Liverpool’s culture scene is bursting at the seams with things to do you might find you don’t know where to start on your weekend break to the city trying to fit everything in, the possibilities are endless!
To help plan your weekend adventure we have put together a whole culture itinerary for you to follow or to just take inspiration from. We’ve got ideas for breakfast, dinner, activities for the day time and the evening and everything in between!
If you don't want to do everything over two days you could always spread it out or add some activities to your list for the next time you visit but whatever you decide to do, you will no doubt have a great cultural trip to Liverpool!
If you want to get around the city quickly dont forget you can use the Merseyrail loop line to get yourself from A to B.
WHERE TO STAY
The Resident is in the perfect spot for exploring Liverpool’s rich and vibrant culture. The “smart luxury” boutique hotel is in the Ropewalks district of the city right in the centre of all the action and walking distance from everything you have planned for the day. It’s an ideal place for luxury comfort and a top location.
DAY ONE
BREAKFAST
Jump out of bed, brush your teeth and head over to The Brunch Club on Duke Street for a breakfast that will set you up for a day of exploring Liverpool. The great thing about The Brunch Club is that regardless of what time you manage to get out of bed they will still be serving their amazing Full English, pancakes, avocado on toast and everything else you expect to find on the table at breakfast. Wash it down with a coffee and you’re good to go!
MORNING ACTIVITY
With bellies full, stroll on down to The Royal Albert Dock and walk around the Grade I listed buildings that stand proud on the waters. Once you make it round to the end, be sure to step inside Tate Liverpool, home to some of the best British and International modern art in the North; you’ll come across some proper stunners.
When you’ve had your art fix, take a left out of Tate Liverpool and you’ll walk straight into the Liverpool Mountain. You would be hard pressed to miss the five glowing giant rocks stacked on top of each other that were created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. It’s definitely a selfie moment.
LUNCH
Keep on wandering round the dock and head over to Mann Island for a spot of lunch on Liverpool’s Waterfront. The Brasco Lounge will be the perfect place to rest your feet and contemplate on your morning of Liverpool culture. They serve everything from sandwiches, salads, burgers and tapas that will easily refuel you for the rest of the day.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
Once you’ve finished lunch walk about 50 steps (don’t quote us on that) and you’ll be in The Museum of Liverpool. Not only is it one of Liverpool’s most stunning pieces of architecture it tells the story of our wonderful city and reflects on the significance of our history and culture.
Across the road is also the British Music Experience so if you fancy something a bit more rock ‘n’ roll head in there to discover the history of British music.
EVENING MEAL
Head back up towards your hotel through town and stop off at Bold Street for your evening meal at Pho, the coolest Vietnamese street food place in town. Indulge in their national dish Pho (pronounced fuh), an aromatic & delicious rice noodle soup and soak up all of bustling Bold Street’s atmosphere.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
The evening’s in Liverpool are made for the theatre and we have plenty of them to pick from to find a show that is right up your street.
Head over to The Liverpool Empire Theatre for musicals and dramas straight off London’s West End. They have welcomed touring productions of Les Misérables, War Horse, Funny Girl and loads more show stoppers over the years so make sure you check to see what will be on when you are visiting.
For something a bit more local, try The Royal Court Theatre for a scouse twist on a classic or The Everyman and Playhouse Theatres for intimate performances of some world famous shows with top talent. Finish the night off with a post-show drink in Fly in the Loaf and you will have successfully managed to spend your first day in Liverpool experiencing some of our best culture.
After your fun filled day head back to your hotel and get a good night's sleep ready to do it all over again tomorrow!
DAY TWO
BREAKFAST
After a relaxing nights sleep head down the road to Lock and Key Bar and Kitchen on Duke Street for a brilliant brunch! Grab a Full English, continental breakfast, stack of pancakes or a super healthy acai bowl; whatever you pick it will be the perfect way to start your day.
MORNING ACTIVITY
Take a lovely stroll through Liverpool ONE then head over to St George’s Quarter and be amazed by the Victorian architecture!
Over here you will find St George’s Hall, The World Museum, The Walker Art Gallery and Central Library meaning you have plenty to explore. Learn about the history of the world, admire stunning pieces of art and be wowed by the beauty of the Picton Reading Room at Central Library - you’ll feel like you've just stepped onto the set of Harry Potter!
LUNCH
For lunch you have to try Liverpool's favourite local dish, Scouse. There are plenty of places to try it but we would recommend heading to Maggie May's on Bold Street for a big bowl of comfort food. The traditional recipe made with beef, potatoes and vegetables is a staple on everyone’s dinner table in Liverpool.
Check out this blog on some of the best places to go for Scouse in the city.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
With bellies full and legs rested, head down towards Duke Street for a visit to China Town and the Chinese Arch. The Arch was a gift from Shanghai and imported over to Liverpool in 2000 to help us celebrate our rich Chinese culture. It's also the largest Chinese Arch outside of China so it's definitely worth a few pictures too.
After that, why not check out FACT art gallery on Wood Street for some technology based art work. Their exhibitions are often commissioned in the field of film, sculpture and new media technology and they never fail to disappoint! You never know what you might find in there; floors covered in sand, mind blowing visuals or a Hollywood actor answering phones - we’d definitely recommend a visit.
FACT also boasts three cinema screens so if you’re in the mood for a film then it’s the perfect place to stop off for a block buster night out.
EVENING MEAL
Maray on the bustling Bold Street will be the perfect place to go for dinner after the afternoon exploring Liverpool. Serving small plates inspired by flavours of the middle east alongside great cocktails and wine, you can't really go wrong!
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
End your day with a laugh and pull up a chair at the Hot Water Comedy Club for a night of side splitting comedy from local and travelling comedians. Resident MC Paul Smith has become a huge hit up and down the country and special guests often grace the stage, look out of a surprise visit from John Bishop! It’s always a fun night and a great way to end your two days of culture in Liverpool.
We have packed full two days of things to do for a cultural trip to Liverpool but there are still plenty more things you could do. Why not check out The Bombed Out Church, The Open Eye Gallery or if you fancy a train ride, head down to Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’.
You might also find these blogs useful too:
- Family Friendly Liverpool
- ITINERARY - Liverpool, Sarah's Way
- ITINERARY - Visit Liverpool on a £350 Budget
BLOG POST PROFILE
This blog post has been written by Sophie Shields, Digitial Marketing Assistant for Marketing Liverpool.
Sophie is from Liverpool, loves all things music, particularly the local music scene and Liverpool FC.