Learn how to Plan the Good Metropolis Break in Liverpool

May 10, 2024

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black, white and yellow fishing boat in a small dock with very still water and a skyline of tall glass skyscrapers behind. Planning a city break in liverpool.

Planning a metropolis break in Liverpool, England? This information ought to show you how to benefit from your journey…

Capital of Tradition in 2008, host of the Eurovision in 2023, and a UNESCO Metropolis of Music… Liverpool is FULL of tradition.

In any case, that is the town that gave us The Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Zutons, the Wombats, Mel C, Cilla Black… the listing simply goes on and on!

The unimaginable musical heritage is simply the tip of the iceberg, although. Town centre is bursting with tradition and historical past, from the fantastically regenerated waterfront space to the beautiful Cultural Quarter, filled with listed buildings and artwork galleries.

So when Radisson RED reached out to see if I wished to expertise Liverpool from their sizzling new metropolis centre property, I jumped on the likelihood. A metropolis break crammed with artwork, tradition, and heritage, staying in certainly one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings, seemed like the proper option to kick off the 12 months.

Right here’s my information that can assist you plan the proper Liverpool metropolis break – particularly useful for first-time guests or anybody who solely has a day or two within the metropolis. Take pleasure in…

I used to be hosted by Radisson RED Liverpool with an itinerary supported by Museums Liverpool. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are completely my very own.

The place to Keep in your Liverpool Metropolis Break

What’s the finest space to remain in Liverpool?

If it’s your first time visiting Liverpool, I extremely suggest staying within the Metropolis Centre. That is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s main museums and sights so that you’ll be capable to see rather a lot whilst you’re there.

There’s additionally an amazing mixture of resorts, bars, and eating places to swimsuit all budgets, from widespread chains to independents and hidden gems. Search for resorts near Lime Road Station and St George’s Place to be inside strolling distance of all the highest sights. The Radisson RED Liverpool could be my primary alternative – extra on that under.

Exterior of a grand neoclassical building built from beige coloured stone with many columns. There are yellow squares with black letters in between the columnns which read: Liverpool Music City. — *Keep close to St George’s Place for straightforward entry to* *Liverpool’s high sights*

Metropolis Centre – finest in your first go to to Liverpool.
The Baltic Triangle and the Ropewalks space – two inventive, different neighbourhoods. Keep in these areas when you’re searching for nightlife & cool vibes.
Royal Albert Dock – nice for waterfront views. This regenerated waterfront space has a number of funds resorts – and can be the place you’ll discover Liverpool’s YHA hostel.

Keep on the Radisson RED Liverpool within the Metropolis Centre

Exterior of the Radisson RED hotel in Liverpool, a very grand building in reddish beige stone taken during golden hour before sunset with a strong orange glow reflecting off the building.

If you happen to’re searching for the BEST place to remain in Liverpool metropolis centre, look no additional than the Radisson RED Liverpool. It’s immediately subsequent door to Liverpool’s Lime Road Station and inside strolling distance of all the town centre sights. I used to be fortunate sufficient to remain right here on my current journey and might affirm that it’s each bit as beautiful because it appears!

This stunning, historic constructing started life because the North Western Corridor, a grand railway lodge that opened in 1871, closed in 1933, and was used as scholar lodging within the Nineties!

Radisson RED restored and renovated the long-lasting Grade-II-listed constructing – giving it a enjoyable, modern makeover while nonetheless profiting from these unimaginable authentic options, just like the grand sandstone staircase and an unlimited Nineteenth-century stained glass window.

Hotel lobby with a large stone staircase behind. There is a large stone fireplace and in frotn of that a red moped with a sidecar painted in the Union Jack colours.

I cherished how a lot persona the lodge had. There’s quirky decor all through and a lot artwork in every single place it seems like staying inside an artwork gallery. Plus, there are many enjoyable nods to Liverpool’s historical past and tradition – together with a number of nods to the town’s most well-known export, The Beatles.

The enjoyable decor and historic-meets-contemporary vibes proceed within the bedrooms, with uncovered brick partitions and industrial-chic steel trim. There’s extra artwork right here, too, with bespoke items created by native artist Indigo Artwork adorning the partitions. Oh, and the mattress was one of many comfiest I’ve slept on shortly – excellent after an extended day exploring the town.

Hotel room at the Readisson RED in Liverpool with an exposed brick wall and a large double bed with white sheets. Over the bed is a large painting of a giesha with her face mostly covered by a straw hat on a black background.

Guide one of many St George’s View rooms, that are discovered on the entrance of the property, for beautiful views of the grand, neoclassical St George’s Corridor.

Downstairs, the trendy Stoke restaurant is well among the finest locations to eat within the metropolis centre – with wonderful meals, cool decor, and extra nice views of St George’s Place. Gas up with their unbelievable breakfasts earlier than a day of sightseeing – however make sure to dine right here within the night throughout your keep too, or at the very least swing by the bar for a cocktail (I can extremely suggest the RED Cosmo).

High Issues to Do on a Metropolis Break in Liverpool

Emily wearing black tights and a long black cardigan standing in front of a large glass window with a view of a river and the liverpool docks below

If you happen to solely have a day or two in Liverpool, you’ll in all probability wish to persist with the town centre. To your first go to, I’d suggest specializing in the Cultural Quarter and the Docklands areas of Pier Head and Royal Albert Docks. Click on right here for a map displaying the place these characterful neighbourhoods are.

These are the place you’ll discover lots of Liverpool’s most historic listed buildings – in addition to the town’s finest museums and artwork galleries. You may discover all three neighbourhoods on foot, or get round shortly and simply utilizing public transport or Uber. The Business District between the 2 can be house to some stunning previous buildings, together with Liverpool City Corridor.

Beneath, I’ve damaged down a few of the finest issues to do within the metropolis centre on a brief break in Liverpool….

1. Pier Head and Royal Albert Docks

Climb the Royal Liver Constructing for the Finest View of Liverpool

This was one of many BEST issues we did on my current metropolis break in Liverpool. The long-lasting, Grade-I-Listed Royal Liver Constructing was Europe’s first skyscraper when it opened in 1911 – and stays one of many tallest buildings within the metropolis at 322ft tall.

Be a part of the Royal Liver Constructing 360 guided tour and climb to the Fifteenth-floor viewing platform for beautiful 360° views of the town.

On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) in Northern Wales. On the best way up, you’ll study the fascinating historical past of the constructing – and watch a fab audio-visual present contained in the historic clock tower.

Look out for the 2 Liver Birds, nicknamed Bella and Bertie, who sit atop the 2 towers of the constructing. Bella appears out to sea, whereas Bertie appears inland – both to look at over the town, or to see which pubs are open, relying on which native legend you take heed to!

Data: Grownup tickets value £16 and there are excursions each quarter-hour from 9am (topic to demand). Click on right here to pre-book.

Wander the Docklands Space for Merseyside Views

black, white and yellow fishing boat in a small dock with very still water. There are some red brick warehouse buildings behind the dock and taller black and glass skyscrapers behind that and clear blue sky above.

Hop throughout the street from the Liver Constructing to discover Liverpool’s stunning waterfront space: particularly Pier Head and the Royal Albert Docks.

Courting again to the 18th century, this space was as soon as a hub of commercial exercise. The unique Outdated Dock was in-built 1715, and later the Albert Dock formally opened in 1846.

Looking into a sunrise with lens flare over some red brick warehouses bext to a river and a cobbled pathway in front. there areblack iron railings in the forground with many padlocks hanging from them. Liverpool city break.

Neighbouring Pier Head was adorned with three iconic buildings within the early twentieth century: the Royal Liver Constructing, The Cunard Constructing and the Port of Liverpool Constructing. Referred to as the Three Graces, this beautiful skyline was constructed to symbolise Liverpool’s worldwide status and business prowess.

Following Liverpool’s 12 months because the Metropolis of Tradition in 2008, an enormous regeneration mission remodeled the waterfront, respiratory new life into the realm. Right now, the Royal Albert Docks’ warehouses and industrial buildings are house to museums and artwork galleries – together with the Tate Liverpool – in addition to retailers, eating places, and resorts.

Wander the walkways of this enticing waterfront space to take in views of the Mersey, the Three Graces, and the historic red-brick buildings of the docks.

Be taught the Metropolis’s Story on the Museum of Liverpool

Exterior of the Museum of Liverpool a large white stone building in an angular shape with a wide stone stiarcase in front on a very sunny day with clear blue sky

It’s not simply concerning the historic buildings within the docklands areas, although. One unbelievable new addition to Pier Head is the Museum of Liverpool: a formidable, angular constructing clad in mild gray Jura limestone.

If you happen to solely go to one museum in Liverpool, make it this one. The unimaginable area is house to exhibitions charting the historical past and tradition of the town and the story of Liverpool life.

DON’T miss the good Wonderous Place gallery on the highest flooring. That is the story of Liverpool as a inventive and cultural hub: a unbelievable, interactive exhibition showcasing the sporting, TV, movie, artwork, and music legends Liverpool has produced – in addition to a small part highlighting Liverpool’s function within the video gaming business.

White wall in the Liverpool Museum with many portraits of different faces arranged in a cloud shape around pink letters which spell out: Wondrous Place — *What number of Liverpool legends do you recognise?*

The music part seems like the most effective one right here (though sports activities followers will in all probability disagree with me)! Predictably, there’s plenty of Beatles memorabilia – together with the St Peter’s Church Corridor stage the place John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met. However there are many different legendary Liverpudlian musicians to have a good time – I used to be way more excited by Mel C’s stage costume if I’m being sincere!

High Tip: make sure to take a look at the view from the Folks’s Republic gallery for an incredible view of Pier Head and the Liver Constructing:

large floor to cieling window with a view of a grey stone building topped with a clock tower, in front of the window is an art work of a map painted onto glass with the light from outside coming through. Liverpool city break travel guide.

Don’t Miss the Worldwide Slavery Museum

One of many predominant sights in Royal Albert Docks is the unbelievable Maritime Museum, housed inside a historic red-brick constructing proper on the waterfront. There are a number of flooring devoted to Liverpool’s shipbuilding and seafaring historical past – together with the favored Titanic exhibition on the second flooring.

However the one you actually shouldn’t miss is the Worldwide Slavery Museum on the third flooring.

close up of a sculpture made from pieces of metal junk and light bulbs in front of an exposed red brick wall with a large window — *Freedom! sculpture within the Museum of Slavery*

This vital and thoughtfully-curated museum tells the story of Liverpool’s function within the transatlantic slave commerce – and the way that commerce impacted the town, the UK, and the world on the whole.

Throughout the 18th century, Liverpool was Britain’s predominant slaving port, with ships from the town transporting some 1.5 million Africans throughout the Atlantic. The museum shines a lightweight on that historical past – but additionally addresses modern human rights points. Don’t miss this glorious and thought-provoking museum.

2. The Cultural Quarter

Take a Tour of St George’s Corridor

You may’t miss St George’s Corridor whenever you go to Liverpool. Actually, in truth – it’s proper reverse Lime Road Station and the neighbouring Radisson RED lodge. So it is going to be one of many first buildings you see when you arrive by practice, and is a little bit of a focus within the metropolis centre.

That is certainly one of Liverpool’s many Grade-I-listed buildings, with putting Neoclassical structure.

Opened in 1854, the gorgeous exterior homes an eclectic combination of legislation courts, cells, and lavish live performance halls. Initially, the plan was for 2 separate buildings – however the identical architect was employed for each and the plans have been mixed to create one grand corridor.

interior of the concert hall in St George's Hall Liverpool with an arched carved cieling and many pillars along the side around a wooden floor. There is a huge organ on the far wall above the dance floor.

You may take a guided tour to peep into the underground jail cells, the courtroom, and the 2 elaborately adorned live performance halls. There are additionally common concert events held at St George’s Corridor, so take a look at what’s on throughout your go to!

Enjoyable reality: St George’s Corridor is a well-liked filming location, lately showing in Improbable Beasts and The place to Discover Them, Peaky Blinders, and The Batman. The Civic Courtroom has appeared in lots of a UK TV drama and cleaning soap opera, together with Brookside, Coronation Road, and Hollyoaks!

See What’s On on the Walker Artwork Gallery

back of a bronze sculpture of a topless man wearing a floppy hat and holding a sword. The sculpture faces a white wall with three paintings of landscapes in gold frames..

Simply throughout the street from St George’s Corridor, the Walker Artwork Gallery boasts an unlimited assortment of artwork – from the thirteenth century to the current day.

It’s free to go to and has some unimaginable items – together with works by the likes of Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, and Degas.

The gallery can be house to the UK’s longest-running portray competitors, the John Moore’s Portray Prize. Happening each two years, this contest is open to all UK-based painters, with works submitted and judged anonymously.

The exhibition was on once I visited and contains a unbelievable vary of latest work. I cherished seeing work by established painters alongside items by undiscovered and rising painters.

Every winner’s work can be added to the gallery’s everlasting assortment – together with the prize’s very first winner, David Hockney. So even when the exhibition isn’t on whenever you head to Liverpool, you possibly can nonetheless take a look at the work of previous winners.

Benefit from the Eclectic Collections on the World Museum

Stone steps leading up to a neoclassical building of beige stone with a triangular roof above 6 pillars on a very sunny day with clear blue sky

One other must-see attraction within the “Cultural Quarter” is the World Museum. That is one other stunning, neo-classical constructing very near St George’s Corridor, with a sweeping stone staircase in entrance.

The museum’s collections are wide-ranging: from archaeology and antiquities to pure historical past and bodily sciences. There’s additionally a small aquarium (with dwelling displays) and a full dome planetarium on the highest flooring.

In brief, there’s actually one thing for everybody at this fab, free museum – and it’s an amazing place to take the children when you’re visiting Liverpool as a household.

Beatles Sights in Liverpool

Liverpool has produced a few of the most well-known British bands and musicians over the a long time – and none are extra well-known than the Beatles! The long-lasting rock group have been born within the metropolis and their legacy can nonetheless be felt right this moment.

If you wish to study extra, there’s not one however two Beatles museums in Liverpool – and a number of other different sights to think about including to your itinerary:

Liverpool Beatles Museum – one of many largest Beatles collections on the earth. Click on right here to pre-book tickets.
The Beatles Story – an immersive journey via the lives, instances, and music of The Beatles. Click on right here to pre-book tickets.
The Cavern Membership – the so-called “birthplace of the Beatles”, a historic underground nightclub which nonetheless boasts a thriving stay music scene.
The Beatles Statue – bronze statues of the 4 Beatles created by sculptor Andy Edwards. You’ll discover it reverse the Liver Constructing on Pier Head.
Strolling tour – take a look at this Beatles and Cavern Quarter Strolling Tour (from £15.40pp) for an in-depth tour led by a neighborhood information.

Extra Nice Museums and Galleries in Liverpool

Merseyside Maritime Museum – uncover Liverpool’s seafaring historical past. Don’t miss the Titanic exhibition right here.
The Bluecoat – Liverpool’s oldest constructing, now a inventive area internet hosting common occasions and exhibitions.
Tate Liverpool – iconic artwork gallery, quickly housed at RIBA North on Mann Island whereas the Albert Dock constructing undergoes refurbishment.
The British Music Expertise – uncover the final word historical past of British pop and rock.

If you happen to Have Extra Time in Liverpool

bladck metal railings in front of a wide blue river with a low city skyline on the far side and clear blue sky above — *Take a ship journey on the Mersey to see extra of Liverpool*

In search of extra? My blogger pal Steph has a fab information to the 21 finest issues to do in Liverpool, so examine that out for hundreds extra journey inspo. Listed below are a few fast extras in your time in Liverpool…

Go to the soccer stadiums. Liverpool has two premier league groups: Liverpool FC play at Anfield Stadium, whereas Everton play at Goodison Park. A tour of Liverpool Soccer Membership Museum and Stadium is a should for any soccer fan! Click on right here to examine costs.
Go to the cathedral. Liverpool’s cathedral is the biggest spiritual constructing within the UK. Go to this stunning, red-brick cathedral to marvel on the historic structure. You may as well guide the Above and Past Tour (£25pp) to climb the cathedral tower for beautiful views.
Take a ship journey on the Mersey. Take in views of Liverpool from the long-lasting Mersey River estuary (and check out to withstand singing the well-known Gerry and the Pacemakers music whilst you accomplish that). The ten-minute ferry journey between Liverpool and the Wirral prices £3.80 for an grownup return. Alternatively, this Sightseeing River Cruise (from £12pp) is an effective way to see the waterfront and study just a little native historical past.
Discover Chinatown. Do you know Liverpool’s Chinatown was the primary to be established in Europe? Head to the realm round Nelson Road and Duke Road to find this numerous space.
Uncover Liverpool’s different districts. The Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks neighbourhoods are two previously industrial areas close to the Royal Albert Docks. Historic warehouses present houses for inventive areas, quirky start-ups, and impartial companies. Each have nice nightlife and meals scenes – don’t miss them!

Finest Excursions in Liverpool

If you happen to’re brief on time, a tour could be an effective way to get a superb intro to Liverpool and discover with a neighborhood information. I at all times use Get Your Information to seek out and guide excursions as they’ve an amazing vary and a strong overview system that can assist you know what to anticipate. Listed below are a few of the top-rated excursions in Liverpool in your metropolis break…

Learn how to Get to Liverpool

By Automobile (Least expensive Metropolis Centre Parking in Liverpool)

If you happen to’re coming by automobile, you possibly can drive into Liverpool metropolis centre pretty simply by way of the M62. The most cost effective automobile parking within the metropolis centre could be discovered at St Johns buying centre (use postcode L1 1NQ). It prices £5.50 for twenty-four hours – however you need to pre-register to get this price.

This can be a little bit of a Liverpool journey hack that apparently not even many locals learn about! Merely join right here and add your automobile registration quantity (licence plate) and card particulars prematurely. Your automobile reg shall be scanned on arrival and once more whenever you depart – and your card will robotically be charged the correct quantity. It’s really easy to make use of!

By Prepare

The central practice station is Liverpool Lime Road. There are direct trains to Liverpool Lime Road Station from many stations within the UK, together with close by Manchester (54 minutes) and London Euston (2 hours 21 minutes).

You may as well take a direct practice from Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Road which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Test rail instances and schedules on Nationwide Rail. If you’re travelling by rail, I extremely suggest staying on the Radisson RED Liverpool, which is immediately subsequent door to the practice station.

By Air

Liverpool has a global airport, the John Lennon Airport, which has direct routes to over 60 locations all through Europe. Inside the UK, there are additionally direct flights between Liverpool and Belfast, Derry, and the Isle of Man.

Liverpool Airport is a couple of 20 to 30-minute drive from the town centre – costing round £20 in an Uber.

Alternatively, you possibly can take Arriva’s 500 bus service from the airport to Liverpool Metropolis Centre (together with Nice Charlotte Road for Lime Road Rail Station). Buses function each half-hour from 4am till midnight. You may as well take the 80A or the 86A into the town centre, or there are a number of different bus networks from the airport to different elements of the town – click on right here for a route map.

Alternatively, you possibly can take the five hundred or 86A buses to Liverpool South Parkway, then take a practice to Liverpool Lime Road or Liverpool Central. Click on right here for extra particulars on journey between the town centre and the airport.

bronze statue of a man in a suit with his arms spread wide as if dancing, on a walkway in front of a river taken on a very sunny winter day with clear blue sky — *Billy Fury statue by Tom Murphy*

Getting Round

Liverpool is a fairly small metropolis, so strolling is the most effective and best option to get round. There’s additionally an amazing public transport community in place: use Mersey Journey to examine timetables and to plan your journey.

You may as well take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus round Liverpool. I’ve used these in different cities and so they’re an effective way to see rather a lot in in the future, with out exhausting your self by strolling all over. Tickets begin from £18pp – click on right here to examine costs and availability.

If you happen to’re going exterior the principle metropolis centre, Uber, taxis, buses, and the underground stations of Liverpool Central, Lime Road, Moorfield’s, and James Road are additionally choices.

Extra Suggestions for Your Metropolis Break in Liverpool

looking down at a wide blue river next to part of a city with several tall tower buildings on a sunny winter day with clear blue sky above. Liverpool city break travel guide — *Don’t miss the view from the Liver Constructing*

What number of days do I want in Liverpool?

Because it’s a reasonably compact metropolis, you may see a lot of the metropolis centre in two days. That’s why Liverpool makes such an superior weekend metropolis break vacation spot.

If you happen to’re brief on time, you possibly can cram rather a lot into simply in the future in Liverpool. However I’d suggest staying for at the very least two nights. That manner, you possibly can see a lot of the main sights, benefit from the unimaginable meals and nightlife scene, and perhaps catch a few of the stay music the town is so well-known for. There’s a cause Liverpool is ranked as one of many UK’s finest cities for nightlife!

When to Go to

Like most cities, Liverpool generally is a year-round vacation spot. Summer season usually has the most effective climate, however the shoulder seasons of spring and summer time could be very fairly. And with so many fab museums and indoor sights, Liverpool may also be good enjoyable in winter. I visited in January and had beautiful, frosty sunshine – nice sightseeing climate!

Could to September is the height journey season within the UK, with hotter climate and fewer rain. However the “Nice British Climate” is unpredictable (it’s why we love to speak about it a lot) so there can nonetheless be rain in the course of summer time typically!

Remember that financial institution vacation weekends and college holidays could be busier and costlier to journey – particularly the Easter holidays (normally every week both aspect of Easter) and the 6-week summer time vacation (finish of July to starting of September).

grand historic building of beige stone with 6 floors and an elaborate facade with snow on the road in front and clear blue sky above. Liverpool city break travel guide — *It snowed once I visited in Liverpool in January!*

Put together for All Weathers

As talked about above, British climate could be unpredictable all 12 months spherical. Even when you’re visiting in summer time, you should still expertise rain: so pack a lightweight raincoat and/or an umbrella.

In winter, there’s an opportunity of ice or snow in very chilly climate. So pack some footwear or boots with good grip – and ensure to carry a number of layers. We frequently joke about having “4 seasons in a day” within the UK – dressing in layers makes it simple to regulate your outfit as wanted all through the day.

Take a look at my England Autumn Packing Checklist for ideas when you’re visiting within the shoulder season.

Is Liverpool a walkable metropolis?

As talked about earlier, Liverpool has a reasonably compact metropolis centre and may be very walkable. If you wish to journey to one of many neighbourhoods exterior of the town centre, there’s an amazing public transport community in place – or you possibly can hop in an Uber.

Extra in Liverpool and Close by

When you have extra time in Liverpool, or wish to discover extra of the realm, take a look at these different guides…

Additionally, take a look at @get_reviewed_liverpool on Instagram for a great deal of fab native ideas concerning the newest cool locations to eat and issues to do within the metropolis. I met the girl behind the account on my journey there and might affirm she is aware of ALL the most effective stuff in Liverpool!

Are there some other ideas, journey hacks, or issues to do this you’d add to this Liverpool metropolis break information? Share within the feedback under!

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