Located at the confluence of the River Mersey and the Irish Sea, the port of Liverpool was a nerve center of the British Empire for over two centuries. The city's prosperity was based on slavery, trade and emigration. With the advent of container shipping, the port began to decline. The docks were abandoned, marking a period of decline. The success of the Beatles and iconic soccer clubs later helped restore local pride. In recent years, the town has undergone a remarkable renaissance and is now one of England's must-see attractions. The historic warehouses of Albert Dock have been restored and transformed into trendy museums, bars and restaurants. Here are our top 15 must-sees!
1. The Beatles Story
If you haven't figured it out by now, the real stars of Liverpool, one of our top 10 destinations for music lovers, are undoubtedly the Beatles. On the famous Albert Dock, a temple dedicated to their glory has been erected, attracting many enthusiasts who come to discover the captivating story of these four boys in the wind. The Beatles Story offers a playful and educational presentation of their world, with a series of rooms retracing their career and the unique atmosphere that characterizes them: costumes, studios, reconstructions, instruments, and even iconic items such as the famous Yellow Submarine or the white piano immortalized in John Lennon's song Imagine.
Clickhere tobook your ticket for The Beatles Story in just a few clicks!
2. The Cavern Club
It was on the stage of the Cavern Club that the Beatles took their first official steps after honing their skills on the stages of Hamburg, giving no less than 292 performances between 1961 and 1963. During these glorious years, the Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Elton John, Queen and The Who also made their mark on the club's history. Although the original building was demolished in 1973, it was rebuilt on almost the same site with an identical configuration. Since then, new stars have helped to perpetuate the legend, including Oasis, Jake Bugg and the Arctic Monkeys. Just opposite, the Cavern Pub opened its doors in 1994. A statue of John Lennon stands near the entrance to this rock'n'roll shrine, where you can sip your beer while looking at archive photos, guitars and the gold records of the "Four Boys in the Wind". Click here to book your guided tour of the Beatles Quarter and the Cavern.
3. Anfield Road Stadium
In Liverpool, soccer is a religion. Founded in 1878, Everton FC is one of Britain's oldest teams. But its most famous team, known the world over, is of course Liverpool FC and its 6 Champions Leagues. In the 1960s, at the height of religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants, the two teams tended to be associated with different denominations. Everton FC became associated with Catholics, because of its many Irish players, and Liverpool FC with Protestants. Although this is less true today, the two teams meet in the Merseyside Derby. Atmosphere guaranteed! A visit to the legendary soccer club is a must during your stay: book your guided tour of the Liverpool Football Club museum and stadium here
4. Tate Liverpool
The Tate's two London branches are well known, but it's less well known that an annex has existed here since 1988, located on the famous Albert Dock. Behind this extension lies the fortune of a Liverpool businessman: Henry Tate. A sugar tycoon and philanthropist, he created an art gallery in London from his private collection, inaugurated in 1897. In Liverpool, the Tate offers three floors of works from the 16th century to the present day. Works by Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol are on display. Sections are organized around major themes rather than movements or generations, a rather attractive and original approach that is particularly accessible to the general public. An area is also dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
5. Albert Dock
Inaugurated in 1846, this dock was one of the very first of its kind in the world. For almost two decades, Albert Dock was in a state of disrepair, with deteriorating warehouses and derelict riverbanks. Since its renovation, the dock has become a symbol of pride for Liverpool and, above all, an undeniable and remarkable tourist success. Albert Dock's canals are now navigable, and its warehouses are home to numerous bars, restaurants, boutiques and museums. These include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which commemorates the city's trading activities and its sad role in the slave trade; the Museum of Liverpool, which showcases the city's cultural diversity; Tate Liverpool, a renowned modern art gallery; and last but not least, The Beatles Story, a must-see.
Discover the history of the Albert Docks by booking your guided sightseeing cruise right here!
6. Liverpool Cathedral
Listed as a historic monument, Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the UK, ranking fifth in the world! Although its construction was completed in 1978 after 74 years of work, the wars, in particular the damage caused by the Luftwaffe, delayed its completion. Despite this, its neo-Gothic appearance gives it a much older feel. Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was just 23 when he drew up the plans, and this prodigy left other iconic imprints, including the famous red telephone booths. Sadly, he died 18 years before the opening ceremony. With its 100-metre tower, it offers a breathtaking view of the city.
7. Museum of Liverpool
With its magnificent contemporary architecture and oblong shape, the Museum of Liverpool has truly changed the panorama of the waterfront. Inaugurated in 2011, this museum is entirely devoted to Liverpool and its history, covering the different eras from the Neolithic to the Beatles, via the Empire, migration and its soccer clubs. The museum's ambition is to articulate the many facets of this city through each of its rooms. Archival documents and everyday objects transport visitors to the highlights of the city's past, such as the strikes of 1911, the Luftwaffe bombings, the violent recession of the 1970s and 1980s... The second floor offers breathtaking views of the Three Graces and the entire port.
8. St. George's Hall
St. George's Hall is an architectural gem from the early 19th century. It was originally built as a music hall and court of justice. It is often considered one of the finest examples of the neo-classical style. In 2004, Ringo Starr played on the roof when Liverpool was designated European Capital of Culture. Today, St. George's Hall is a privileged witness to the city's history. As soon as you enter, an impressive organ sets the tone, as do the superb mosaics adorning the floor. A tour of its floors reveals its role in Liverpool's past. During the Victorian era, its walls housed a prison. You can also visit the courtroom and the criminal court.
9. A nature getaway
When we think of Liverpool, the image that often springs to mind is of vast expanses of brick and chimneys rather than a peaceful, verdant Garden of Eden. Yet on the way to Manchester and its must-see sights, the metropolis is surrounded by soothing, fairytale-like countryside, perfect for relaxing and hiking on sunny days. Of course, the Wirral Peninsula and the Sefton Coast are well worth a visit, but above all, just an hour or two's drive away, you can go on an adventure in four superb national parks, among the most beautiful in the country. While Snowdonia and the Lake District impress with their majestic, lake-fringed mountains close to the sea, the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District reveal lush green valleys and mysterious hills in the heart of the Pennines. Don't forget to pack good shoes!
10. Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is a jewel in Liverpool's crown and one of the city's most iconic museums. The museum traces the history of the port and its economic activities through a collection of boats, models, uniforms, paintings and more. A particularly captivating section focuses on migration across the Atlantic. Between 1830 and 1930, nine million people left Europe via the Mersey in the hope of a better life in the New World. These departures were made possible by the chartering of huge ships, some of the most prestigious of which are honored here. The Titanic and the Lusitania, these floating palaces of tragic destiny, reveal all their secrets through photographs and objects from life on board. As for trade, an entire section is dedicated to the exchange of chocolate, spices, cotton and, of course, sugar, which contributed to the fortune of Henry Tate, founder of the prestigious eponymous collection.
11. The Ropewalks district
The ruggedness of its compact red brick buildings gives this district its authentic character, closely linked to the city's port activities. Ropewalks was once home to rope factories, where ropes were made for ships, and warehouses where cotton was stored before being shipped to Manchester for spinning. Today, the district has developed an independent identity, with its small neighborhood bars featuring DJs and local bands, its Fact art gallery screening independent cinema and focusing on new media. The area is also home to some of Liverpool's trendiest hotels.
12. The Bluecoat gallery
In the bohemian, creative district of Ropewalks, a number of independent designers and establishments have converged on the square courtyard of the famous Bluecoat. The Display Centre has been selling contemporary arts and crafts since 1959. R&J Porter specializes in silver, Stitches in couture and Lalligrass in Himalayan culture, to name but a few. At Kernaghan Books, the shelves are full of timeless books, while Landbaby offers a wide variety of home accessories. Probe Records, a cutting-edge record shop in existence since 1971, offers vinyl and other collectibles, particularly appealing to fans of British pop-rock. In any case, you'll find plenty to fill your suitcases with souvenirs of your Liverpudlian escapade!
13. Liverpool City Sights
Liverpool City Sights is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore Liverpool without missing out on any of its star attractions. Two tours are offered by this agency, each with French audio guides: the red tour, with 14 stops, valid for 24 hours, and the blue tour, with 18 stops, valid for 48 hours. The concept is simple and effective: you buy your ticket, board the red open-top bus and get off wherever you like. This way, you can discover the city's must-sees, such as the Royal Albert Dock, the Liver Building, the Cavern Quarter, the famous Penny Lane, the childhood homes of the Beatles, as well as the various museums of the English city. Thanks to City Sights' partnerships, you can even get discounts on attractions such as the Beatles Story, the iconic Ferris wheel or the Tower Tour. A great way to discover Liverpool's many must-see attractions!
14. A cruise on the Mersey
In a destiny similar to that of other major port cities, Liverpool has finally made the most of its waterfront to develop sea-related leisure activities. The opening of a terminal on the Pier Head has enabled it to develop a wide range of cruises. These 30 to 50-minute cruises explore the River Mersey and take visitors by sea to other attractions on the other side of the river, in Wirral. This is one of Liverpool's must-see tours, so book in advance right here ! Don't forget to check the weather forecast - you never know!
15. Pub crawl
When it comes to nightlife, Liverpool has nothing to envy other major British cities. We love its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, eccentric popular bars and underground addresses. The pub? The local, the boozer, the free house or the public house, call it what you will: it's the second home of the English. In the North, they're often flowery, rustic and carpeted. Sounds cliché, and so much the better! The CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) association has made their quality its hobbyhorse. It regularly publishes surveys of the best addresses, and connoisseurs refer to them as if they were the word of God. To go to Liverpool without spending a (long) evening in the pub is simply inconceivable. Cheers!
Where to stay in Liverpool?
- The cheapest: Hatters Hostel Liverpool
In this superb Gothic building, the English Hatters chain has opened a friendly youth hostel. The atmosphere is festive and international, ideal for groups of young people: check rates and availability here !
Radisson opened its first establishment in the north of England in 2022, with this beautifully renovated building dating back to the 1800s. In the evening, you can dine at Stoke, its restaurant specializing in grills and barbecues. Click here to book your stay!
The Resident is a hotel you can book right here , set in a former city warehouse in the heart of Ropewalks. It has retained its red-brick industrial style while refurbishing the interior from top to bottom.
What to do in Liverpool in 1 day?
Albert Dock is home to a number of fine museums: the famous Beatles Story, the Tate and the Maritime Museum. Visit any of them, and continue along the quays to Pier Head, where you can contrast the ultra-modern forms of the Liverpool Museum and Mann Island with the enchanting Three Graces. You can then cross the pleasant Chavasse Park to reach the city's commercial heart. Liverpool One, Church Street and Paradise Street are packed with brand-name boutiques and shopping addicts. Near the Bluecoat on College Lane, a school has been superbly transformed into a contemporary art gallery. We'll spend some time there before wandering into Ropewalks, a former shopping district turned bohemian and innovative corner. In the evening, head to the Cavern Club, the city's legendary music venue, for some great music and a pint.
What to do in Liverpool as a family?
As a family in Liverpool, one of the best destinations less than 2 hours away by air, you won't want to miss a visit to The Beatles Story museum, as well as The British Music Experience for a highly educational musical tour. You'll also want to take a ride on the Ferris wheel and take an audioguided tour of Anfield stadium (with a detour to the store).
