If you are taking a cruise and know you will be docking at Liverpool, you could quickly become overwhelmed by deciding what you should see and do if you are there for just one day.Â
The good news is that the port is only about a 20-minute walk away from the city centre and many attractions. If you are docked for a full day, you may not even need to get a taxi to many places. Just have a walk about and enjoy the city.
We have selected some of the must-visit highlights of a day in Liverpool.
The Beatles Story
Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AD
As Liverpool is home to one of the greatest and most inspirational bands of all time, The Beatles, it seems fitting that when you get off the boat at the Dock, you spend some time at The Beatles Story.
The best thing about this attraction is that it’s only a 20-minute walk along the riverfront to Albert Dock, where it is or a quick 5-minute taxi ride. We recommend walking if it’s a nice day as it’s a good way to familiarise yourself with the city.
This is an exciting and captivating look at The Beatles and includes an almost complete chronological history from their early days to their rise to stardom and beyond. There are lots of exciting pieces of memorabilia.
Whether you are a fan of their music or not, it’s hard to deny their impact on music and pop culture.
Tate Liverpool
Mann Island Buildings, Mann Island, L3 1BP
Sticking with the Royal Albert Dock, the Tate Liverpool is one of the most popular galleries outside of London and like the Beatles Museum, it’s only 20 minutes away.
Outside the modern and lively gallery, you are faced with a very colourful sculpture setting the tone for your visit. Although there are usually a few paid-entry exhibitions, the bulk of Tate Liverpool is free.
(UPDATE – Tate Liverpool is currently located at RIBA North, Mann Island, while their Royal Albert Dock home is temporarily closed for redevelopment).
Sefton Park
Liverpool L17
Whether visiting Liverpool alone, as a couple or with the whole family, when you want to take a break from the hustle-bustle of the concrete jungle side of Liverpool, Sefton Park is a breath of fresh air.
This city park is 235 acres and is Grade 1 Listed. Perfect for a relaxing walk around the beautiful gardens, you can also take a packed lunch or picnic there. Along with the stunning scenery, there is a playground for the kids, a café, and the spectacular Palm House, which holds many free events throughout the year. You would need to take a taxi to Sefton Park.
Malmaison
7 William Jessop Way, L3 1QZ
Located just over a mile from the port terminal, the Malmaison is a must if you want somewhere fancy to have a few drinks and some good food. When the weather is good, there is a fantastic terrace where you can sit, drink your fancy cocktails, and eat delicious food while soaking up the atmosphere and incredible views.
However, if the weather is a little overcast, it is the North. Then, there is the newly refurbished bar and restaurant where you can eat and drink in luxurious surroundings that are out of the rain and cold.
Liverpool ONE
5 Wall Street, L1 8JQ
When it’s retail therapy you are after, there is no place much better in Liverpool than the sprawling Liverpool ONE. An incredible and modern shopping mall, it covers 234,000 square metres and houses 169 different stores, entertainment and food and drink venues.
The most popular large chains and British and international brands, alongside many smaller independent stores, are here. Its very easy to walk here from the port and about 5 minutes in a taxi.
Football Stadiums
Anfield, Anfield Road, L4 0 THÂ
Everton FC, Goodison Park Stadium, Goodison Road, L4 4EL
If you are docked in Liverpool on a match day, there is a very slim chance you will be able to watch a match here, but it’s very hard to get tickets.
Your best bet is to take a taxi to one of the stadiums and enjoy the stadium tours. Just make sure you book your ticket online in advance.Â
Royal Liver Building
Pier Head, L3 1HU
An integral part of the UNESCO Heritage that Liverpool was awarded, The Royal Liver Building is one of the city’s most iconic and stand-out buildings. The fourth tallest has a curious art nouveau architecture and is a stunning part of the city skyline with its twin clock towers. It looks like something from New York. The once home to the Royal Lier Assurance Group is best known for the Liver Birds that adorn its top. These are cormorant-like mythical creatures and symbols of the city.
There is a tour of the building that has been running since 2019, and that includes a trip to the 10th floor, where you are treated to some of the most awe-inspiring views of the city’s towers, docks and pretty townhouses. This is only a short walk along the riverfront and is easily accessible.
St Johns Beacon
1 Houghton Street, L1 1RL
Another great place to take in inspirational views of Liverpool is what is most commonly known as Radio City Tower, or St Johns Beacon. This is an imposing radio tower found in Liverpool’s city centre. It stretches up to the sky 138 metres from the ground floor to the tip of its 10-metre-long antennae. Although it’s the tallest structure in the city, it is more popularly known as the home of Radio City radio station.Â
You can take a tour of the building and see the inner workings of the Radio studios, but the big draw to this structure is The Gallery, which offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of the city.
When the weather is nice and there are no clouds, you can even look to the North and see the iconic rounded peaks of the hills in the Lake District.
More than one day is needed to spend in such a culturally diverse city steeped in history, but we hope our guide has given you some ideas of what to do in Liverpool for a day.
There is a little something for everyone, and wherever you go, you will meet some of the friendliest and warmest people in the UK.
READ MORE: HAUNTED PLACES IN LIVERPOOL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
