As you sail into the port of Liverpool, a gleaming city rises before you, its waterfront blending industrial past with spirited present. What began as a modest fishing village grew, by the 19th century, into one of the busiest ports on earth, turning Liverpool into the world’s gateway to Britain.
Today, the city blends its pioneering history and bustling centre with bohemian neighbourhoods such as the Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks, teeming with independent markets full of handmade crafts.
The only Tate gallery in the north of England brings modern exhibitions to a city tattooed with street art, as colour and dazzling imagery spill from buildings, bringing them to life.
Music is woven into the fabric of this city, from the everlasting legacy of the Beatles to the up-and-coming artists of today, thriving in a community of song-lovers where countless pubs, clubs and theatres set the stage for live performances every night.
And football, too, is baked into the DNA of Liverpudlians, red and blue – fierce rivals but equal in their passionate loyalty to the city they call home.
Whether you’re in a couple, with family or travelling solo, Liverpool will welcome you with open arms.
For couples
8.30am
Start your day early with a visit to the city’s breathtaking Anglican cathedral – the largest in Britain and fifth largest in the world. Enter this vast space and enjoy the peace while watching light dance through the stained-glass windows.
Get a better view of things by climbing the tower for a panoramic perspective over the city as it comes to life.
9.30am
Stroll to the Baltic Triangle, a former industrial area rescued from dereliction and transformed into a vibrant hub of restaurants, pop-up bars and street art. Potter around the independent markets and pick up some handmade jewellery, then head to Press Bros Coffee to grab a flat white and a sticky cinnamon bun.
11.30am
Take a half-hour walk through the city to reach St Luke’s, known locally as the Bombed-Out Church, and see the terrible damage inflicted by the May Blitz of 1941.
After lying dilapidated for more than 60 years, the site now hosts festivals and gigs, standing as a testament to community spirit.
1pm
Saunter across the road to Bold Street and take a seat in the sunshine at Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana.
Share a creamy burrata cheese, nocellara olives and a peppery rocket salad before diving into one of the wood-fired pizzas. Spice-heads will love the cinghiale topping with ’nduja, roquito peppers and fresh green chilli, which pairs excellently with a limoncello spritz.
2.30pm
Shake off any post-lunch sluggishness with a gentle meander to Pier Head and board the ferry for a 50-minute cruise on the River Mersey. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide past Liverpool’s waterfront, take a snap of the world-famous Liver Building (guarded by Liver Birds Bertie and Bella) and let the onboard commentary regale you with stories about the piratical Merseyside smugglers of yore.
5pm
Back on dry land, you’ll have earned a drink, and there’s nowhere better than 360 Sky Bar Liverpool. Suspended 270ft above ground level and basking in the glow of the setting sun, it’s the ultimate romantic spot to clink glasses with your better half. Sip a speciality cocktail – the Strawberry Fields is a must – and enjoy chilled vibes curated by the resident DJ.
7pm
Back at ground level, a minute’s walk down the road brings you to the award-winning NORD restaurant. Liverpudlian executive chef Daniel Heffy has drawn on his northern roots for the menu, which celebrates his heritage with locally sourced ingredients.
Tuck into a Liverpool Bay seabass or juicy Cumbrian porterhouse steak while enjoying the warmth of northern hospitality.
9pm
Staying overnight? Then don’t leave without a visit to the world-famous Cavern Club for a shot of Beatlemania. Grab a pint of Cavern Lager, perch on a bar stool and let local bands and tribute acts transport you back to the 1960s.
For families
8.30am
Start the day right with brekkie at Moose, a popular brunch spot serving up a delicious North American-style menu. Tuck into homemade buttermilk pancakes and waffles loaded with maple-cured bacon, or indulge in the Grande Bouche French toast, slathered in peanut butter and jam.
10am
Head along the waterfront to the Museum of Liverpool and treat the kids to a crash course in the city’s history. Learn how its industrial roots and cultural exports impacted the world and hear real-life stories from the local people who helped make the city what it is today.
12pm
Mosey down the road and swing by Duke Street Market for a spot of lunch. With no fewer than six kitchens serving up everything from succulent steaks to fragrant ramen noodles and handmade pizzas, even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy.
1pm
With hungry tummies satiated, hop on the 75 bus from Liverpool ONE shopping centre to Sefton Park and visit the Palm House, a stunning free-to-enter Victorian glasshouse that’s home to a botanical collection of more than 200 plants from five continents. Let your eyes feast on myriad greens, reds and pinks, and breathe in the intoxicating blend of floral perfumes.
3pm
Head back to the city centre and up the ante on a road-meets-sea adventure with Splash Tours. Zip around the city, spotting the landmarks including the Philharmonic Hall, Chinese Arch and Grade II-listed Derby Square, before your amphibious bus splashes into the Albert Dock. Enjoy your new vantage point as you cruise the waters while local guides share stories and surprises along the way.
5.30pm
Return to solid ground and make your way to Fat Hippo for the ultimate American-style burgers. Roll up your sleeves and tuck into a deliciously juicy beef patty topped with Swiss cheese, smoked bacon and truffle mayo, or chow down on a crispy buttermilk chicken burger loaded with hot honey, candied chillies and blue cheese ranch sauce.
7.30pm
Say “Helloooo!” to your evening entertainment, a brilliant staging of the smash-hit musical Mrs Doubtfire at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. A tuneful adaptation of the 1993 classic movie starring Robin Williams, the story of a father who goes to hilarious lengths to spend time with his kids will have the whole family in tears of laughter.
Go to the Visit Liverpool website to bag your tickets ahead of time (there’s also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturdays).
For solos
8am
Get a jump-start on the day with an early visit to the Royal Albert Dock to enjoy the waterfront space while it’s still relatively quiet.
Wave to Bella and Bertie atop the Royal Liver Building before calling in at Rough Handmade for a freshly baked white chocolate croissant and an eyelid-opening flat white.
9am
Round the head of the docks and reach Tate Liverpool, recognisable by the colourful stack of rocks that was commissioned to mark the 10th anniversary of Liverpool’s stint as European Capital of Culture.
The museum is currently being refurbished, but you can still enjoy the photography and modern art exhibits at their temporary home in RIBA North, just down the road.
11am
Nestled in the heart of the Baltic Triangle is Red Brick Market, home to independent traders and local artists. Slalom through the market stalls and pick up a vintage fur coat, some rare vinyl or an original piece of artwork.
1.30pm
Pop next door to Baltic Market for a spot of lunch. Choose from more than 10 traders serving up mouthwatering chicken burgers, pillow-soft dumplings, juicy kebabs and chocolate-drenched Spanish churros.
3.30pm
Time to boost your Beatles knowledge. Take the Cavern Club’s Magical Mystery Tour and visit the places that shaped the Fab Four’s generation-defining music, with stops at Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
6.30pm
Get yourself some traditional Liverpudlian scran at Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery. While ‘scouse’ has come to be used as a slang term for the people of Liverpool, it was originally the filling local stew, traditionally made with meat and veg.
Ma Boyle’s serves up a range of variations for all dietary requirements (think hearty dishes topped with buttery mash or crispy puff pastry and served with thick, meaty gravy).
Where to stay
Splurge…
Municipal Hotel and Spa
Exuding luxury and class, the Municipal Hotel and Spa offers an upscale home-away-from-home in the heart of the city. Its Art Deco rooms are sleek and tastefully designed, while the spa specialises in alternating hot and cold therapies to promote total stress relief and reinvigoration.
Once suitably relaxed, grab a cocktail in the elegant Palm Court bar, followed by dinner at the brasserie-style Seaforth Restaurant.
Save…
62 Castle Street
Who says style has to cost a bomb? The Grade II-listed 62 Castle Street boutique hotel in the heart of the city offers opulent suites for enticingly affordable prices.
Each of the 20 rooms comes with a king-size or super king-size bed, plus hand-picked artwork and posh toiletries – and it’s all just a five-minute stroll from the lively Cavern Quarter.
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