Things to do in Liverpool

Teeming with history and bursting with possibilities for the future, Liverpool is one of England’s most exciting cities.

Though it is impossible to think about Liverpool without thinking of beer, rock, and football, there are many other things to discover.

Of course, visiting without rending tribute to the spots that saw the Beatles emerge star-eyed and inexperienced, or without acknowledging the bleeding hearts that beat to the sounds of the national sport would be almost blasphemous. But there is much more that the city can boast about: the world’s largest Anglican cathedral, top-tier museums, and a long and winding history, for example.

As a port town, trade has always been one of its main industries, and has shaped the city in many ways. It has given it its important rank amongst English cities, blotched it with a shameful past of slave trafficking, and drawn people to it from the very beginning.

Today, Liverpool is morphing towards a modern yet edgy version of its former past. The port continues to be the centre of activity, and Victorian architecture can still be enjoyed, but they have now been sprinkled with modernity and 21st century vibes. Its fluvial landscape is dotted with bars, restaurants, and shops that witness the coming and goings of an ever-growing city that promises to keep surprising the world.

To make sure that you make the most of your time, here are 5 of the top things to do in Liverpool.

1. The Beatles Story

The Beatles Story, Liverpool, displays a mock-up of the Cavern Club Stage (© Ronald Saunders, CC-BY-ASA-2.0).
The Beatles Story, Liverpool, displays a mock-up of John Lennon's White Room (© Ronald Saunders, CC-BY-ASA-2.0).
The fab four at JFK airport, just before they took the US by storm.

A large museum dedicated to preserving the life and career of the Fab 4 for posterity.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the Beatles in the history of music.

Perhaps the most popular band to have ever graced the earth with their songs, no one in the Western world has managed to avoid knowing their name. As their hometown and the place where they first began to play music, Liverpool is proud of its most famous rock stars and has raised several tributes to them.

It seems natural, then, that the largest museum dedicated to the band is located in the city that saw them grow. The Beatles Story is full of memorabilia, impressive collections, and little-known facts about the four men who changed rock music forever. Any self-respecting fan cannot miss visiting this museum and paying tribute to the band.

Where: The Beatles Story is located on Albert dock. The closest bus stop is Salthouse Key, which is serviced by the C5 bus.

When: Opening times vary by season. During the winter, from October 31 to March 31, the museum opens from 10:00-18:00. During summer, from April 1 to October 30, it is open from 09:00 to 19:00.

£$€¥: Price of admission is £14.5 for adults, £11.5 concession, and £9 for children. Students and seniors are eligible for the concession rate.

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2. The World Museum

The oldest museum in Liverpool is also one of the city’s crowning jewels.
The World Museum opened its doors in 1851 to exhibit the Earl of Derby’s natural history collection. Its wild popularity amongst the residents of Liverpool made it a necessity for the museum to gradually expand to fit more and more subjects.
As the city’s oldest museums, and one that is widely renowned, the World Museum is a source of pride for Liverpool. The museum has recently expanded to accommodate even more exhibitions, and visitors specially love perusing through the aquarium and stargazing at the planetarium.

The oldest museum in Liverpool is also one of the city’s crowning jewels.

The World Museum opened its doors in 1851 to exhibit the Earl of Derby’s natural history collection. Its wild popularity amongst the residents of Liverpool made it a necessity for the museum to gradually expand to fit more and more subjects. Today, you can enjoy a well of knowledge that includes archaeology, ethnography, astronomy, and, of course, natural sciences.

As the city’s oldest museums, and one that is widely renowned, the World Museum is a source of pride for Liverpool. The museum has recently expanded to accommodate even more exhibitions, and visitors specially love perusing through the aquarium and stargazing at the planetarium.

where? The museum is located on William Brown Street. The stop is quite easy to identify, as it carries its name. It is serviced by buses 25 and 101.

when? In consistency with their commitment to provide the city easy access to culture, the World Museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00.

£$€¥ There is no charge for admission into the museum. However, visitors who wish to buy souvenirs can expect steep prices at the museum shop.

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3. The Walker Art Gallery

Opened in 1877, the Walker Art Gallery brought to the city of Liverpool a worthy contender to London museums.
The Walker Art Gallery is the proud holder of Hans Holbein the Younger’s Portrait of Henry VIII, one of the most widely recognized portraits of the ruthless king.
The Walker Art Gallery also has works by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, John William Waterhouse, and Edgar Degas.

Liverpool’s most impressive art collection displays works that range from Medieval to modern.

Opened in 1877, the Walker Art Gallery brought to the city of Liverpool a worthy contender to London museums. Referred to as the National Gallery of the north, it boasts an impressive collection that comprises Medieval Art, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Victorian works, contemporary masterpieces, and more.

It is the proud holder of Hans Holbein the Younger’s Portrait of Henry VIII, one of the most widely recognized portraits of the ruthless king. It also has works by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, John William Waterhouse, and Edgar Degas.

The wide range of artistic movements represented at the gallery make it a must-see for anyone interested in the fine arts, history, and culture. Though most of the works on display are paintings, there is also a large sculpture gallery, and a section dedicated to the decorative arts.

where? The Walker Art Gallery is located on William Brown Street, only separated from the World Museum by the beautiful Central Library. The closest stop is World Museum, serviced by buses 25 and 101.

when? Except for December 24-26, and New Year’s day and Boxing Day, the museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00-17:00.

£$€¥ Like the World Museum, admission to the gallery is free of charge to the general public.

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4. Albert Dock

From dining to learning, there are few things you won’t find at Albert Dock.
First built as a dock for cargo ships coming into Liverpool, Albert Dock has become one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks.
When it was first built, Liverpool, Albert Dock was the epitome of innovation.

From dining to learning, there are few things you won’t find at Albert Dock.

First built as a dock for cargo ships coming into Liverpool, Albert Dock has become one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks. When it was first built, it was the epitome of innovation. Constructed completely from non-combustible materials, it was the first warehouse system of its kind in the entire world.

Its significance to the city and its development cannot be overstated, especially considering that it was one of the major factors in the decision to designate Liverpool as a UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City.

Today, Albert Dock continues to be the centre of the universe for locals. It is full of restaurants, shops, galleries, and museums. The later of which include the Beatles Story and the International Slavery Museum.

The dock also offers a wide variety of tours, boat rides, exhibitions, and events. There is so much to do, it can be hard to choose. To know what is going on at a given time, check the dock’s official page.

where? The Albert Dock is a large walkway in Liverpool’s historic waterfront. There are numerous bus lines that service the dock and its attractions. To decide which one to take, search for the specific attraction that you wish to see.

when? It is always a good time to enjoy the dock. During the daytime, shopping, eating, touring, and visiting museums are favourite pastimes. At night, bars and restaurants draw in the most crowds, though the frequent concerts and events easily steal the spotlight on any given day.

£$€¥ You can spend as little or as much at Albert Dock as your heart desires and your wallet allows. Simply walking by the waterfront is a delightful activity, and some of the museums and attractions are free. However, if you want to splurge, there is no shortage of activities that can give you the opportunity to do so.

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5. Sefton Park

Constructed in 1872, Sefton Park expands 235 acres and it is the perfect place in Liverpool to enjoy a bit of nature and fresh air.
Sefton Park is marked by various fluvial landscapes, including pools, waterfalls, and a man-made lake.
Sefton park is located in southern Liverpool in a district that carries its name. Several public transit stops surround the park on all its sides, and there are also entrances and parking lots around it.

A much-needed verdant respite from the bustle of city life.

During the Victorian Era, when Liverpool was the second city of England, right after London, development and construction boomed. While this most often applied to museums, housing, roads, and many of the landmarks we can enjoy today, it also included green spaces. Most specifically, it included Sefton Park.

Constructed in 1872, the park expands 235 acres and it is the perfect place in Liverpool to enjoy a bit of nature and fresh air. The park is marked by various fluvial landscapes, including pools, waterfalls, and a man-made lake.

Activities vary and can range from picnicking, to playing sports, to taking a scenic promenade, to napping under a tree. There are also boats to be rented, cafes to pass the time in, and several statues and fountains to be visited. Fishing is allowed in the lake with a permit. Of course, there are also concerts and events that take place throughout the year.

where? Sefton park is located in southern Liverpool in a district that carries its name. Several public transit stops surround the park on all its sides, and there are also entrances and parking lots around it.

when? The park is open 24 hours a day, all days of the year for the enjoyment of the public. However, access can sometimes be limited when a special event is being held here. As common sense dictates, staying in the park after sunset can be risky and is not advisable.

£$€¥ Entrance to the park is completely free to the general public. Of course, specific activities such as events and entrance at cafes will charge for services.

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