Things to Do in Liverpool

Creative Tourist

Liverpool exploded into life in the 18th century, rapidly turning from a small town into one of the world’s most important port cities. For 200 years, it eclipsed most of Europe in the trading stakes – nationally and internationally – Liverpool was where it was at.

What does that mean for the visitor today? You’ve only to look up: a skyline that’s part of a World Heritage Site, a waterfront that never fails to impress, and Georgian streets that are as graceful as they are grand. It is these architectural cheekbones that, along with the grand sweep of the River Mersey, make Liverpool such a visual treat. Sure, the city was for years on its uppers, its post-industrial decline as swift as it was comprehensive. But Liverpool has reinvented itself, from being the UK Capital of Culture in 2008 to attracting the world’s gaze while hosting both the Turner Prize and the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 and 2023. It’s also home the largest festival of contemporary visual art in the UK: Liverpool Biennial, where new creative futures are written.

Step straight out of Lime Street Station and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the bustling St George’s Quarter. Together with the World Museum, is the Walker Art Gallery, housing a collection of historic and contemporary art. The Liverpool Empire, Royal Court and the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre are close by too. With two stunning cathedrals that sit on either side of Hope Street in the Georgian Quarter, the area is also home to the Everyman Theatre and some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city: The London Carriage Works, Pen Factory and the architecturally marvellous Philharmonic Dining Rooms are among our favourites.

Head to Liverpool Waterfront for a world-class visual arts offering alongside important historic exhibitions. Aside from an abundance of independent shops and eateries, the Dock is home to Tate Liverpool and its collection of contemporary art and changing exhibitions (recently including the aforementioned Turner Prize); the Merseyside Maritime Museum exploring Liverpool’s long nautical heritage and the uniquely important International Slavery Museum, examining Liverpool’s part in the Transatlantic slave trade.

Like the Liver Birds sitting atop the city’s most famous building, one turned to the sea, one turned to home, Liverpool is a city with a world view, yet a place with a personal, personable one too.

Discover our top picks

Liverpool Theatre Festival
Theatre 20–30 July 2023,

Liverpool Theatre Festival at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

Don’t miss this super theatre festival packed with live outdoor performances featuring musical theatre, drama, comedy, cabaret, opera, and children’s shows.

Activity Until 31 January 2025, £8.50 with concessions

Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

Exhibitions 10 June–17 September 2023, FREE

Liverpool Biennial 2023 – uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things

The 12th edition of the UK’s oldest and largest festival of contemporary visual art is back this year, bringing with it art focusing on ancestral knowledge, wisdom and healing.

Writer and performer Hollie McNish.
Literature 27 June–5 July 2023, FREE

A Lovely Word Poetry SLAM at Shakespeare North Playhouse & Liverpool Everyman

A Lovely Word is a regular on the Liverpool live lit scene, bringing poetry and spoken word to the Everyman stage for nearly a decade.

Literature Until 30 November 2023, FREE

Poetry Walk at The Reader in Liverpool

Every Thursday morning you’re invited to join the Poetry Walk with The Reader in Calderstones Park. Get into the great outdoors and escape the everyday, while exploring poetry and making the most of the beautiful surroundings in a safe and socially distanced way.

Festivals 28–30 July 2023, from £82

The One In The Woods

Liverpool’s One In The Woods hosts a serotonin-tickling selection of underground house, techno and drum and bass artists in a magical woodland location this July.

Alice in Wonderland at Liverpool Playhouse
Theatre 4–22 July 2023, from £11.00

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at Liverpool Playhouse

Bursting with brilliant original music inspired by the British pop scene, buckle up and follow Alice as she tumbles into Wonderland. A super show for the whole family.

Everyman & Playhouse Spring Summer Season
Theatre Until 22 July 2023,

Everyman & Playhouse Spring/ Summer Season

A busy and brilliant season – expect contemporary takes on the classics, world premiere adaptations of bestsellers and fantastical family shows. There’s plenty to enjoy in Liverpool’s theatres this spring.

Exhibitions Until 25 February 2024, £8 with concessions

Return of the Gods at The World Museum

Get ready for the drama and grandeur of the ancient world in ‘Return of the Gods’ at Liverpool’s World Museum.

Exhibitions Until 17 September 2023, FREE

LuYang Arcade Liverpool at FACT

‘LuYang Arcade Liverpool’ at FACT takes viewers on an immersive, interactive journey across the world of games, digital identities and spirituality.

Liverpool District Guides

Lark Lane, Liverpool

A little way out of Liverpool City Centre, and a short and leafy walk from…

southport guide

Southport

Southport is a large seaside town in the county of Merseyside, which also takes in…

Art galleries in Liverpool

William Brown Street, Liverpool

As city centre districts go, this one is relatively small: a cluster of buildings along…

The ship in Liverpool Sound City

Waterfront, Liverpool

Our guide to Liverpool’s waterfront, an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a glimpse into the city’s historical grandeur.

Ropewalks and Chinatown, Liverpool

The Ropewalks is a part of Liverpool that combines old and new. Once crowded with…

Hope Street, Liverpool

Our guide to Hope Street, one of Liverpool’s most graceful quarters, where religious heritage meets forward-thinking culture.