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.

What's on in Liverpool

Dead Ink Books
LiteratureLiverpool
Modern Gothic launch at Bluecoat, Liverpool

The witching hour is upon us, and, just in time for Halloween, Manchester-based Fly On The Wall Press has launched a new horror anthology, Modern Gothic, with various tied-in events.

from £5.00
Until
ActivityLiverpool
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.

£8.50 with concessions

Where to go in Liverpool

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Knowsley Safari Park

Have a wild adventure at the Knowsley Safari Park, and get up close to lions, rhinos, camels and more from the comfort of your car.

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Hard Days Night Hotel

Visit the only Beatles-inspired hotel in the world, relax amongst the artwork and artefacts and enjoy a cocktail in one of its stylish bars.

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Pullman

One of the most conveniently located hotels in Liverpool, the Pullman has the views, the luxurious interior and, of course, the fluffy robes.

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Imagine That

Imagine That is a children’s play centre in Liverpool, with art, science and imagination zones to encourage creative fun and free play.

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Vetch

Fine dining restaurant, serving beautiful food on Liverpool’s Hope Street.

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Hummingbird

Hummingbird is one of Liverpool’s most stylish and timeless cocktail bars.

Liverpool Visitor Guides

Tasting Menus in The North

Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.

Cinemas in Liverpool

Whether you want a multiplex or something a little extra, the cinemas in Liverpool have it all.

Restaurants on Liverpool’s Bold Street

Bold Street is one of Liverpool's most high-profile areas, full of unique coffee shops and independent restaurants. Here's our expert guide to this wonderful area.

Casual dining in Liverpool

From delicate small plates to locally-sourced laid-back dining, Liverpool has it all. We get it, sometimes you’re just not in the mood to get dressed-up and fancy, sometimes jeans, t-shirt...

Vegan Food in Liverpool
Vegan Food in Liverpool

Liverpool is one of the better cities when it comes to high-quality vegan cuisine - here's our guide to the best vegan food in the city

Croxteth Hall and Country Park
Walks in Liverpool

A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.

Coffee Shops in Liverpool

Over the last couple of years, Liverpool – like the rest of the country – has been taken over by an army of artisan coffee shops. But how do you separate the wheat from the chaff (or bean from the berry)?

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Spotlight on

Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West's best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.

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