30 Things to do in Liverpool

Get ready to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the UK! Liverpool is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious food scene, and endless entertainment options. Whether you're a local looking for some new things to do or a tourist visiting for the first time, our Liverpool adventure guide is here to help. With 30 unique and exciting activities to choose from, you'll never be bored in this bustling city. From visiting the famous Beatles landmarks, to taking a tour of Anfield stadium, to indulging in some of the best seafood the city has to offer, Liverpool has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes and let's dive into the best that Liverpool has to offer!

Things to do in Liverpool : Sightseeing

1. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

One of the most popular free attractions in Liverpool is the iconic Royal Albert Dock. The docks, which were formerly the heart of the city's industry, were the first in the UK to be built entirely of cast iron, stone, and brick, with no timber framework. The dock was an important port in 1846, with 40% of all global traffic passing through it. It is currently home to a slew of museums, restaurants, cafes, and stores, and it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site until recently. 

2. The Beatles statue at the Pier Head

Next item on our list of best things to do in Liverpool is to take a walking tour of the city and stop by the renowned Beatles Statue at Pier Head. The Cavern Club donated the statue in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the band's final performance in the city. Visit the legendary Cavern Club, the Casbah Coffee Club, and the Eleanor Rigby statue. In these enjoyable and informative tours, you'll learn about renowned landmarks associated with the band from a knowledgeable guide.

3. Royal Liver Building

The Royal Liver Building is one of the city's well-known Three Graces and is located on the Pier Head. The Liver Building was completed in the early 1900s and was the highest structure in Europe at the time. On the roof are two famous Liver birds who are claimed to watch over the city. A visit to the Royal Liver Building is one of the best things to do in Liverpool for anyone with the love for historic mega structures! Visitors can climb the building's towers and enjoy stunning 360-degree views from the 10th and 15th floors. Learn about the history of this well-known neighbourhood monument by taking a tour.

4. Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral is more than simply a cathedral; it is the largest religious structure in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in the world. It was built between 1904 and 1978, with work slowed by the First and Second World Wars, during which the city was a major target for bombing raids. For anyone with an interest in religious history this is certainly one of the best things to do in Liverpool! See the cathedral's stunning architecture, including the grand "Well" and smaller ornate chapels. The Cathedral also has a cafe and a gift shop, and admission is free.

Having trouble navigating this beautiful city? Check out our Student city Guide for Liverpool

5. St. John’s Beacon

St. John's Beacon, also known as Radio City Tower, is the city's tallest building, at 138 metres tall. The skyscraper was constructed in the 1960s and has a striking space-age appearance. It houses Radio City's radio studios and offices. Visitors can take the elevator up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city. The tower also serves as a radio station, so keep a watch out for local celebs!

6. Wheel of Liverpool

Looking for a thrilling way to take in the best views of the city? The Liverpool Wheel is an excellent choice! This massive Ferris wheel measures 196 feet tall and provides a wonderful view of the surrounding area. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Liverpool for all the thrill seekers out there! As you take in the panoramic views of the metropolitan skyline, listen to the audio narration. The wheel contains a VIP capsule where guests can drink champagne while admiring the sights through the glass floor for a truly memorable experience.

7. St. Luke’s Bombed Out Church

The Bombed Out Church, as it is called locally, is a city centre arts and community facility. During the 1941 blitz, the former St. Luke's parish church was mostly demolished, leaving just the stone walls intact. It remained in ruins until recently as a memorial to the war's victims. It presently accommodates a wide range of cultural events, including film and beer festivals, live theatre, and concerts. From Friday through Sunday, there is a garden bar and cafe. 

8. Liverpool Central Library

Visit Liverpool's Central Library just for the architecture, which includes a vast glass-domed atrium and a roof terrace. The exquisite Picton Reading Room, erected in the 1870s, is well worth seeing. This is one of the best things to do in Liverpool if you are an avid reader! The old Oak Room and Hornby Library house a large collection of rare books, including local historical works. The Central Library is an excellent site to learn more about the city and its history.

9. Three Graces

Visitors can discover the Three Graces — The Port of Liverpool Building, the Cunard Building, and the Royal Liver Building — in the centre of Liverpool's waterfront on the Pier Head. The Three Graces were previously essential to the city's maritime business. Visitors can now walk down the pierhead to observe these and other local sights, such as notable statues of local heroes. The Pier Head is one of the attractions in Liverpool which should not be overlooked when visiting Liverpool.

10. Strawberry Field

Strawberry Field, which inspired the song "Strawberry Fields Forever" and is a well-known site among Beatles fans, was the garden of a children's home where John Lennon played as a child. This has to be one of the most musically historic things to do in Liverpool. Visitors can stroll through the grounds and observe Beatles-related artefacts such as the piano Lennon used to write the song Imagine. The display covers the house's history as well as John Lennon's youth. The proceeds benefit local young people with learning difficulties.

11. Picnic in Sefton Park

Sefton Park is a lovely spot to walk or picnic in the city, with plenty of space to run around and play games, as well as a number of attractions. The Victorian-era Palm House houses a significant collection of exotic plants and also holds concerts and activities on a regular basis. There's also a children's playground, cafes, miniature caverns and waterfalls, and a bandstand that allegedly inspired the concept for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band record. Don't pass up a visit to one of the city's most beautiful parks.

12. Mathew Street

A band performs inside Liverpool's renowned Cavern Club on Matthew Street. Mathew Street is most known as the location of the iconic Cavern Club, where The Beatles first performed. Other prominent Liverpool bands, such as The Teardrop Explodes and Echo & The Bunnymen, began their careers at the now-defunct Eric's on Mathew Street. With its assortment of bars, sculptures, and historic sites, the street is a must-see for everyone travelling the city. A walk down the Mathew street is one of the amusing things to do in Liverpool. Don't miss it!

13. Eleanor Rigby Statue

Eleanor Rigby was a hypothetical character created by Paul McCartney for the Beatles' song of the same name. The tale behind the character, on the other hand, feels extremely real, and has made the Eleanor Rigby Statue a major tourist attraction in Liverpool. The statue sits on a seat, staring at a sparrow on a copy of the Liverpool Echo newspaper. It was developed in 1982 by artist, musician, and actor Tommy Steele and was initially dedicated to "all the lonely people."

14. Williamson’s Tunnels

The network of tunnels beneath the city's Edge Hill section is a mystery. They were built in the early 1800s by rich local merchant Joseph Williamson, but no one knows what they were used for. Visitors can now explore Williamson's Tunnels and have a guided tour of the main portions, which include the vast Banqueting Hall and the 12-meter-high Paddington's room. This has to be one of the most entertaining things to do in Liverpool.

Tired already!? Fuel up at one of the Top Restaurants in Liverpool and get ready to explore this wonderful city more!

Things to do in Liverpool : Visit the Museums and Galleries

15. The Beatles Story

Everyone is familiar with Liverpool's favourite sons, John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The Beatles, often regarded as the most influential band of all time, changed pop music in their brief 10-year tenure. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Liverpool for all the Beatles fans out there! The Beatles Story is a Beatles museum that features artefacts and recreations of important sites from the band's history. In the 1960s, go to the Casbah and Cavern clubs, as well as Abbey Road Studios. View the group's belongings, which include clothing, instruments, and handwritten lyrics. Visiting the museum is by far one of the most enjoyable activities in Liverpool!

16. Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool, dedicated to the city's history, has been of global significance as a commerce centre and the achievements of its people. The massive purpose-built museum houses a collection that spans a 10,000-year period of life on the banks of the Mersey. Discover the seedier side of life in Victorian Liverpool through images and portraits of local heroes and legends, as well as real artefacts from throughout the city, including vintage shopfronts. This is one of the must-see attractions in Liverpool for anyone interested in local history.

17. Anfield Museum & Stadium tour

Next up on our list of best things to do in Liverpool is a visit to Anfield Stadium, which has been the home of Liverpool Football Club since its inception in 1892. Visit the team's historic grounds and the interactive museum to experience the team's former glory. Before travelling down the player's tunnel to the pitch, see the club's six European trophies and touch the This is Anfield sign. On a friendly guided tour of the stadium, you may learn about the team's history. This is the best thing to do in Liverpool for a fantastic day out for all the sports enthusiasts.

18. World Museum

The World Museum in Liverpool takes tourists on a trip throughout the world and even into space. The museum contains a vast collection of artefacts and exhibitions, including a natural history collection including over a million specimens of animals, plants, fungus, and rocks. It houses a large collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artefacts, as well as historical artefacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The museum also houses an impressive collection of scientific tools. Don't miss out on this attraction in Liverpool.

19. Western Approaches Museum

No list about the best things to do in Liverpool will be complete without a visit to the Western Approaches Museum, which is a World War II bunker situated deep beneath the city's streets. This massive underground structure previously housed 300 employees and was used to track the movements of enemy forces. Visit the Operations Room, which has remained untouched since the bunker's closure in 1945. View the headquarters from which military officials directed Royal Navy forces during the Battle of the Atlantic. The Western Approaches Museum is a WWII time capsule.

20. Tate Liverpool

At the Tate Liverpool, there are works of art on display that date from the 1500s to the present. They comprise the national collection of British Art as well as modern and contemporary works of art by international artists. See works on display by some of the most well-known artists of the past 50 years, including sculptures, drawings, prints, and paintings. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Liverpool for all the art aficionados out there!

21. Beatles Museum

The Beatles Museum, another great Beatles destination in town, was previously a warehouse and now houses five levels of memorabilia and images, as well as over 1,000 objects relating to the band. View the band's instruments, costumes, early TV footage, film props, and more. This is one for die-hard Beatles fans and enthusiasts of 1960s pop music.

22. Merseyside Maritime Museum

Ahoy! Next up on our list of best things to do in Liverpool is the Maritime Museum, which is situated on the Royal Albert Dock, explores the city's lengthy maritime past. Its fortunes were closely tied to the shipping sector as one of Britain's major ports and a shipbuilding hub. View displays about the Titanic and the Lusitania, two of the city's most illustrious ships. View artefacts and relics from the ships, and read the crew and passenger testimonies to discover what life was like at sea. 

23. International Slavery Museum

Liverpool, as a large port, was a hub of slave trading activity, and the city benefited greatly from it. The museum aims to enhance awareness by delving into the deep impact and global legacy of slavery, as well as the city's involvement in the international slave trade. Hear the unseen stories of slavery's victims and view the museum's collection of memorabilia, which depicts negative preconceptions that were formerly accepted in western society.

Worried about your budget while in Liverpool? Check out our Cost of living in Liverpool Guide to manage your expenses efficiently.

Things to do in Liverpool : Tours and Experiences

24. Peaky Blinders tour

Although the iconic TV show Peaky Blinders is set in early 1900s Birmingham, Liverpool is frequently used as a filming location. The city's industrial architecture and terraced streets provide an ideal setting for this gruesome period drama. Visit filming locations throughout the city and hear firsthand anecdotes from the people who inspired the characters. Take a full or half-day tour and immerse yourself in the Peaky Blinders world. This is a must-have item on the “Things to do in Liverpool“ checklist of all the Tommy Shelby fans out there!

25. A boat tour in the Mersey River

Who doesn’t like ferry rides? And hence this is one of the best attractions in Liverpool that suits all. The Mersey Ferry is one of the few ferries that has been immortalised in song. Why not take the famed "Ferry Cross the Mersey" and see the city from a different angle on the water?  The two classic ferries have been operating on the Mersey River for over 60 years and depart from the Pier Head on the hour. Passengers can listen to an audio commentary that includes historical information and observations. Visit well-known landmarks such as Liverpool's two major cathedrals, the Royal Albert Dock, and the Royal Liver Building. 

26. British Music Experience

The British Music Experience is housed in the beautiful Cunard Building on Liverpool's Pier Head. The museum chronicles the history of popular music in the country and includes clothes and instruments by Queen, Adam and the Ants, and the Spice Girls. Learn how Gibson guitars changed the sound of popular music by visiting the Gibson Interactive Studio. Virtual lessons can help you learn to play an instrument or learn new dance movements. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Liverpool is to visit the British Music Experience.

27. Blue Planet Aquarium

Explore the Underwater Shark Tunnel and the Coral Cave of the largest aquarium in the North West of England to see colourful fish. Visit the Flooded Forest exhibit to see South American freshwater fish or meet the gigantic Dalmatian Pelicans. One of the largest shark collections in Europe may be seen at Blue Planet Aquarium, which also contains exhibits with frogs, spiders, crocodiles, and rays.

28. Hop on hop off bus tour

One of the finest ways to explore a new city is with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. On these guided excursions, wander the streets and discover the region's past. View a wide range of sites, including cathedrals, museums, and art galleries. Visit well-known locations made famous by The Beatles and the brand-new Liverpool One Shopping Mall. On this enjoyable, affordable tour around the city, you can board and leave as frequently as you please. Which helps you add to your list of things to do in Liverpool as you take the tour!

29. Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the most important art collections in the country, with works dating from the 13th century to the present. The gallery features works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Rosetti, Degas, and Monet. There is also a large collection of sculptures and decorative arts to explore, such as apparel, jewellery, furniture, musical instruments, and pottery. Visit the Walker Art Gallery to see these enthralling masterpieces up close.

30. St. George’s Hall Liverpool

The Concert Room at Liverpool's St. George's Hall is one of the greatest facilities in the North of England for chamber music concerts, with excellent acoustics and baroque design that makes for a truly unique experience. The hall is home to the Liverpool Philharmonic Chamber Music Series, which features concerts by some of the world's most recognised musicians. It also holds cultural events, award ceremonies, and banquets on a regular basis.

There you have it—30 entertaining things to do in Liverpool. The city never lacks for things to do. Every time you visit these locations while you are a student in Liverpool, check them off your bucket list for the city. Make the most of your time there!

Also read our Top 10 beaches in Liverpool blog if you are looking to spend some time at the beach. You can also check out our blog on the top restaurants in Liverpool.