May 2023. The semifinals and final (in Liverpool Arena) will be televised. The 2022 contest in Turin was won by Ukraine, so normally they would host the next, but in wartime that isn't practical.
  • Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Liverpool Phil), 36 Hope Street, L1 9BP, 53.401694°, -2.970467°, +44 151 709-3789. One of the world's great orchestras. Go for a pre-concert drink in the Philharmonic pub over the road then sit back and let the music carry you away.
  • Arts Club, 90 Seel St, L1 4BH (Merseyrail: Liverpool Central [northern][wirral]), 53.4015°, -2.9778°, +44 151 559-3773. A venue which hosts rock, jazz and reggae concerts with well-known artists. Accommodates up to 1,300 people and there are no seats. Much of the venue is wheelchair accessible. Tickets in the range of ₤20–30
  • Africa Oye celebrates African music and culture. It's held in Sefton Park, with the next probably on 17 / 18 June 2023, TBC.
  • International Beatle Week is in August, multiple venues. A vast list of gigs performed by bands from all over the world, the annual Beatles Convention, plus screenings and other events looking back on the Beatles' career and their relationship with their home city. The next is 23-29 Aug 2023.

Theatre

Comedy

  • Comedy nights are featured on Friday and Saturday at Baby Blue, a nice club on the exclusive Albert Dock. Check online for more info and tickets.
  • Also for laughs, try Rawhide at the Royal Court Theatre, which showcases some of the best in regional and national comedy talent.
  • Every June or July there is a fortnight-long Liverpool Comedy Festival which takes place in venues across the city. One event not to be missed is the now legendary Drink up Stand up pub crawls which includes four pubs, four comedians, one compere (host) and a megaphone!

Arts

Museums

  • Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AQ (on the Liverpool waterfront), 53.40126°, -2.99285°, +44 151 478-4499. Daily 10AM-5PM. Dedicated to the maritime history of the city, complete with galleries on customs and excise and emigration to the New World. There are also a number of vessels to see, such as the Mersey river tug Brocklebank and the river cargo carrier Wyncham. A museum permanent gallery is devoted to the Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland, ocean liners lost at sea from 1912-1915 with a total of 3,700 fatalities. free
  • International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AX (Within the Merseyside Maritime Museum), 53.401°, -2.993°, +44 151 478-4499. 10AM-5PM. "Our aim is to address ignorance and misunderstanding by looking at the deep and permanent impact of slavery and the slave trade on Africa, South America, the USA, the Caribbean and Western Europe. Thus we will increase our understanding of the world around us." Dr David Fleming OBE, director, National Museums Liverpool Free
  • Western Approaches, 1-3 Rumford Street, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 8SZ, +44 151 227 2008, info@westernapproaches.org.uk. 10AM-5PM. A museum in the once a top-secret nerve centre in World War II Britain. This command centre based in Liverpool's city centre is underground and was the key communication point to Britain's gallant fleet of Royal Navy warships based in the Atlantic ocean. £10.50
  • The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, 53.39926°, -2.99184°, +44 151 709-1963, info@beatlesstory.com. The Beatles began in Liverpool. The Beatles Story is the only museum in the world that is entirely Beatles-themed, with exhibitions such as their instruments and other artifacts. Other attractions based on The Beatles include their homes, Penny Lane, commemorative statues, Strawberry Fields and others. £14.95 (age 17 and up) 2016-08-09

Sports

Better view from up here?

Spioenkop is Afrikaans for "Lookout Hill" - a steep hill 25 miles west of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 1900 Ladysmith was besieged by the Boers; British troops stormed the hill to try to break their lines, and held it for 24 hours in a bloody and bungled battle. Gandhi was a stretcher-bearer here, and Winston Churchill in the thick of it as a war correspondent. The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Lancasters, both with many Liverpool men, were heavily engaged. The British eventually withdrew, but succeeded in relieving Ladysmith four weeks later.

In England, 19th century football crowds just stood around the pitch, jostling for a view. At the big clubs this became unmanageable so they erected earth embankments, and later built stadia. Arsenal's was the first to be called "Spion Kop", closely followed by Liverpool then other clubs, and meant a steep terrace for home supporters behind the goals. These give a great view of action around the near goal, but on a misty winter evening it's sometimes hard to see what's happening around the far goalmouth.

But that was a familiar feeling to those fans' Victorian forebears. The British assault on Spioenkop took place in night, fog and confusion. Had they taken the nearby main summits as intended, they would have routed the Boers. Instead, as daybreak burned away the mist, they found themselves on a lesser hill from which they couldn't bombard the enemy, and couldn't defend. They'd captured the wrong Kop.

  • Liverpool FC, Anfield Rd, L4 0TH (2 miles north of centre off A5089 Walton Breck Road), 53.4308°, -2.9608°, +44 151 260 6677. Liverpool play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. They're one of the most successful clubs in the country, having won six European Cups and 19 domestic league titles. Their fans are famous for the atmosphere they create at Anfield (capacity 54,000) and their anthem of "You'll Never Walk Alone". While the rivalry with nearby Everton is intense (though famously friendly), it is the rivalry with Manchester United that is taken most seriously by the fans. Liverpool women's team were promoted in 2022 so they play in the Women's Super League, their top tier, but their home ground is Prenton Park in Birkenhead shared with Tranmere Rovers. 2022-05-08
  • Everton FC, Goodison Rd L4 4EL (Take any bus up Walton Lane or Walton Road), 53.4389°, -2.9664°, +44 871 663 1878. "The Toffees" play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier, and hold the record for spending the most number of seasons in the top division. Goodison Park, capacity 39,600, is two miles north of city centre. A new stadium is under construction at Bramley-Moore Dock, due to open in autumn 2024. The women's team plays in the Women's Super League, their top tier, at Walton Hall Park a mile north of Goodison. 2022-05-20
  • Go to the races at Aintree, Ormskirk Rd L9 5AS (5 miles north of city off A59; trains to Aintree), 53.474°, -2.954°. This course is renowned as home of the Grand National, the most formidable jumps race in the world, held in April each year. (Liverpool is mobbed when it's on.) They hold other jumps races in winter. 2020-03-25
  • Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside L19 3QF, +44 7950260165 (mobile), admin@northern-vision.co.uk. The longest running and largest tennis exhibition in Europe. 2019-08-08

Learn

Liverpool is home to three universities:

Although not strictly in Liverpool, two more are within its sphere of influence:

  • Edge Hill University (Ormskirk), a former teacher training college and now full university in a somewhat rural location.
  • University Centre St. Helens (St. Helens), the newest university centre in the region offering courses in business, social sciences, art, and STEM subjects.

Buy

Although the main shopping street in Liverpool is dominated by the same chain stores you'll find in any other large UK city, Liverpool has many distinctive shops of its own, including:

  • Gostins Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street, 53.403677°, -2.983524°. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The small shops inside sell goods ranging from books to tattoos.
  • Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw St, 53.4040°, -2.9767°. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The 40 small shops inside sell goods ranging from alternative clothing to used furniture.
  • Liverpool One, Liverpool One, Paradise St, 53.4040°, -2.9860°. Landmark development opened in 2008, redefining the city with three levels of shopping and entertainment and even a park. Offers a mixture of familiar highstreet chains and fashionable boutique stores
  • MetQuarter, 35 Whitechapel, L1 6DA, 53.40687°, -2.98587°. This shopping centre focuses on designer-label fashion and has more than 40 stores.
  • The Bluecoat, 53.4042°, -2.9839°. Located in the heart of Liverpool's shopping district, the Bluecoat houses a number of specialist independent retailers offering an eclectic range of products. Stocking the best in contemporary craft, design, fashion and homewares, the shops at the Bluecoat should be your first destination in the city for the unique and the unusual: Display Centre, Drum, Landbaby, Purlesque, Robert Porter.
  • St John's Shopping Centre, 125 St Georges Way, L1 1LY, 53.406590°, -2.981816°, +44 151 709-0916.
  • Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Great Charlotte St, L1 1QR, 53.405667°, -2.979882°, +44 151 709-4560.
  • Petticoat Lane Arcade, Petticoat Lane Arcade, 102 Bold Street, L1 4HY, 53.402462°, -2.977456°.

The upper part of Bold St (where it is not pedestrianised) has a number of independent dealers. There are also many nice cafes and restaurants in between.

Eat

There are various pubs serving food across the city centre and its suburbs. The two main areas are the City Centre and Lark Lane about three miles from the city centre in Aigburth. There are various restaurants on Allerton Road (near Liverpool South Parkway) as well. Expect to spend £10-15 for a meal for two. Check with your hotel first if they allow food delivery. There is also quite a number of places to eat in Liverpool One.

City Centre

  • Upstairs Restaurant Bar (Bluecoats), School Ln, 53.404542°, -2.984173°, +44 151 702-7783. Su M 11:30AM-6PM; Tu-Sa lunch 11:30AM-3PM, afternoon tea 3PM-5:30PM, dinner 6PM-11PM. Offering seasonal food and a great wine list in a creative setting. Also offers a special children's menu (under 12s).
  • Espresso Bluecoat (Bluecoats), School Ln, 53.404542°, -2.984173°. 8AM-6PM daily (later when there is an event on). Offering Illy coffee, Jing leaf teas, Monbana hot chocolate and a range of soft drinks together with a selection of sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes and biscuits that are freshly made on the premises and able to be eaten on site or taken away. Also available, is a fine selection of alcoholic beverages ranging from locally produced bottled lager to wines by the glass or by the bottle.
  • Rococo, 61 Lord St, L2 6PB, +44 151 227 4822. 2019-08-14

Student District, Georgian Quarter and Hope Street

Bold Street (upper part)

Bold St has a nice mixture of independent shops and interesting places to eat.

  • Miyagi, 77 Bold Street, 53.402627°, -2.977339°, +44 151 329-0222. Very good and fresh Japanese cuisine, really high standard, and delicious. The interior is a very successful fusion of the presumably Victorian style of the building and Japanese aesthetics. Highly recommended. You can eat for little more than £10 (if you do not have a drink or order tap water), but there are lots of small treats which probably add up quickly 2022-04-04
  • Maggie Mays, 90 Bold St, L1 4HY, 53.402614°, -2.977806°, +44 151 709-7600. Traditional cafe (but veggie breakfast is no problem) with modest prices. Nice, relaxing and, above all, authentic.
  • Leaf, 65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZ, 53.402943°, -2.977566°, +44 151 707-7747. 10AM-midnight. Large and quite popular cafe which caters to a modern population (there is even a vegan English breakfast as a matter of course) and also hosts cultural events. Quite loud downstairs, but can be peaceful upstairs if there is nothing on.
  • Quynny's Quisine, 45 Bold St, +44 151 708-7757, info@quynnysquisine.co.uk. Caribbean food. Easy to miss as the entrance is a yellow door with stairs leading down. Well kept secret.
  • The Tea House, 69 Bold St and 62 Mount Pleasant, +44 151 707-2088, info.teahousecafe@yahoo.co.uk. A modern Hong Kong-style tea house serving cheap and tasty Chinese meals, snacks and drinks.

Chinatown, Ropewalks and East Village

Chinatown is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane, Parr Street and Seel Street.

Liverpool One

Commercial District, Dale Street and Victoria Street

Pier Head and Albert Dock

The Floating Grace

Lark Lane

The Albert, Lark Lane Lark Lane is about 2.5 miles to the south of the city centre, a very pleasant (and less stressful than the city) place and is one of the better places to eat out. The road, which connects Aigburth Road with Sefton Park, is home to many unique restaurants, cafés and other shops. It is quite isolated, i.e. you will only find residential areas around it, but the street itself is worth the trip. Most pubs and bars serve real ales. Some choice picks include:

Drink

Liverpool's nightlife is both famous and infamous, with Rough Guides placing a night out in the city at number three on their list of fifty things to do before you die. There's a huge selection of pubs, clubs and bars to suit a variety of music and atmospheric tastes. Friday and especially Saturday nights are the busiest nights, although a few bars are busy with students throughout the week. The areas around Mathew Street and Concert Square with nearby Wood Street are the main two nocturnal focal points. There is a good mix of locals and students. It is best to dress smart for the majority of bars and clubs (such as "Society" and "Garlands"). Notable exceptions are places like Le Bateau, the Krazy house, the Caledonia and other places of a similar alternative style. Like any major UK city, it is pretty safe out at night. The local police have had a heavy presence on a Friday and Saturday night to combat any problems and are largely succeeding. It is pretty busy getting out of the city centre at the end of a weekend (especially at the start of university term time - Sep/Oct). There are plenty of black hackney cabs which congregate at various taxi ranks. The Merseyrail system works until about midnight, whilst there are a series of dedicated night buses which run from the main bus stations, usually for a flat fare. All modes of transport tend to become very busy from around midnight.

Liverpool is home to the Cains brewery which produces a large selection of cask beers.

  • Dr Duncan's, St John's Lane – This is the premier pub for the local Cains brewery. It has a fine reputation and consequently is full of middle-aged professional drinkers. The pub has the full range of Cains beers, including Dr Duncan's IPA. Rudimentary bar menu, but good busy atmosphere on the weekend.
  • The Dispensary, Intersection of Renshaw and Leece Streets – Another of the local Cains brewery houses. Charming Victorian bar area. Usually has two rotating guest beers, plus a large selection of bottled beers and ciders.
  • The Globe, 17 Cases St (tucked away, adjacent to Clayton Square shopping centre, opposite the Ranelagh Street entrance of Central Station). A small, often cramped. This is a traditional Liverpool pub, with no-nonsense barmaids. Usually busy after 5PM and during the weekend, acting as a refuge for husbands abandoned by, or having escaped from, their shopping-mad spouses. Always a good variety of guests.
  • The Richard John Blacker (JD Wetherspoons), Charlotte Row, Unit 1/3, 53 Great Charlotte St, L1 1HU, +44 151 709-4802.
  • The Crown, 43 Lime St. Next to the station. Most likely the first pub you will see upon arriving in Liverpool.
  • The Pilgrim, Pilgrim Street – Located off Hardman Street, this pub serves the best breakfast in town, £4 for a king size feast. You also get to share the pub with stag parties and students wondering what happened the night before.
  • The Canarvon Castle, 5 Tarleton St. Established for about 200 years, this small and homely pub was named after Lord Carnarvon. Packed full of collectors items - model cars, lorries, handcuffs and truncheons - it attracts a mixture of clientele. Serving good quality real ales, the pub is also popular for its range of hot snacks including the well-loved Carnarvon toasties.
  • Pig & Whistle, 12 Covent Garden. This pub has been refurbished and transformed into a rather fake-looking pub.
  • Peter Kavanagh's, 2-6 Egerton St, +44 151 709 3443. An unusual and old-world hideaway can be found just outside the city centre. Built 150 years ago, the walls are adorned with art deco murals painted in 1929 and the snugs are themed with various artefacts such as musical instruments and chamber pots. The friendly atmosphere makes this a favourite with artists, locals, travellers and musicians. George Melly, a famous jazz player is known to frequent this pub when visiting the city. If you're in for a traditional English breakfast, this pub serves great black pudding and all the fixings from noon to 4PM.
  • Poste House, 23 Cumberland St. Most nights has a gay friendly bar serving cheap cocktails upstairs from the main pub.
  • The Brookhouse Smithdown Rd. Used to be one of Liverpool's pubs was a hangout of bands of the late 1980s such as the La's. It's now most popular with students, and is known for its Liverpool games when locals lead the Liverpool chants and become the vocal cords of this old pub.
  • The Old Post Office, School Ln. Friendly pub famous for its steak and mixed grill meals. Great for watching sports as there are three TVs including one big screen.
  • The Vines, Lime Street – A stylish club.
  • GBar, Eberle Street – Popular gay-friendly club with two floors. Upstairs, 'The Church' offers funky house music and campy classics in the 'Love Lounge'. Downstairs 'The Bass-ment' pumps out quality vocal house music. Open Th-M. Costs £5-7 for non-members.

Chinatown, Ropewalks and East Village

Chinatown is Berry Street, Duke Street, Roscoe Lane and Seel Street.

  • El Bandito, 41b Slater St, L1 4BX, +44 151 707-8560. W-Su 9PM into the morning. A small cocktail bar in a basement room. Combines the feeling of being in a bombed-out house with that of being in a living room. 2015-08-03

Seel Street

  • Heebiejeebies. A large, lively, destination venue with live music and open air courtyard. Open until 4AM at weekends. (Photo ID required for entry.)
  • Heebies Basement. A late night bar-come-club playing a broad spectrum of electronic music including Hip Hop and indie. No drink costs more than £2.50. Open F Sa until 5AM and Tu-Th until 4AM. (Photo ID required for entry.)
  • The Peacock. A pub with a wide drink selection and free BBQ every Friday at 6PM. Has an intimate club room upstairs open Thursday - Saturday. Electic tunes downstairs Su-Th until 2AM, F Sa until 3AM.
  • Alma de Cuba, Seel Street. Hispanic and Cuban themed bar and restaurant in a magnificently converted Roman Catholic church.

Concert Square, Fleet Street, Wood Street, Duke Street

Concert Square is situated behind Bold Street, where you'll find a range of the trendier bars. Most bars are open M-Sa until 2AM. They include Lloyd's, Walkabout, Modo and a minute away near Slater Street is Baa-Bar. This district usually has the youngest crowd drinking here.

  • Baa Bar, Fleet Street - The City’s leading shooter bar. This is the place to go if you like £1 shots, good music and a great atmosphere. Baa Bar Fleet Street has been rocking concert square for over 20 years, with the biggest DJs in Liverpool. Its extensive 32-strong shooter menu and newly refurbished upstairs terrace makes it stand out from the crowd, in an area where competition is fierce.
  • O'Neills, Wood Street – Part of the O'Neills chain but don't let that put you off. Its managed by two real Irish men who know what a real Irish bar means. Good beer, food and good music is always on hand here. You also might bump into a few Liverpool FC players drinking in the corner.
  • The Krazy House, Wood Street – The club provides three floors. K1 with rock and metal, K2 with indie and K3 with Punk/R&B/Dance, all combined with constant cheap drinks. It attracts a crowd of skate punks, students and metal heads. You'll hear R&B and dance music on Thursday, punk and new wave on Friday and new metal on Saturday night.
  • Le Bateau, Duke Street – The home of Liverpool's premier alternative club night, Liquidation every Saturday, which is also the city's longest running weekly club night spread across two floors. Plus Adult Books on Tuesdays, Shoot The Messenger on Wednesdays, Indication on Fridays. Cheap drinks every night, plus a Royal Rumble pinball table. Very friendly and popular with a mix of locals and students all year round.
  • The Swan Inn, Wood St – Liverpool's only rocker/metalhead pub, it actually has quite an eclectic mix of customers during the week, ranging from construction workers to businessmen, all side by side sharing pints. In the evenings and weekends, this gives way to the alternative/rocker scene. Pub quiz every Thursday evening and a legendary jukebox. Listed with the local CAMRA group.

Mathew Street, Temple Court and North John Street

An older crowd will drink in this district.

Dale Street, Moorfields and Tithebarn Street

Sometimes considered the commercial district and is populated by office workers during the week.

  • The Ship and Mitre, 138 Dale St. Consistently voted one of the top cask ale pubs in Liverpool by the Merseyside branch of CAMRA. Has a wide, and frequently changing, variety of guest ales. It also has a large selection of bottled foreign beers (though this selection pales slightly in comparison to that of other pubs in the area). Hot and cold food is served in the afternoons and evenings.
  • Rigby's, Dale Street – This cask ale pub dates back to Lord Nelson and has been refurbished by the Isle of Mann Okell's Brewery (to become their first UK mainland pub). Good atmosphere. Busy on weekend nights and also does meals in the bar.
  • The Railway Hotel, 18 Tithebarn St. Over a hundred years old, this old Victorian pub has several original features, many of which would interest the historian as much as the beer lover. The tall ornate ceilings, wood panelling and traditional bar create an inviting and impressive atmosphere. Surrounded by stained glass windows, the lounge, snug and dining areas are well decorated. An open fireplace and displays of old prints add to the comfortable ambience.
  • Ma Boyles Oyster bar, 2 Tower Gardens. weekdays only. Secluded pub in the business area of the city. Set below street level, the high ceilings and terracotta walls create a relaxing ambience with a separate dining area and a cosy drinking den. The much-acclaimed menu includes dishes such as hot lamb and mint sauce pitas, and of course the local delicacy of Scouse and red cabbage.
  • The Lion Tavern, 67 Moorfields, L2 2BP, 53.409087°, -2.990397°, +44 151 236-1734. Excellent pub, particularly for cheeses.
  • First National Wine Bar, 2-8 James Street, L2 7PQ, 53.404942°, -2.991932°, +44 151 236-6194.
  • Queens Goose, Derby Square, +44 151 231-6841.

Pier Head and Albert Dock

A favourite district for tourists.

  • The Baltic Fleet, 33 Wapping, +44 151 709-3116. Just over the road from the Albert Dock, this unique pub is a great place to escape from the glossy and expensive bars on the Albert Dock. Serving good food and real ale at good prices, and with a friendly atmosphere. The basement houses Wapping Beers, a small brewery. Take the opportunity to taste one of their own beers as fresh as it comes.
  • Vinea (Wine Club).

Student district

Universities of Liverpool and John Moores students from the student residential areas descend here during term time.

  • Korova, 32 Hope Street, L1 9BX, 53.401939°, -2.970410°, +44 151 709-7097. M-Sa 11AM-late; Su 11AM-midnight. Part bar, part club, split between two floors. Upstairs there is the lush front area replete with orange leather booths and over-table televisions which usually stream the live action from downstairs. At the back is the kitchen, which during the day serves a range of freshly cooked meals. Downstairs the intimate gig venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and is an important venue for local musicians. Free Wi-fi.

  • The Caledonia, Catharine Street, L8 7NH, 53.399355°, -2.968355°, +44 151 709-5909. Underground, alternative music venue in a pub. DJs and live bands throughout the week. First Friday of every month is the infamous "It's Not Bangin", with classic dub reggae, soul and disco playing. Well worth a visit..

  • The Philharmonic – Located on the corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street, this Tetley heritage pub is opposite the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Formerly a gentleman's club, there are two small, snug rooms and a larger dining room to the back with leather sofas and an open fire. The gentlemen's toilets are grade 1 listed and ladies may ask permission to view them at the bar. Excellent food served both from the bar and in the dining rooms upstairs. Usual cask beers include Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Tetley's.

  • The Cambridge – Located at the corner of Cambridge Street and Mulberry Street. This pub is at the heart of the University of Liverpool and has a great atmosphere. It is very popular with both students and lecturers.

  • The Augustus John, Peach St. This is an obligatory hang out for Liverpool's students. Like most student pubs, the bar area gets packed during September and October.

  • Roscoe Head, 26 Roscoe St.

  • Fly in the Loaf, Hardman Street, Today it arguably serves the finest quality and variety of cask ales in the city centre. The Fly in the Loaf has a good mix of students and local regulars. It includes bar meals and wide-screen televisions for football and is one of the few Liverpool pubs that regularly show rugby league.

  • Ye Cracke, 13 Rice St. This pub was a favourite haunt of John Lennon's uncle and hasn't changed much since then. Can get quite dodgy at night. 2019-07-22

  • The Blue Angel (The Raz), 106-108 Seel Street, L1 4BL, 53.400966°, -2.976321°, +44 151 709-1535. Popular with students especially student doctors.

Baltic Triangle and the Brewery Village

To the south of the city centre, the bohemian Baltic Triangle has transformed over the past few years from moribund industry to the coolest place in the UK according to The Times. At the heart of the district is the former Cains brewery, which is now a large and ultra-trendy collection of bars, pubs, clubs, markets, and food stalls.

  • Camp and Furnace, 67 Greenland St, L1 0BY, +44 151 708 2890. Home of the legendary Bongo's Bingo nights which are now franchised out all over the UK (must be booked in advance). £££ 2019-07-22

  • Hobo Kiosk, 9 Bridgewater St, L1 0AR. Hours vary.. Tiny and cosy art-filled micro-pub owned by an artist couple who are also the only staff. Very friendly atmosphere with selection of craft beers. 2019-07-22

  • Ghetto Golf, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ, +44 345 557 1288 (non geographic). Blacklight-lit, irreverent, junkyard themed indoor mini-golf course and bar (games must be booked in advance). 2019-07-22

  • Birdie's Bar & BBQ, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Outdoor bar with cocktails and street food vendors. 2019-07-22

  • Alhambra, Cains Brewery Village, L8 5XJ. Spanish wine bar. 2019-07-22

  • Black Pearl. Pirate-themed bar. 2019-07-22

  • Bongo's Bungalow, Brewery Village. Spin-off bar from Camp and Furnace.

  • Brewery Tap, Brewery Village. Classic pub that hasn't changed since the brewery was open.

  • Craft Minded, Brewery Village. Craft beer bar inside a steel-framed shed. Chimney visible from far around.

  • Dockleaf, Brewery Village. Bar with roof terrace.

  • Hippie Chic, Brewery Village. Burning Man-style tent with bar. Connected to the Yellow Submarine Bar next door.

  • Yellow Submarine Bar, Brewery Village. Former movie prop from Hunt for Red October turned floating hotel now turned Beatles-themed bar (on dry land). Connected to Hippie Chic next door.

  • Peaky Blinders, Brewery Village. Warehouse turned into bar themed around the hit TV show, parts of which were filmed in Liverpool.

  • Punch Tarmey's, Brewery Village. Subterranean Irish bar with fantastic interior and glass portholes in the floor to the aquifer far below, formerly used as a water source for the brewery.

  • Tank Room, Brewery Village. Craft beer bar.

  • Downtown, Brewery Village. Bazaar of food and drinks vendors with a New York City theme. Not as large as the Baltic Market but very close by.

  • On Air, Brewery Village. Movie studio themed nightclub set in a giant recreation of a village up the walls of a former industrial unit. Live music on-stage. Connected to Birdie's.

Sleep

Hilton Liverpool 30 James St ('home of the Titanic') hotel Hard Days Night Hotel Doubletree Hilton, Liverpool Marriott Aloft, Royal Insurance Building Radisson Red Titanic Hotel, North Warehouse and Rum Warehouse

There are a number of hotels in the city, ranging from budget guesthouses and lodges to 4-star international properties. Liverpool has no 5-star hotels but two in grade I listed buildings (Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express), three in grade II* listed buildings (30 James St, Titanic Hotel and Marriott Aloft) and a further eight hotels in grade II listed buildings (Doubletree Hilton, Crowne Plaza Liverpool Airport, Hard Days Night Hotel, Racquet Club, the Richmond Aparthotel, Adagio Aparthotel, Britannia Adelphi and Radisson Red).

Budget

  • Belvedere Hotel, 83 Mount Pleasant (City Centre), +44 151 709-2356. A B&B run by an old lady. Basic room. Shared toilet and shower. Price includes full English breakfast in the downstairs living room. 2 minutes from Lime St. station. £25 single room
  • Campanile, Chaloner St, +44 151 709-8104. £25+
  • Dolby Hotel, Queen's Dock, +44 151 708-7272. From £25
  • The Embassie Hostel, 1 Falkner Square, +44 151 707-1089. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: noon. This hostel features free coffee, tea, and toast (with jam and peanut butter). Very comfortable beds (dormitory style), and a great mix of international travellers to befriend. The hostel has friendly staff, led by their wonderful boss and hostel proprietor, Kevin who tells a Beatles story or two, and leads a free Beatles tour every Thursday night which ends up at The Cavern Club. Su-Th £16 pp, F Sa £21 pp
  • Bankhall Hotel, +44 7528190759. About 2 km from the city centre. All rooms are private. Free internet/Wi-Fi. From £11 per person per night incl breakfast, non-stop drinks
  • Ibis Liverpool, 27 Wapping, +44 151 603-2800.
  • Hatters Hostel, 56-60 Mount Pleasant, +44 151 709-5570. Dormitories only. From £16.50
  • International Inn, +44 151 709-8135. Cheap hostel accommodation near to town. Dormitory from £15
  • Youth Hostel, 25 Tabley St, +44 151 709-8888. From £21.95
  • Cocoon International Inn, 4 South Hunter St (Off Hardman St), Liverpool, L1 9JG (about 15-min walk from Lime St), 53.4021°, -2.9713°. A hotel without breakfast. Staff is there 24 hrs and usually not very busy, very friendly and willing to help with minor quirks. Single room (2015) £38. 2015-08-02

Mid-range

Splurge

Waterfront

Stay safe

Liverpool is policed by Merseyside Police. If you need immediate assistance in an emergency, dial 999. For non-emergency assistance, either telephone 101 or visit one of two city centre Police stations open to the public:

  • St Anne's St Police Station, St Anne's St, Liverpool, L3 3HJ
  • Merseyside Police Headquarters, Canning Place, L1 8JX

Crime rates in Liverpool are low compared with most other large cities in the UK. You are no more likely to be a victim here than most other European cities. However, as in other cities, you should observe a few simple precautions. Don't leave valuables on display in an unattended car, for example. Even an empty car will get a smashed window from time to time, so try to park yours at private parks when the night comes. Try to stay aware of your surroundings and be discreet with cash, expensive camera equipment, etc.

Scousers are mainly gregarious and friendly people, but there are still some who seek to take advantage. You will find, however, that Mancunians and Scousers get along much better than the stereotype suggests and you will very often come across each in each other's city. Be particularly aware of people who approach you in the street with stories of having lost their train fare home. These are typically begging techniques.

Stay on the beaten track at night and stick to the many themed pub and bars and avoid some of the larger dance clubs as these are more suited to streetwise locals or people who understand Liverpool culture well, although to be fair, most Scousers will welcome anyone to their city, and especially their clubs! Be prepared to wait for a taxi at night and don't be tempted to walk back to your hotel unless you are close by. Although Liverpool is a quite friendly place, a slightly sinister side appears after hours.

Some of the City's districts should be avoided by non-locals. Areas such as Croxteth, Dovecot, Everton, Huyton, Kensington, Kirkdale, Norris Green, Page Moss, Stockbridge Village and Toxteth are seeing some serious issues with gang related violence including increases in gun and knife crime and several murders have been recorded.

Around the city centre, be aware there are many homeless people, especially around William Brown Street near the museums. Unlike, in, say, the United States of America or other parts of the United Kingdom, these are less likely to pose a threat to you, and although they may beg for money, they tend to be friendly and often want to talk about their backstories openly with you. Give them money, but at your own risk, as long as it's small change.

Also, older women may (and often do) flirt with younger men, but accept this part of the Liverpool cultural milieu. This also applies to the homelessness situation mentioned above, which much the same situation tends to happen. This should not be confused with prostitution (mentioned below). It is explicitly not solicitation, and is just flirting.

Although prostitution is legal in the UK, solicitation is illegal and it is a fact of life in most cities, Liverpool being no exception. The "Red Light" areas are as follows: around Netherfield Road North and the Shiel Road area of Kensington. Although quiet during the day, there is a lot of business at night and particularly on weekends. Women walking by themselves have been known to be approached by men looking for prostitutes and people in vehicles have been known to be approached by prostitutes looking for business.

Avoid Manchester United shirts, which worn in the wrong place makes you an easy target for abuse or even assault, especially on match day.

A friendly manner, a polite smile, and a sense of humour go a long way in this city, but a sensible approach to travelling is, as always, advisable.

The 1989 Hillsborough Stadium Disaster, when 96 Liverpool FC fans were killed, is still a very sensitive subject that is best avoided. Carrying or reading The Sun newspaper, which lied about Liverpool fans' behaviour during the disaster, holding them culpable for the deaths, is practically guaranteed to attract negative attention. This is especially true around people who may have been drinking. Most local shops do not sell the paper and a strong boycotting movement exists in the city to this day. Similarly, "Hillsborough chants" and related slurs cause deep anger and hostility among Liverpool FC fans, and could result in a violent response.

Be aware that the streetlighting (Urbis Evolo 2, shown on the right-hand side of the picture) is brighter than you might expect, and drive more cautiously. These streetlights are common across the city centre and in Kensington. Drive much more cautiously if you see them. These are less common outside of Liverpool. Americans may be used to bright lights, but Evolos are really bright.

Less than an hour away, Manchester holds a wealth of sights and attractions.

Go next

Chester - A beautiful historical city on the River Dee, which is famous for its Roman ruins and city walls. It is also the Gateway to North Wales and the delights of Llandudno and Snowdonia National Park.</br>At the end of a branch at the end of the Merseyrail (metro) Wirral Line, trains taking 41 minutes from Liverpool Central.

Crosby - Just north of Liverpool with Anthony Gormley's Another Place famous sculptures on the beach.</br>Merseyrail Northern Line takes 20 minutes from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands station.

Manchester – Once the home of the industrial revolution, it has now swapped its chimneys for skyscrapers, and mill workers for urbanite accountants and designers. It is also the home of the biggest rival of Liverpool FC, the second most successful football club in England, Manchester United FC. Well worth a visit and is easy to get to; hourly local trains from Lime Street run to Manchester Victoria taking 56 minutes, expresses to Victoria or to Oxford Road and Piccadilly taking 41. Also accessible by coach/bus.

Wirral

Birkenhead – Across the Mersey, Birkenhead has a football club called Tranmere Rovers. Although this club has always lived in the shadow of Everton and Liverpool, it has a long tradition and a great family atmosphere. Well worth a visit.</br>Ferries ply across the Mersey from Pier Head to Birkenhead Woodside. It takes 3 minutes for a train to go from Liverpool James Street to Birkenhead Hamilton Square; Add 2 minutes for each additional stop if getting on earlier around the loop, & add 3 minutes for Birkenhead Central (shopping centre & Priory) or 7 for Tranmere Rovers' local station, Rock Ferry.

Port Sunlight - It was built as a model village by Lord Lever and contains the Lady Lever Art Gallery, a marvelously eclectic collection of objects, similar to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. Twenty minutes on the Wirral line.

West Kirby - Boasts a superb beach. There is also a 52-acre marine lake which has sailing and windsurfing. 36 minutes by Wirral line.

Related: UNESCO World Heritage List

Liverpool

liverpool.gov.uk
Postal code:LDate Time:Please wait...Timezone:Europe/LondonPopulation:513,441Coordinates:53.41, -2.99

Liverpool

2nd-order administrative division

England

Primary administrative division

United Kingdom

gov.uk
Population:66.5 MDial code:+44Currency:Pound (GBP)Voltage:230 V, 50 Hz