A pulsating, happy city that is not afraid to be friendly, Liverpool has a wealth of unique attractions. From the grandeur of its waterfront to its two famous football teams and the world-famous Cavern Club, Liverpool has a lot to offer visitors.
One of the best ways to see Liverpool is by taking a sightseeing cruise on the Mersey River. These 50-minute cruises make a loop around the river and give fantastic views of the city skyline.
Most tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that the UK has to offer. Renting an economy class car in London will cost about 18 euros per day.
1. Royal Albert Dock
Royal Albert Dock is a focal point of the historic Liverpool waterfront and one of the most iconic sights of the city. With a vast collection of museums, galleries, shops and bars, it’s the perfect place to experience the heritage and culture that make up Liverpool.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dock is home to many of Liverpool’s top attractions including Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum. It also hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year so you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.
The dock is an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages as there is so much to see and do. With a variety of free activities on offer, there is something for everyone.
Families can enjoy a walk along the waterfront and explore many of the different museums dotted around the area as well as the various attractions located at the dock itself. There is even an Adventure Trail that families can follow which involves collecting a map from The Nest art and gift shop on the Colonnades to complete.
There is also plenty for children to do at the dock itself such as a fun floating pitch where boys and girls can enjoy a free football training session in summer. There is even a playground for little ones and kids can even learn to ride bikes!
With a great selection of restaurants and a huge range of boutique shops, there is something for everyone at the Albert Dock. It is a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike so you can be sure to find something to suit your taste.
2. Liverpool World Museum
The World Museum is one of the most impressive museums in Liverpool, boasting a diverse collection covering archaeology, Egyptology and natural history. It is a great place to go for families and people of all ages.
The world-class collections at the World Museum have been compiled from a range of different museums and universities across Liverpool and the UK. The natural history collection, for example, contains 40,000 fossils and extensive rock and mineral exhibits.
There is also a free planetarium and a beautiful aquarium, which make it a great attraction for families. The museum also hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions, so you can find something to suit your interests.
World Museum is a hugely popular attraction with visitors from all over the world. It is located in the city centre and is a great way to spend a day with the family.
It may be a bit of a shame that the transport section has been lost, but the other displays are still impressive. You can take a trip through time and experience a 5,000-year journey to ancient Egypt in their 'Ancient Egypt' gallery. You can even check out a real-life mummy and other relics from the past.
You can also explore the science behind Doctor Who at Worlds of Wonder, an exciting exhibition that has been created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the long-running sci-fi show. There are a variety of exhibits including props, costumes and gadgets.
The museum is free to visit but you will have to book a timed ticket for certain activities. You can do this online or at the front desk. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
3. St. George’s Hall
One of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the world, St. George’s Hall is a Grade I listed building that sits opposite Lime Street Station. It is known for its elegant and spacious interiors and has been the focal point of Liverpool life since it was opened in 1854.
The main hall measures 169 feet (52 m) by 77 feet (23 m) and has an impressive tunnel vaulted ceiling – the largest of its kind in Europe. The vaulted ceiling is a mix of polished red granite and panelled plasterwork, adorned with allegorical figures of Virtues, Science and Arts.
A tour of the hall is highly recommended. Visitors can take a seat in the concert hall where they can enjoy performances, and visit the Crown Court and prison cells.
Alternatively, visitors can also book a guided tour of the museum. It’s best to book in advance, and tickets can be purchased online.
Once inside, you can explore the galleries which show images of the buildings and its history. The exhibitions are very interesting and you can learn a lot about the building’s history.
The Hall is also home to the National Centre for Popular Music, which regularly hosts events and shows. You can find out more about these events and the hall itself on the official website.
There is a great drinks festival held here twice a year, so don’t miss it! A trip to the hall is a must for any visitor to Liverpool, and it’s definitely worth the trip.
4. Mersey Tunnel Tours
Get an exciting insight into what goes on underneath the city streets of Liverpool with Mersey Tunnel Tours. These tours take you into the world of tunnels which are under the River Mersey, connecting central Liverpool with Birkenhead and Wallasey. There are three tunnels: the railway tunnel (opened 1886), and two road tunnels, the Queensway Tunnel (opened 1934) and the Kingsway Tunnel (1971).
The Mersey Tunnel Tours are a fascinating way to see what goes on behind the scenes in these iconic tunnels, which connect up to 27 million vehicles each year across the River Mersey. Taking place inside the Grade II listed Art Deco Georges Dock Building on the Pier Head, guests can walk around to see the original control room, giant ventilation fans in action and go down to watch the traffic in the tunnel, deep below the city streets.
It’s an interesting experience and the guides Billy and Allison do a great job of making it entertaining and informative for all ages. The tour is quite lengthy, with lots of steps and a lot to look at, so it’s best suited for those who are fit and can walk up and down stairs.
You also need to bring suitable shoes for the underground areas of the tour, which can be a bit cold. It’s also important to keep your outer clothing clean as you might get a little dirt on the walls or surfaces in some industrial areas of the tour.
VisitEngland awarded the Mersey Tunnel Tours with a perfect 100% score in their review, calling it "an enjoyable, well-told story". It's worth booking ahead to avoid being disappointed, especially on Saturdays which get very busy.
5. Chinatown Liverpool
Chinatown Liverpool is a thriving ethnic enclave that is home to one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe. This area is a great destination for tourists looking to experience the cultural heritage and delicious food of this exciting city.
There are several things to do in the city that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests, from world-famous museums and theatres to fun attractions, shopping opportunities and a diverse choice of dining options. For example, if you’re visiting during the spring or summer, the M&S Bank Arena offers star-studded events all year round.
Another must-see in the city is Cains Brewery Village, a creative community that is becoming a hub for independent thinkers and makers. This area also hosts various vintage clothing stores and unique food vendors.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out the Wonderous Place gallery on the Pier Head. This gallery is known for its incredibly creative displays of artwork, and it has recently opened again after being closed for several years.
The iconic Liverpool Ferris wheel is a great way to see the sights of the city from above. This attraction is located just outside the Echo Arena on the waterfront, and it allows you to see panoramic views of the city’s beautiful waterfront.
As well as offering great views, the Ferris wheel is also home to a range of attractions and entertainment. This includes a children’s play area and a cafe, and it’s worth stopping off here for a bite to eat or a drink on your trip.
There are plenty of other things to do in the city that will keep visitors entertained, from exploring Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene to taking part in exciting water sports and enjoying spectacular views over the waterfront. For those of you with a love for art, be sure to check out the Superlambanana sculpture on Tithebarn Street, which resembles a cross between a lamb and a banana!