Things to do in Liverpool: Beatles, docks and museums

You are wondering What to do in Liverpool Home of the Beatles, a major port of the British Empire, and the capital of football, Liverpool is bursting with energy. Its renovated docks, free museums, and lively pubs make it an ideal stopover between London, Manchester, and the Lake District. Here are our favorite sights and tips.

In short: In Liverpool, start by exploring the Royal Albert Dock and The Beatles Story, then head to the Cavern Club on Mathew Street. Next, visit the free waterfront museums, such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool, as well as the two cathedrals. Football fans will also want to visit Anfield Stadium. Liverpool is about a 2-hour and 15-minute train ride from London and 45 minutes from Manchester.

Following in the footsteps of the Beatles

The Beatles Story

Located in the Royal Albert Dock, this museum traces the history of the group, from its beginnings in Hamburg to its solo careers. It is therefore the best starting point for fans.

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The Cavern Club and Mathew Street

The Beatles played nearly 300 times in this basement club in the early 1960s. The current Cavern was rebuilt just a few meters from the original, but the atmosphere remains unique, with live music every day. On the same street, a statue of John Lennon awaits photographers.

Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and the children's homes

The Magical Mystery Tour bus takes you to the places that inspired the songs. At Strawberry Field, a visitor center has opened in the former orphanage garden. Finally, the National Trust organizes tours of the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, by reservation.

Other must-see attractions

The Royal Albert Dock and the seafront

These 19th-century brick warehouses now house museums, restaurants, and shops. Along the river, the "Three Graces," three iconic buildings of Pier Head, are a reminder of the port's past grandeur.

Free museums

The Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the story of the port, including its connection to the Titanic, which was registered in Liverpool. In the same building, the International Slavery Museum explores the port's role in the slave trade. The Museum of Liverpool, right next door, traces the history of the city. All three are free.

The two cathedrals

The neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral is the largest in the UK; climb its tower for a panoramic view of the city. At the other end of Hope Street, the modern Catholic cathedral surprises with its tent-like shape and colorful stained-glass windows.

Football at Anfield

Liverpool is also a football city. Anfield stadium offers guided tours and a museum dedicated to the history of Liverpool FC. Everton fans, meanwhile, can discover the club's new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.

Experiences to be lived

• Cross the River Mersey by ferry for the view of the Three Graces.
• Listen to a live concert in the pubs of Mathew Street or the Baltic Triangle area.
• Strolling through the Baltic Triangle, a former warehouse district that has become a haven for street art and street food.
• Have a drink at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a Victorian pub with spectacular decor.

How to get to Liverpool and how many days to allow?

• From London : approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by direct train from Euston.
• From Manchester : approximately 45 minutes by train.
• By plane John Lennon Airport is connected to several European cities.

Two days are enough to see the Beatles' haunts, the docks, and the museums. Liverpool also combines very well with Manchester, as you can see in our guide to... Manchester Christmas market, or with the Lake District, about a two-hour drive. For a complete itinerary, also see our guide to must-sees of England.

For schedules and events, please consult the website of the’Liverpool Tourist Office.

Frequently asked questions: What to do in Liverpool?

What to do in Liverpool in one day?

Start with the Royal Albert Dock and The Beatles Story, then visit the Museum of Liverpool. In the afternoon, head to Mathew Street and end the evening at the Cavern Club.

Is the Cavern Club the real Beatles club?

The original club was demolished in the 1970s. The current Cavern, however, was rebuilt nearby, partly using the original bricks.

Are the museums in Liverpool free?

Yes, the city's major national museums are free. However, The Beatles Story and the Anfield tour require payment.

Liverpool or Manchester: which one to visit?

Liverpool is more focused on music and the river, while Manchester is more industrial and commercial. At 45 minutes by train, you can easily see both.

Cover photo: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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