Things To Do In Liverpool - 2-Day Itinerary

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside in the northwest of England, just 4.8 km from the Irish Sea and on the eastern side of the Mersey estuary. When most people think about Liverpool, the Beatles come to mind as does Liverpool Football Club, one of the country's top football clubs. However, there are many other attractions on offer to entertain you in this vibrant city.

Liverpool Is filled with museums and art galleries such as the World Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, and the Tate Liverpool. It has two magnificent cathedrals which you can visit, one Anglican, the other Roman Catholic. Liverpool is home to the Philharmonic Hall, one of the top concert halls in Europe. It is also a popular shopping destination with a 42-acre retail park, Liverpool One, ready to welcome shopaholics. A wide variety of eating establishments are on offer, from humble pubs to fine dining establishments. In addition, the nightlife is exciting.

We have prepared a 2-day itinerary for you which takes in the main sights in Liverpool and have given you ideas of what else to do if you have more time.

Day 1 

Morning: Royal Albert Docks

The Royal Albert Docks were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and are the ideal place to start your tour of the city. They dominated world trade in the 18th and early 19th centuries and are now a reminder of Liverpool’s industrial history. The docks and warehouses now house museums, shops, and restaurants. Take a stroll around and look at the buildings and boats in the river and perhaps have a coffee in one of the cafes.

The Beatles Story

If you are a music fan, you won’t want to miss The Beatles Story even if they were way before your time. This exhibition is housed in a building in the Royal Albert Docks and recounts the history of the band and how they have influenced music over the generations. You can also discover the solo careers of the band members after the band broke up. You will also see a selection of artefacts such as John Lennon’s glasses and George Harrison’s first guitar. You can learn more about the Abbey Road Studios where they recorded much of their work, and there is a replica of the Cavern Club where they first started their singing career. It is best to book tickets online to ensure that you get in. Free audio guides are available and are narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia.

The Merseyside Maritime Museum

A five-minute walk takes you to the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Here you can learn all about Liverpool’s seafaring past including its involvement with the Titanic which was registered there but never came to Liverpool. Find out about the RMS Lithuania which was sunk in 1915 by a German U-boat killing more than 1,000 passengers. Discover what life was like for passengers on luxury liners many years ago when ships were the main mode of transport. Learn about the people who left Liverpool on ships to the US in the early 20th century in search of a new life. There are many exciting galleries to explore such as the Shipperies, which showcases intricately designed model ships and another gallery delving into international trade conducted through Liverpool’s docks. .

Museum of Liverpool

A five-minute walk takes you to the Museum of Liverpool, a new museum opened in 2011. As the name suggests, the museum is about Liverpool, its history, and its people. It covers 8,000 square metres and displays over 6,000 artefacts. There is an archaeology collection dating back as far as 10,000 years, including a collection of Viking silver jewellery found buried in Huxley in Cheshire. One of the best collections is that of land transport which showcases more than 200 vehicles that were used not only in the developing road and rail transport systems in Liverpool but also in the docks. The Wondrous Place Gallery celebrates the many musicians, comedians, writers, and poets that Liverpool has produced. In the Social and Communities section, you will find an interesting World War I collection including a German shell and peace poppies.

Brasco Lounge

Right next-door to the Museum of Liverpool is Brasco Lounge which is a great and convenient place to have lunch. They serve sandwiches, flatbreads, burgers, curries, tapas, and salads with vegan and vegetarian options.

Day 1 - liverpool Tour Map

Afternoon: Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool is a sister art gallery to Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London. Together, they showcase British art from the 16th century to the present day and Tate Liverpool concentrates on modern art, with works by artists such as Alan Lodge and Claude Cahun. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the gallery and the artwork displayed. They host many temporary exhibitions and family activities, such as workshops and talks. It is free to get in the museum.

The Beatles Statue

Three minutes away from The Tate Liverpool you will come across The Beatles Statue, which has been there since December 2015. It was sculpted in bronze by Andrew Edwards and the figures are bigger than they would be in real life, weighing a total of 12 tonnes. It was donated by the Cavern Club where the Beatles began their career and it was placed in position on the anniversary of the band’s last performance in Liverpool, which was at the Liverpool Empire Theatre 50 years previously.

Liver Building

Another three-minute walk takes you to the Liver Building on top of which are the mythical Liver Birds, Bella and Bertie. It is said that if they fly away, Liverpool will not exist anymore. The building is 98 metres tall to the top of the spires and 103.7 metres to the top of the birds and can be visited on a guided tour.

Start the tour on the ground floor where there is a visitor centre telling you about the building’s history. You then meet your guide and go up to the tenth floor by lift before climbing to the clock tower to see an audio-visual show which tells you about the the building and how things have changed in the city since the Liver Building was constructed over 100 years previously. You then climb to the 15th floor which is immediately below the Liver Birds. From here you get fantastic views of the city and the river.

Cavern Club

End your first day’s tour, at The Cavern Club which opened in 1957 and was where many bands, including the Beatles, started out. Within two years, the Beatles had played here almost 300 times. Other groups to play at the Cavern Club were the Rolling Stones, Elton John, and the Who. The Cavern Club closed down in the early 1970s to be reopened in 1984 after a major renovation. Since reopening, bands such as the Arctic Monkeys and Oasis have played here. It is open every day with live music from 11 a.m. It also has a pub, restaurant, and souvenir shop.

Day 1 - liverpool Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: World Museum

The World Museum was opened in 1851 but has been renovated many times because the collections have grown. It is now one of the largest museums in Liverpool and houses collections about history, natural science, space, and culture. It also has an aquarium, a planetarium, and a live bug house. Highlights include an exhibition about bees, an ancient Egyptian gallery, and a World Cultures gallery. The great thing is that it’s free to get in and there is a cafe so you can stop to get a cup of coffee before going on to your next stop.

The Walker Art Gallery

A five-minute walk takes you to the Walker Art Gallery which houses one of the biggest collections of art in the UK. Here you will find art dating from the 14th century to the present day. Renaissance art includes works by such artists as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner. Pre-Raphaelite artists include Rossetti, Holman Hunt, and Millais, while impressionists include Cezanne and Monet. In the contemporary gallery, you will find works by artists such as Lucien Freud and the winners of the John Moore painting competition. There are also sculptures on display and temporary exhibitions. Take a guided tour or enjoy a family workshop during the school holidays. There is a cafe in the gallery so you can take a break.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1967 and is one of Liverpool’s two cathedrals. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the largest Catholic cathedral in the UK. It is a 20-minute walk from the Walker Art Gallery.

The Cathedral combines contemporary and traditional designs. It has a contemporary circular design but there are beautiful and traditional stained-glass windows. The altar sits in the middle of the church with curved pews surrounding it giving lovely views of the stained-glass panel above the altar. Take a tour of the crypt underneath the church which is what remains of an earlier cathedral. Here you will find chapels and a treasury containing vestments and sacred vessels.

China Town

Another 15-minute walk takes you to China Town which is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. To get in, you pass through an impressive Chinese gate, the largest outside China and built in Shanghai, the twin town of Liverpool. The streets in China Town are named in both Chinese and English. Try the North Garden restaurant for lunch. It’s popular with the locals so it should be good.

Day 2 - liverpool Tour Map

Afternoon: Liverpool Cathedral

Your first stop in the afternoon is the second cathedral in the city, the older Anglican cathedral, built in 1904. It was designed in the neo-Gothic style by Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the British red telephone box and Battersea Power Station in London. It has, however, been redesigned many times. It is the longest cathedral in the world at 189 metres long and is one of the tallest at 101 metres high. You can climb the tower for fantastic views of the city and see a film called Great Space about the history of the cathedral. Inside the building is a magnificent organ with 10,268 pipes, probably one of the largest in the world. You will also see beautiful stained glass windows and a collection of artworks.

Georgian Quarter

A seven-minute walk leads to the Georgian Quarter, one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Take a little time to wander the streets and take in the stunning Georgian houses, restaurants, and pubs. This area is home to the famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre

A quarter of an hour’s walk takes you to the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre. On your way, you will pass the University of London with its new Yoko Ono Lennon Centre with its 400-seat state-of-the-art auditorium.

The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre is an unusual attraction which is well worth visiting for its novelty effect. It is a series of underground tunnels and chambers created by the eccentric Joseph Williamson in the early 19th century. It is thought that he didn’t create these tunnels for any specific purpose but to give work to soldiers returning from the Napoleonic Wars. You can take a tour of a section of the tunnels and visit an exhibition about Williamson.

Day 2 - Liverpool Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Liverpool

Mendips

Mendips is the house at 251 Menlove Avenue where John Lennon lived from the age of five until he was 22. It is thought that at least one of the Beatles’ songs was written here. Yoko Ono bought the house in the early 2000s and had it renovated and re-decorated to look as it did when Lennon lived there. Now it is protected by the National Trust and is open to the public, a real treat for Beatles fans.

Ropewalks

Ropewalks is an area of Liverpool that was used by rope makers to supply the Liverpool ships. The main street here is Bold Street which is now a great place to go if you want to find vintage clothing shops. There are also plenty of independent cafes here so stop for a coffee and a cake. It is the centre of Liverpool’s exciting nightlife scene so if you come in the evening, you will find bars, clubs, and music venues open.

The Radio City Tower

The Radio City Tower is a 138-metre radio and observation tower with a 10-metre antenna on top. It is the second tallest building in the city and home to Hits Radio Liverpool and Greatest Hits Radio. You can visit the viewing gallery which is at a height of 120 metres. On a clear day, you can see as far as Blackpool and the Lake District.

 

Take A Peaky Blinders Tour

If you have seen the BBC TV show, Peaky Blinders, you will enjoy this tour as much of it was filmed here in Liverpool. You will explore more than ten of the locations and get to see clips from the series at each stop.

The Western Approaches Museum

The Western Approaches Museum is an enormous underground World War II bunker and museum. The bunker played an important part in the war with the top military men working continuously down there. The rooms have been left as they were at the end of the war, and you can either do a self-guided or guided tour. If you want to do a guided tour, booking in advance is best.

Go On A Spooky Ghost History Tour

If you enjoy hearing about the dark side of cities, take an evening ghost tour of Liverpool. A typical ghost tour will take you to Hope Street, Liverpool's most haunted street, and St. James’s necropolis and graveyard where a massive 58,000 people are buried.

Victoria Gallery and Museum

The gallery houses historical and modern artworks while the museum showcases a collection of medical, scientific, and natural history artefacts. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed, but you can still visit the art gallery. Collections include sculptures from the 1880s and a display of artwork by the19th-century wildlife artist and naturalist, John James Audubon. There are contemporary pieces by artists such as Arthur Dooley and Halima Cassell.

Mersey River Cruise

Mersey Ferries offers 50-minute cruises aboard the Mersey Ferry. They leave every hour from 10 am until 4 pm. You get to see the highlights of the city from a different perspective while listening to an interesting commentary. Every two weeks in the summer months, there is a special three-hour Liverpool Bay cruise which gives you the opportunity of seeing Anthony Gormley’s amazing installation of 100 cast-iron sculptures. The cruise also offers a bar and there is live music.

Speke Hall

Speke Hall is a stunning Tudor mansion owned by the National Trust. It has a typical Tudor oak frame and a moat which doesn’t contain water anymore. You can have a guided tour of the house which takes you around the majestic rooms where you will see an amazing collection of period furniture. Look out for the priest hole, used to hide persecuted clergymen.. Don’t miss taking a stroll around the beautiful garden with its floral displays and ancient yew trees.

Princes Road Synagogue

The synagogue first opened its doors in 1874 and is now a Grade 1 listed building. You can visit the synagogue on a pre-booked guided tour. It has a basilica with a central nave and an aisle on each side. The decoration is opulent. The best wood has been used and there is marbling and gilding.

FACT Liverpool

FACT Liverpool is a venue that hosts new media exhibitions, films, artwork, installations and games, supporting artists who use these mediums to explore modern technology. New exhibitions are held regularly, and the venue takes part in the Biennial Liverpool, a modern art festival. There is a cafe and a bar at the venue.

Day Trips From Liverpool

• Crosby Beach is a 20-minute drive out of the city and is a stretch of sandy beach looking out towards the Irish Sea. You can’t swim here but it has lots of other things going for it such as spectacular sunsets. There is also an art installation along the beach called Another Place which showcases sculptures. A hiking and biking trail starts at Crosby Beach which takes you along the coast.

• Formby Coast and Nature Reserve: Just 23.5 km north of Liverpool is Formby Coast and Nature Reserve which is a lovely place to take a walk. The beach is sandy with impressive dunes and there are woodlands to be explored in the nature reserve. Plenty of wildlife can be spotted such as sand lizards, natterjack toads, red squirrels, and wading birds. There are even prehistoric footprints dating back to 8000 BC, which have been preserved through a combination of sun, sand, and mud.

• Manchester is a major city 56 km east of Liverpool and well worth a day’s visit. It is probably best known for its two football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, but there is much more to the city. There are plenty of museums to visit such as The Imperial War Museum North and the interactive Science and Industry Museum. The Manchester Art Gallery houses some of the world’s best pre-Raphaelite paintings. There are exciting places to eat including Curry Mile where you will find 70 South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants within 0.8 km.

• Chester is 33.3 km south of Liverpool and is a beautiful small city with a Gothic cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Many royal coronations took place there and you can climb the bell tower for great views of the city. Chester is surrounded by well-preserved Roman walls which you can walk around. They stretch for 3 km. The Medieval architecture and cobblestoned streets throughout Chester are a step back to the past and offer great photo opportunities. A unique attraction in the city is The Sick to Death Museum which explores Mediaeval healthcare in a gory manner. There is a Roman amphitheatre to be visited as well, which was built in 79 AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the UK.

• Strawberry Fields is 9.5 km southeast of Liverpool. Many of you will have heard the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ which was written by John Lennon. He based it on these gardens which you can explore. There is an exhibition about Lennon’s early years and about the history of the gardens. You have to book in advance if you want to visit.

• Martin Mere Nature Reserve is 86 km north of Liverpool but is well worth the drive if you like nature and wildlife as you may meet otters, flamingos, ducks, geese, and swans. If you buy a pack of bird feed, you can feed the birds. Go on a canoe safari or boat tour to explore the wetlands where you can’t go on foot. Children will love the Wild Walk where there are wobbly bridges and stepping stones and there is an outdoor play area with a zip wire. They will also enjoy watching the otters being fed.

• Southport is 32 km north of Liverpool and was a popular seaside holiday destination during Victorian times. Apart from the beach on a sunny day, the highlight is The Atkinson, which is a museum, art gallery, library, theatre, and cafe. There is a traditional pier and an old-fashioned amusement arcade which still attracts people in droves. Visit Wayfarers Arcade, a Victorian shopping centre with some nice independent shops and cafes.

• The Lake District in Cumbria is a national park filled with spectacular lakes, historic castles, and towering mountains. It covers 236,234 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest lake in the country, Lake Windermere, is in the Lake District and is the most popular holiday spot in the park. The Lake District is popular with hikers as well as those wanting to follow a literary journey. It is famous for its links with literary giants such as the Lake poets, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter. You will find many sites associated with them, such as Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top House and Wordsworth House.

• North Wales is a picturesque part of the United Kingdom. Here you will find Eryri National Park filled with delightful towns, craggy mountains, and ancient castles such as the striking Harlech Castle. Highlights include Portmeirion, an Italian-style village, the Royal town of Caernarfon, and Puffin Island, with its rare seabirds.

• Fort Perch Rock is 11.26 km from Liverpool and is a coastal defence battery that was built in the early 19th century. At that time it was used to protect Liverpool’s port. Now it houses a museum with maritime and aviation collections and it holds guest exhibitions and cultural events.

• Croxteth Hall and Country Park is 10 km northeast of Liverpool. The park is beautiful with many trails to follow. Be sure you visit the Victorian Walled Garden for a step back in time. Children will love Home Farm, the Croxteth Miniature Railway, and the playground. The house is often used for filming so may be closed. However, you might be lucky and will be able to enjoy a tour of both the grand rooms and the servants' quarters.

• Tatton Park is a magnificent stately home 50 km east of Liverpool. You can tour the house and see both the State apartments and the servants' quarters. You will see furniture made by Gillows of Lancaster; a furniture maker founded in the early 18th century which produced high-quality furniture. Be sure to visit the garden which was voted the best National Trust Garden of 2020. The house is surrounded by 405 hectares of parkland and there is a working farm which children will love. You can easily spend all day here as there is a restaurant on site.

• Rufford Old Hall, 37 km north of Liverpool, is a beautiful Tudor mansion. Tour the house which is set up to look as if people are living in it and it is not owned by the National Trust. The dining room, for example, is set up for dinner with plates, cutlery, food, and candles. The gardens are delightful and were planted in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Enjoy homemade cakes in the tearoom while your children are occupied in the nature play area.

• Chirk Castle is 68 km south of Liverpool. It was built in the early 14th century and is the only castle of the period that is still occupied. Renovations were made over the years, such as the 17th-century Long Gallery and the 18th-century salon which is filled with gorgeous tapestries. The gardens are beautiful with yew trees, a rock garden, and manicured lawns. In addition, there are 194 hectares of parkland.

Things To Do With Kids In Liverpool

• Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise: The river separates Liverpool from Birkenhead and the Wirral and one of the best ways to see the river and the city is from a cruise boat. You will see the important landmarks like the cathedrals and Royal Albert Dock and children will just enjoy the experience of going on a boat. There are porpoises and bottlenose dolphins that live in the Mersey Estuary so if you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of one of these lovely creatures. There is live commentary on the boat and a bar.

• Sefton Park covers 235 acres and is one of Liverpool’s largest public parks. There is a children’s playground here and you can all hire bikes to explore the park. Children will enjoy seeing the Peter Pan statue and the waterfalls, spotting the kingfishers by the lake, and visiting the Palm House.

• Knowsley Safari: is 15 km east of Liverpool and offers an 8 km safari drive which you take in your car. The route covers different habitats, and you will see a variety of animals, including camels, rhinos, baboons, and lions who all roam in plenty of space. There is also a foot safari which you can take and where, from viewing spots, you can see meerkats, tigers, giraffes, sea lions, and bears.

• The Beatles Story Discovery Zone: Kids will love the Discovery Zone in The Beatles Story Museum. It’s open every weekend and during the school holidays, and there are interactive activities on offer. Your children can play Beatles songs on the giant floor piano and sing along to Beatles songs in a replica mini Cavern Club. There is also a craft area where they can enjoy Beatles and 1960s-themed colouring and crafts.

• The British Music Experience: Kids are generally into music and so will love this museum which celebrates British music. There are galleries filled with memorabilia including stage outfits and instruments. What your kids will love the best however, are the interactive exhibits. In the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio, they can learn to play the guitar, drums, or keyboards. In Dance Through the Decades, they can dance their way through the different eras of music.

• Football Stadium Tour: Football is a big deal in England and one of the major teams in the Premiership is Liverpool FC. Their ground is Anfield, and you can take a tour which includes visiting the grounds, seeing the trophies, and learning about their history. There are special experiences on offer such as having a meal in the grounds and getting a signed photograph. The other Liverpool team is Everton, and you can also tour their grounds. You will get to see the changing rooms, and the director’s box, walk through the tunnel and then emerge on the touchline. You can even pose for photos in the manager’s seat.

• Eureka! Science and Discovery: This attraction is just 8 km from Liverpool in Wallasey. Here your kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths and how they affect everyday life. There is a special area for up to seven-year-olds called The Burrow where they can interact with exhibits connected to nature. During school holidays, your kids can attend special workshops.

• The Wheel of Liverpool: is a massive Ferris wheel 60 metres tall and with 42 enclosed gondolas. All of the gondolas are climate-controlled and have commentary telling you about Liverpool’s famous sights. There is a luxury VIP gondola which you can book that has a glass floor and offers chocolates and champagne. The ride takes around 12 minutes.

• Quirky Quarter: This attraction on Duke Street will appeal to little children right through to teens. On offer are interactive experiences and workouts to stimulate the brain.

• Blue Planet Aquarium is 21 km south of Liverpool and is a great day out for children. There are more than 100 living displays showcasing thousands of marine creatures including sharks, turtles, and stingrays. Enter a tunnel and see sharks swimming above you. If you are brave enough, you can even do a shark dive. There is daily feeding and talk shows on offer. You can easily spend the day here and have lunch in the Nautilus Kitchen.

• Chester Zoo covers 51.7 hectares and houses over 31,000 animals including the black rhino, cheetahs, Asian elephants, and tigers. It is the most visited zoo in the United Kingdom and one which is also a conservation centre.

• Otterspool Adventure has plenty to keep children occupied for a few hours. There is a petting farm with animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and pygmy goats. Children can enjoy mini golf, ride-on jeeps, a beach area, a bouncing pillow, mini go karts, and Volvo diggers.

• Clip ‘n Climb is a climbing centre for the whole family, aged four and upwards. There are several climbing walls of different difficulty levels.

• Imagine That has four zones for children to enjoy, each experience allowing them 45 minutes of play and learning time. The zones are Imagination Village, the Construction Area, Art Beatz, and the Science Area. There are shows to watch and a butterfly garden. Parents can relax in the cafe while their children are having fun.

• Jungle Parc is based at Croxteth Country Park and is a high-wire activity with two courses. The X-Power course is for children aged 10 and over who must measure a minimum of 1.35 metres. It includes ziplines, wobbly logs, rope bridges, and swings. The Adventurer course is for children aged four and above and who measure at least 1.05 metres. It includes ziplines, monkey bridges, and tunnel slides.

• Acorn Farm: At Acorn Farm, children can see and feed many animals including meerkats, goats, sheep, cows, horses, pigs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Also on offer is horse riding, a play area, and a woodland walk.

Where To Eat In Liverpool

Pubs

• The Philharmonic: This is one of Liverpool’s most famous pubs. It is centrally located on Hope Street close to the Philharmonic Hall and dates back to 1906. It serves hearty pub food and hand-crafted pies such as chicken and truffled oyster mushroom pie. On Sundays, a roast is on offer.

• BrewDog Liverpool: This pub is the taproom for BrewDog beer which attracts many customers. When it comes to food, they serve classics such as burgers, wings, and salads. For 12 pm until 3 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they offer two burgers for the price of one and this includes a vegan burger. You must book online for this offer. On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a bottomless brunch until 4 pm which includes unlimited PunkIPA, a speciality beer, or Prosecco.

• The Cavern Pub: The Cavern Pub on Matthew Street is opposite the famous cavern Club. It has live music each evening and is free to enter so you are getting a real bargain. It serves classic pub grub and a local special, a Scouse, which is slow cooked prime beef stew with mixed vegetables and potatoes and served with beetroot, pickled red cabbage, and crusty bread.

• The North Western: The North Western on Lime Street is part of a chain called Wetherspoons which is very popular in the UK. It offers very cheap drinks and food in a no-frills atmosphere. You can get a pint of beer at less than half the price of most places and main meals cost less than ten pounds. They serve breakfasts and a wide variety of main meals including burgers, pizzas, steaks, curries, pasta dishes, and fish and chips.

International Restaurants

• Lunyalita: Located in Royal Albert Dock next to The Beatles Story, Lunyalita offers authentic Spanish cuisine. Come for classic and modern tapas at lunchtime and for Spanish-influenced British classics, deli platters, and paella the rest of the time. They have an impressive list of 100 Spanish wines and there is seating inside and out.

• Bistro Pierre: Bistro Pierre on Button Street is a French restaurant located in an old warehouse. They serve genuine French dishes such as frog legs to start and bouillabaisse, boeuf bourguignon, and moules mariniere (mussels) for mains.

• Madre: Madre is a family-run Mexican restaurant in the Royal Albert Dock. If you enjoy tacos, this is the place to come. They are filled with such delicacies as Yucatan slow-cooked pork shoulder, achiote, and pickled onion or tempura battered Atlantic pollock with Salsa Mexicana verde, aioli, and yellow mustard. Come at the weekend for live music and happy hour margaritas.

Fine Dining

• Roski: Roski, on Rodney Street, is exclusive as it has just 28 covers, so you need to book well in advance. It is owned by Anton Piotrowski who has won MasterChef The Professionals. The menu is based on tasting menus with wine pairings.

• Wreckfish: Wreckfish, on Seel Street, uses top-quality seasonal ingredients to produce excellent dishes. They are open all day, starting with breakfast, and at weekdays, they offer a reasonably priced bistro menu. On Sundays, they serve a Sunday roast with beef for meat eaters and cauliflower steak for vegetarians.

• The Art School: The Art School is an elegant restaurant on Sugnall Street. They offer two differently priced fixed price menus and a tasting menu with vegan and vegetarian options. If you go on a Saturday, you will be entertained by live jazz.

Where To Stay In Liverpool

• The Municipal Hotel Liverpool - MGallery: This five-star hotel is in a prime position in the centre of Liverpool, just 400 metres from the Royal Court Theatre. It is an amazing building which has a clock tower and bells. The rooms are luxurious and are fitted with air conditioning. The hotel offers a hot and cold breakfast buffet in the brasserie which is open for other meals, and there is a beautifully designed tearoom so you can try a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes, and scones. The facilities are excellent in the hotel with a beauty and wellness centre offering a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and treatments.

• Ropewalks Hotel - BW Premier Collection: This four-star hotel is also situated in the centre of Liverpool and has lovely rooms with a fridge and some with a terrace. There is a fitness centre, so you don’t have to miss out on your workout. Masons Restaurant serves food from breakfast onwards and has a bottomless Sunday brunch which is very popular. The hotel also has a bar and on Fridays and Saturdays, there is a DJ or live music.

• Radisson RED Hotel: The four-star Radisson RED is also in the centre of Liverpool and is within easy walking distance of museums, art galleries, and live music. All of the rooms are ensuite and have a TV with satellite channels. Continental or a full English breakfast is available, and the Stoke Brasserie and Grill serves classic British fare with European touches.

• Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village: Another four-star hotel, the Novotel is 400 metres from Williamson’s Tunnels Heritage Centre. It is on 16 floors so there are stunning views of the city to be had. Continental and a full English breakfast are on offer with good dietary options such as vegan and halal.

• Malmaison Liverpool: The Malmaison Liverpool has boutique-style rooms and offers a continental and full English breakfast. The Brasserie restaurant is open all day and evening and serves classic British dishes. There is a bar and fitness centre.

Best Time To Visit Liverpool

The attractions in Liverpool are open all year so you can visit at any time. However, if you want to get the best weather, you will have to come in the summer but be warned, this is England and although it can be warm and sunny, it can rain and even be cold in the summer. It can also be busy in July and August when the schools break up for the holidays so if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in June or September when you will still have the chance of warmer weather.

Festivals In Liverpool

Liverpool has many festivals throughout the year, and we’ll tell you about a few of the best.

• Liverpool Sound City: This is an annual music festival held for two days in May at various venues throughout the city. It has had some of the UK’s best talent performing and has featured such artists as Frank Turner and Paloma Faith.

• Smithdown Weekender: This is another music festival which is held for four days over the first May Bank Holiday. It is free to enter so it is a cheap night out as you will only have to pay for drinks. It is held at different venues throughout the city and features both local and international artists.

• Liverpool Arab Arts Festival: This festival takes place in July and showcases Arab culture through visual art. It is held in different venues throughout Liverpool.

• International Beatle Week: It wouldn’t be Liverpool if there wasn’t a festival dedicated to the Beatles. This is a seven-day event held in August. Many bands perform Beatles songs at various venues, such as the Cavern Club, the Adelphi Hotel, and the Philharmonic Hotel.

• Liverpool Christmas Market: The Christmas Market is held between mid-November and December 24th and is held at St. John’s Gardens, William Brown Street, and the North Entrance of St. George’s Hall. It is a lovely German-style market with wooden alpine chalets, twinkling lights, and festive decorations, crafts, and food on sale. Don’t forget to try a glass of mulled wine.