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There are plenty of sights & sounds to experience in Liverpool this year - waterfront festivals, spectacular theatre and world-class eateries that are waiting to show your tastebuds a thing or two.
Navigating around the best bits of a city for the first time can be daunting - difficult in fact - so here, we've done the hard work for you. A 2-day itinerary with picks on how to spend the perfect city break & experience the very best of Liverpool in 2018.
Where to Sleep: Our Top 3
Titanic Hotel
One of our best luxury hotels, Titanic Liverpool, is located within Stanley Docks, a World Heritage site thanks to its impressive past and historical importance. Stay here and you’ll be staying in beautifully designed rooms, inspired by the historical influences of the area.
Hope Street Hotel
There’s no better surroundings than the charming Georgian Quarter for a boutique hotel and Hope Street Hotel offers a sophisticated style with bespoke, friendly service. Plus, it’s dog friendly!
BridgeStreet Apartments
If playing by your own house rules is more of your thing, BridgeStreet Apartments are right in the centre of Liverpool ONE giving you the independence you want on a short break in the city.
Day 1
Breakfast - Bill’s Restaurant
On the outskirts of Liverpool ONE just over the road from the Albert Dock, start your day off right at Bill’s. Full English, pancakes, eggs and even gluten free options are all on the menu so you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be set for the morning. Plan your breakfast ahead of time here.
Albert Dock
If you go down to Albert Dock today, you’re sure of a fascinating time. Not only is the Albert Dock the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the country. - it’s also the home to a couple of pretty incredible museums and art institutes. The choice is completely up to you as to where you venture - Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool or The Beatles Story are all here or if you prefer - there are plenty of places to sit, sip a coffee and people watch.
Tip:
If you’re thinking of heading to Tate - you’re in luck. 2018 marks 30 years since it opened, so there’s plenty of incredible exhibitions on the cards to celebrate. Take a look here for more information to avoid missing out.
Pier Head
The Jewel in the Liverpool crown that people all over the world recognise on first glimpse. While you’re on this side of the city, you have to work along a Pier Head to catch a look at the Three Graces - The Royal Liver Building, the Cunard & the Port of Liverpool Building. Of course, you’ll come across the Museum of Liverpool - which tells the story of the city in every way you could imagine - and the Fab Four walking along. Whichever way you’re looking, you’ll see something beautiful that’s for sure.
Tip:
Liverpool has a huge festival & event calendar this year; with much of the festivities located around the Pier Head for an ultra impressive backdrop. Plan your visit around events such as Bordeaux Wine Festival, Tall Ships Regatta & the Clipper Race and you’ll see the waterfront in all of its glory - the atmosphere is electric.
Castle Street
One of the original seven ancient streets of the city (you can even see it on maps dating way back to the 13th century, more on that here) and its beauty is something no trip to Liverpool should be without.
At the top, you’ll find our Town Hall - Grade I listed and ‘one of the finest surviving 18th century town halls’. You can actually take a tour of the Georgian masterpiece - and the inside is just as beautiful. If you head around to the others side too, you’ll reach Exchange Flags and the Nelson Monument that stands in the centre, which commemorates Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Make some time to peruse your way up/down Castle Street at the beautiful architecture that it’s famous for - not to mention the amazing eateries that have sprinkled themselves up and down the street over the last few years.
Lunch at Gino D'Acampo's 'My Restaurant'
On the corner of Castle Street directly opposite the Town Hall, settle in for some lunch at Gino D’Acampo’s ‘My Restaurant’. Homemade Italian cooking in beautiful surroundings will see you into the afternoon. Here, you can also enjoy Gino’s Prosecco Bar, with ten types of Prosecco and a further five types of Italian sparkling wine to wash your meal down!
Liverpool ONE - Shopping
When you’ve got amazing brands on your doorstep - of course you should take advantage of them all! In Liverpool ONE, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Find everything here from luxury brands like Swarovski, Goldsmiths and the epicentre of great brands in John Lewis. We highly suggest heading to Peter’s Lane too, where designer brands like the White Company, Radley & Hotel Chocolat. The only Harvey Nichols’ Beauty Bazaar is handily located just a few steps from here too, which means you can grab a champagne or cocktail as you peruse the beauty buys on offer, or over a manicure or massage.
Dinner at Röski
Masterchef: The Professionals winner Anton Piotrowski has set up camp in Liverpool and it’s the perfect addition to our ever-growing culinary . Located on one of Liverpool’s most famous Georgian Quarter streets - Rodney Street - Röski, which takes its name from a combination of Anton’s surname and the name of his partner Rose, is here to serve up the finest award-winning dishes to start your night. We recommend going for the set menus to really get to grips with just how good this food really is. To book (which we highly recommend), click here.
See a Show at Liverpool Empire Theatre
Where would we be without our beautiful Liverpool Empire? From West End Shows, Pantos & Ballet to name just a few, your evening should definitely end here. It does help that the theatre itself is absolutely stunning - the portland stone facade in the neoclassical style makes for a truly awe-inspiring first glance - and plenty of photos. To see what’s on, take a look here.
Breakfast at Lovelocks Coffee Shop
The most important meal of the day! You’ll love Lovelocks - the freshest coffee and ingredients around, vegan and gluten free options and an environment that always feels bright and welcoming. It’s also in the prime position to explore the next thing on the agenda...
World Museum to see Ancient Wonders
One of the most highly anticipated feats for the city is a peek into one of the ancient wonders of Mainland China - The First Emperor’s Terracotta Warriors. Here, you’ll find objects from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries - but make sure to book tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment. But remember - the World Museum isn’t one of our city’s most loved museums for nothing. Free collections here span from Ancient Egyptians to outer Space - embrace your inner child and explore!
Walker Art Gallery
If you’re a fan of beautiful paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the past 9 centuries, make the Walker Art Gallery your next stop. Our highlights for this years exhibitions this far are new works by The Singh Twins (on until 20 May) and Lubaina Himid (until 18th March) - but don’t miss amazing paintings such as Charles II and the Tinted Venus sculpture. Spectacular.
Tip:
Take some time to really soak up the incredible architecture of this area. St George’s Quarter consists of many important buildings to Liverpool’s history and architectural beautiful reputation.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
This dramatic icon of faith and architecture will wow you from the minute that you lay eyes on it. Explore Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral's stunning and majestic interior free of charge , including the world’s largest stained-glass window. Be sure to stand at the top of the steps and look down at the city - it’s a beautiful sight of Hope Street, one of our best-loved streets in the city.
Lunch at The Quarter
Just down the road and just off the delightful Hope Street, you’ll know that you’ve hit the Georgian Quarter thanks to the beautiful cobbled street that this eatery sits on; Falkner Street. Ever-changing specials, fresh pizza dough and some of the best desserts we’ve found are right here at The Quarter - the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the sun at the same time is just an added bonus. Enjoy!
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
“If you want a Cathedral, we’ve got one to spare…” so goes the old Liverpool folk song. After all - you can’t see one without seeing the other!
Britain’s biggest and the 5th largest in Europe - if you carry on heading down Hope Street, you can’t miss Liverpool Angican Cathedral. Free to enter, you’ll be able to see some of the finest architecture and art work in one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the country. If unrivalled panoramic views sound good to you, head up to the top of the tower, where you’ll see our city from 500ft above sea level! Be sure to book here.
Liverpool's Chinatown
Did you know that Liverpool has one of the longest established Chinese communities in Europe? Back in the late 19th century, many Chinese immigrants came over to Liverpool working for a particular shipping company, Alfred Holt & Company, with many deciding to make this city their new home.
Today, you’ll see the nod to our Chinese locals thanks to the beautifully crafted Chinese Arch that adorns Chinatown's entry. Standing at 13.5 metres tall and the largest in Europe - we dare you to find all of the dragons etched on the arch (there’s around 200!)
Tip:
If you’re quick, you’ll be able to experience the best and biggest celebration of Chinese culture in Liverpool this Chinese New Year. It’s a beautiful weekend, and we highly recommend you make some time to see the action unfold.
Dinner at The Refinery
Dinner time! In the heart of theatre-land, The Refinery combines the culinary experiences of some of Liverpool’s most loved independent restauranteurs into one beautiful place. Expect live music, stunning food and the perfect pre-theatre experience. Their pre-theatre menu is between 4:30 - 6:30pm daily - perfect when you’re heading to...
Liverpool Philharmonic
Another night, another spectacular theatre venue to show you exactly why we’re proud of our arts and culture in this city. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is truly magnificent, and forms the home of Liverpool’s award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. From concerts to films - The Phil’s event calendar is always one to book your trip around. Take a look here to start planning yours.
Of course, there's plenty more to see & do - this is just a taste.
Take a look around our site to sort everything from hotels to sightseeing tours - as well as all of the incredible events that Liverpool has to show you to celebrate 10 years since our European Capital of Culture status.
Blog Post Profile ✍
This blog has been written by Lydia Hampson-Delamere, Marketing Executive for Marketing Liverpool. You’ll see her posting everything Liverpool on our Twitter, Facebook & Instagram accounts and on our blogs.
She graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a 1st in English, after travelling around South East Asia.
In her spare time you’ll probably find her looking at food on Instagram, playing with her boyfriend’s dog and looking for her next potential holiday.
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