England has many wonderful and historic cities each worthy of its own merit. But spend a weekend in Liverpool, and you will discover a city teeming with maritime history, art, music, and stunning architecture. Explore the best this city has to offer with this 2-day Liverpool itinerary.
FACTS ON LIVERPOOL AND WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT
Situated on the banks of the River Mersey in Northwest England, Liverpool grew from a small fishing village into a port that outranked London in dock space from the 18th century onwards.
From its humble beginnings of just seven streets, Liverpool rose to prominence in the 18th Century, thanks to a booming transatlantic trade. During this period of prosperity, several stunning architectural buildings were constructed.
Following its decline as an exporting and passenger port after World War II, the city reinvented itself. Liverpool has moved on from its industrial roots and become one of Britain’s most dynamic and cultural cities.
The Victorian-era has left a wonderful legacy of architecturally stunning buildings which can be seen all over the city. This friendly city has a legendary music scene, premiership football teams, national museums, art galleries, two cathedrals, and great restaurants. Liverpool is firmly on the map as a must-visit English destination.
Liverpudlian’s love their great city with a passion, and for good reason. There are so many brilliant things to do in Liverpool, whatever your interests.
In this Liverpool weekend guide, we cover all the top sights, a few cultural experiences, great food and recommendations on where to spend the night.
EVENING / CHECK-IN
To ease into your Liverpool weekend break, check into your city centre accommodation. Choose from the striking décor of the Titanic Hotel; the elegance of The Municipal Hotel, or the modern interiors of The Pullman.
If you’re looking for a restaurant to start the weekend off in style, Fazenda Liverpool is renowned for its traditional Brazilian Rodizio & incredible cocktails.
LIVERPOOL WEEKEND BREAK MAP
To help you get your bearings during your weekend in Liverpool, our map of the city has all the must-visit attractions and local experiences we’ve listed in this guide.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
DAY ONE: WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / MORNING
BREAKFAST (8.45am-9.45am)
We suggest starting your first day in Liverpool with breakfast at Rough Handmade in the Royal Albert Dock. It’s an independent boutique bakery with an enticing aroma that draws you in.
The slightly asymmetrical bakes are excellent, and anything not sold goes to charities.
THE BEATLES STORY (10am-11am)
After breakfast, head to The Beatles Story, one of the top Liverpool attractions for Beatles fans of all ages. An immersive experience takes you through the band’s rise to fame, featuring fascinating exhibits, and interactive displays from their incredible career and lives. Don’t miss replicas of the Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios, and exclusive memorabilia, including George Harrison’s first guitar.
Kids have a Discovery Zone, while adults can get a taste of the ’60s music. This award-winning museum is a must for all music fans.
Location: Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock | Hours: Subject To Change | Cost: Adult £20 (Family Saver £53)
ALBERT DOCK
There is no better place to understand Liverpool’s rich industrial and seafaring history, than here at the Royal Albert Dock.
The complex of warehouses and docks were the first structures in Britain, to be constructed from brick, stone and cast iron, with no wood, making it the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world.
With its long history and revolutionary hydraulic crane, it is an interesting place to stroll around. The warehouses comprise the UK’s largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings.
MERSEYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM (11.30am-12.30pm)
Walk around Albert Dock to the Maritime Museum. This excellent museum tells the story of Liverpool’s seafaring past as one of the world’s great ports. There are many wonderful exhibits including:
- Titanic and Liverpool details many little-known aspects of the Titanic disaster, and includes personal stories capturing the dramatic final hours of the liner. Some of the collection’s most treasured pieces include a lifejacket worn by a survivor.
- On The Waterfront tells the 300-year journey that transformed Liverpool’s docks into one of the world’s great maritime centres.
- Emigrants To a New World follows the journey of nine million people travelling to North America, Australia and New Zealand – the ‘New World’. A model of a typical ship illustrates how difficult life on board really was.
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am-5pm | Admission: FREE
LUNCH
- Cafe on the ground floor of the Maritime Museum.
- Francie’s Focaccia & Coffee (9.30am-6pm) Friday & Saturday until 7pm.
- Rubens Coffee (8.30am-4pm) Saturday & Sunday until 5pm.
DAY ONE: WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / AFTERNOON
INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM (1.30pm-2.30pm)
Liverpool confronts its own involvement in the slave trade, in this contemporary museum. Multimedia, displays and exhibitions explore the history of slavery in a clear, concise way. Like many of the best things to do in Liverpool, entry to this museum is free.
A visit here is both thought provoking and informative. Hearing the horror stories of conditions endured on slave ships across the Atlantic, is hard. The details are laid out in an uncompromising way, looking at the aspects of both historical and contemporary slavery.
Location: 3rd Floor, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock | Hours
WATERFRONT (2.30pm-3.00pm)
With its beautiful setting along the River Mersey, the waterfront epitomizes the start of Liverpool’s development as a great Maritime Mercantile city. This is a lovely area to stroll around, with many restaurants, and architecture to view.
- Museum of Liverpool: This quirky shaped museum is dedicated to the history of the city. The views across the Pier Head from its top floor viewing gallery, are picturesque.
- Tate Liverpool: The building, designed by architect James Stirling, marries its warehouse features with simple contemporary elegance. The art gallery features modern and contemporary art and major touring exhibitions.
THE PIER HEAD AND THE THREE GRACES
The first ever commercial wet dock was completed in 1715 and accommodated up to 100 ships. By the late 19th century, Liverpool was a thriving port, with 40% of the world’s trade passing through.
The White Star Line and Cunard were based at the Pier Head, operating cruise ships all over the world. Liverpool is also the registered port of RMS Titanic.
During this wealthy period in the city’s history, several beautiful architectural buildings were erected. Across from the Pier Head, you will find the Three Graces: The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
These iconic buildings define the city skyline today, as they have for nearly a century. As you walk along the waterfront you will see the larger-than-life Beatles Statue, and the terminal for the Mersey Ferry.
ROYAL LIVER BUILDING 360 TOUR
Head to the Royal Liver Building for a guided tower tour. The Grade I-listed building completed in 1911, is one of the city’s famous landmarks. Venture inside the historic clocktower and enjoy panoramic 360° views across Liverpool from the 15th floor viewing platform.
Its exterior design features two clock towers, upon which perch two Liver Birds, who welcome you to their great city. One looks towards the city, while the other looks over the River Mersey.
Details: Last tour is at 4.30pm, so be there at about 4pm to look around the visitors centre beforehand. Tours are 70minutes in length and cost £15.00 per adult.
WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / EVENING
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Start the evening with drinks at the beautiful bar at the Malmaison Hotel. Peruse the extensive menu, find yourself a comfy chair, and relax in the sleek ambience.
DINNER
A short taxi ride away, Hawksmoor housed in the iconic and beautiful, Grade II-listed India Buildings is renowned for its charcoal-grilled 35-day dry-aged steaks. If you fancy a tipple, try one of the award-winning cocktails.
It marks the end of a great first night of your weekend away in Liverpool.
DAY TWO: WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / MORNING
BREAKFAST
We suggest starting day two of your weekend in Liverpool with breakfast at Dale Street Kitchen & Bar in Westminster Chambers, Dale Street. Their unique menu blends firm classics with warm fluffy pancakes and everything in-between, including excellent coffee.
WALKER ART GALLERY (10am-11am)
After breakfast head to Walker Art Gallery, a 10-minute walk away. This beautiful building holds a stunning collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Spanning over 600 years, works range from the 13th century to present day.
The collection includes works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin and Gainsborough, Monet, Turner, and Millais.
Location: William Brown Street | Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm | Entry: FREE
LIVERPOOL CENTRAL LIBRARY (11am-11.30am)
Next head to Liverpool Central Library alongside Walker Art Gallery on William Brown Street. Marrying a blend of old and new architecture dating back to 1860, the library houses extensive collections built up over the last 150 years.
Collections of rare books from the 13th century are kept inside the Hornby Library and Oak Room, and the even more magnificent circular Picton Reading Room. A modern light central staircase sweeps you up to the top of the building offering great city views.
Location: William Brown Street | Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm | Entry: FREE
WORLD MUSEUM (11.30am-1.00pm)
Head next door to the World Museum, which explores millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities.
Take a journey through ancient Egypt, travel to ancient civilisations and get your hands on a hippopotamus skull. Or gaze at tropical fish in the aquarium, get close and personal with creepy crawlies, and finish with a show in the Planetarium and learn about astronomy.
Location: William Brown Street | Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm | Entry: FREE
DAY TWO: WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / AFTERNOON
LUNCH
Kick off the afternoon with lunch. We recommend Ship & Mitre for their scouse, a local delicacy. The name comes from Lobscouse, which was a dish popular with sailors travelling throughout northern Europe. Locals have their own versions of this popular dish, many passed down through generations.
This hearty stew is made with lamb or beef, with potatoes, carrots and onions. You will find it served with red cabbage and crusty bread, to soak up all the yummy juice.
ST GEORGE’S HALL
Completed in 1854, St George’s Hall is recognised as one of the finest neoclassical buildings in the world. The interior is stunning and is regularly used as a film set for the likes of Peaky Blinders.
Built originally as both a music hall and law courts, today it serves as a popular concert hall. You can view the court rooms, prison, Great Hall and Concert Room.
Location: 10 St George’s Place | Tours: Online Bookings in advance | Open: Updates On Website
LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL (4.30-5.30pm)
Completed in 1978, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the largest church in Britain and a fine example of neo-gothic design.
Simply magnificent both inside and out, the stained-glass windows are stunning, and the Gothic arches, high and wide. Check out the organ, artwork, bell ringing, and unparalleled city views from the tower.
- The Above & Beyond tour takes you to the hidden staircases, roof spaces, belfry, walk ways and galleries never before open to the public. (£25.00)
Location: St James’ Mount | Cost: FREE | Hours: 10am-6pm
WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL / EVENING
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Kick your evening off with drinks in The TLCW bar at the Hope Street Hotel. A convivial space to kick back and catch up, there is a full drinks menu including an extensive wine list.
DINNER
Hope Street Hotel has two great restaurants. The London Carriage Works serves modern British dishes, has 2 AA Rosettes and holds an AA Notable Wine award.
If you prefer something more casual, head to their second restaurant, 1931 which serves hand-stretched pizza, pasta and meatballs, salads and sharing boards.
Both restaurants are perfect for pre-concert and theatre meals.
LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is an art-deco style Grade II listed building located in the city’s Georgian Quarter.
More than 60 orchestral concerts are played each year in the Philharmonic Hall. It is one of the world’s oldest concert societies. Choose from a wide range of classical, rock, pop and folk music, an amazing unique cinema experience and a great stand-up comedy line-up.
Location: Hope Street | Current Events | Book Tickets: Online
This marks the end of a great second night of your weekend to Liverpool.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL
There are plenty more great things to do in Liverpool that we couldn’t feasibly squeeze into a two-day Liverpool itinerary. Here are some more things that you can save for another day trip to Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Consecrated in 1967, the city’s catholic church is the largest in Britain. Modern in style and structure, it’s circular design ensures that every member of the congregation can see the alter. Of particular note, is the Crypt underneath the Cathedral, beautiful stained-glass panels, white marbled alter, and organ.
Location: Mount Pleasant | Entry: FREE (£5pp for Crypt) | Hours: 7.30am-6pm
RIVER CRUISE
Uncover Liverpool’s musical and maritime past with live commentary and see sights like the Royal Albert Dock and the 3 Graces.
BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE
The British Music Experience charts the beginnings, rise and influence of British pop from 1945 to the present day.
Location: Cunard Building, Pier Head | Entry: Adult £17.00 | Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL
This stunning Grade I listed town hall was constructed in 1749, and is a Georgian architectural masterpiece. Take a guided tour and discover the beautiful interior.
WALKING TOUR
ANFIELD STADIUM TOUR
Discover the history of Liverpool FC at the Liverpool Football Club Museum.
GETTING TO LIVERPOOL
Liverpool is in northwest England and is easily accessible from the rest of the UK and overseas by air, road, public transport, and sea.
BY ROAD:
With an extensive motorway road network Liverpool is easily reached by road, and is signposted from the:
- M6 & M62 if travelling from the south.
- M58 if travelling from the north.
There are numerous places to park in the city centre, including carparks at the Albert Dock.
BY TRAIN:
Most trains to Liverpool arrive into Liverpool Lime Street Station in the city centre. Other stations in the city are Liverpool Central, James Street and Moorfields. The journey from London to Liverpool by train takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. Tickets for this journey start from £14 when you book in advance.
BY AIR:
Liverpool is serviced directly by two airports, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport. Both are well served by bus and train.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport connects the city with over 70 destinations across the UK, and Europe.
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport is served by Arriva’s 500 bus service which operates between the Airport and the City Centre. Buses operate every 30 minutes between 4am and Midnight every day.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LIVERPOOL
The best time to visit Liverpool is from June to the end of September. However, the weather in Britain can be unpredictable, so carry an umbrella with you.
The peak tourist season is July and August when things will be busy, so book ahead if you plan to visit over this time.
As a general rule, mid-June to August usually bring warm weather, extended visiting hours for tourist attractions and long days.
Spring (April-May) can also be a great time to visit, as can Autumn (September-October). Just be prepared for some rain and cold spells.
GETTING AROUND LIVERPOOL
WALKING: Liverpool is compact to navigate and perfect to get around on foot.
TRAIN: Despite its compact size, you can ride the train between its four main stations if you don’t want to walk everywhere. Lime Street, Central, Moorfields and James Street stations are all conveniently positioned for the main attractions.
HOP ON HOP OFF BUS: If you would rather reduce the amount of walking each day, you can purchase a ticket for the hop on hop off bus.
BEST AREA TO STAY IN LIVERPOOL
If this is your first visit to Liverpool, we recommend choosing accommodation in the city centre for convenience, and ease of getting around.
LUXURY
TITANIC HOTEL
Luxurious 5-star experience in beautifully decorated rooms. A striking and spacious hotel with lots of character. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy being pampered in the spa.
Book Your RoomMODERN
THE PULLMAN HOTEL
Modern 4-star hotel with a low-key approach. High-tech facilities, dark-wood panels, slate walls and a feeling of calm.
Book Your RoomQUIRKY
RADISSON RED HOTEL
A stylish hotel housed in a Grade II-listed building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1871. Expect a stay with a taste of the past with a modern twist.
Book Your RoomWHERE TO NEXT?
For more city inspiration, why not head to Glasgow for a long weekend. Or if you’re looking for a road trip, why not consider the beautiful Brecon Beacons, or driving through Snowdonia National Park.
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