Discover the best of Liverpool, England in this ultimate travel guide filled with can’t-miss sights, Beatles history, and local gems.

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of The Beatles, Liverpool is where it all began :).

This vibrant port city on the River Mersey has a rhythm all its own.

Equal parts music, history, and heart.

Liverpool has been nicknamed Ireland’s second capital as well as the capital of North Wales and while we didn’t actually hear anyone say that during our visit, it makes perfect sense once you feel how connected and welcoming this city is.

We spent 10 days exploring Liverpool and the beautiful countryside of Wales before heading to London to celebrate our oldest daughter’s 30th birthday in the best way possible: singing our hearts out together at a Coldplay concert at Wembley Stadium (see our full itinerary at the bottom of this travel guide!).

If you follow me on Instagram – you will know I just can’t resist seeing Coldplay live in concert!!

You’ll love the energy of Liverpool ~ it’s a city that perfectly blends Beatles nostalgia, friendly locals, and a cool waterfront vibe that makes any amount of time you can spend in this English city memorable :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Liverpool

Getting to Liverpool was actually super easy, even coming all the way from San Diego!

We flew our favorite British Airways nonstop flight from San Diego to London, connected to a short flight to Manchester (MAN), and then used the Blacklane Global Car Service to take us straight to our hotel in Liverpool.

The drive from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool city centre took less than an hour, and after a long travel day, it felt amazing to just relax and let someone else handle the driving.

If you’d rather fly directly into Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), that’s an option too.

It’s a smaller airport that mostly serves flights from other UK and European cities, so not as convenient for international arrivals, but great if you’re already in Europe.

You could also rent a car and drive yourself from London to Liverpool, which takes about four to five hours, depending on traffic.

We’ve driven in England before, and once you get used to being on the other side of the road (AND CAR!), it’s not all that bad…

I must admit – I am probably a more nervous passenger in the car than my husband when he is driving in the UK ;0.

If you rent a car to get to Liverpool, you’ll find plenty of charming little countryside villages perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing a cozy pub lunch, and turning the drive into part of the adventure.

Parking does not seem to be a problem when staying in the city either.

Best Time of Year to Visit Liverpool

If you’re planning a trip to Liverpool, late summer can be a great time to visit.

If you’re thinking about when to plan a trip to Liverpool, late summer can be a really nice option, though don’t expect southern Europe warmth!

We visited at the end of August and found it cooler than most southern Europe destinations, so sweaters and light jackets were definitely part of our daily outfits.

Spring and early summer can be nice too, with longer daylight and blooming gardens, while fall gives that cozy, moody vibe along the waterfront.

Winters are cold and wet…

Liverpool gets a fair amount of rain throughout the year, especially in the autumn months, which can put a damper on sightseeing if you’re hoping to explore on foot (which was what we did the majority of our time in Liverpool!).

Overall, late spring through early fall tends to offer the best balance of weather and charm.

No matter when you go, there is something to love about the city’s energy and history.

Recommended Number of Days in Liverpool

My personal recommendation would be to spend a full two weeks on the island of Ireland – NOT including the amount of time you need to get there and also get back home. If you are coming from western US, that would mean your total days on vacation would be closer to 17 days ;).

If you have limited time off or only want to make this a two week trip including travel days – I would suggest leaving the US on a Thursday night so that you arrive Friday, spend two weeks exploring this fantastic Emerald Isle, and then go back home on the third Sunday after your departure day…

Money and Plug Details in England

In the United Kingdom, the currency is the Pound (£), and most places accept credit and debit cards, though it’s always handy to carry some cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

The United Kingdom uses Type G plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, so travelers from outside the UK and Ireland may need a plug adapter and potentially a voltage converter.

I bring this extension cord with me everywhere I travel and these adapters when traveling to the UK and Ireland.

And of course – this portable battery charger is an absolute must to avoid a dead phone when out sightseeing :0.

Best Places to Stay in Liverpool

Liverpool has everything from chic historic downtown hotels to cozy boutique spots that make coming home after a day of exploring feel extra special.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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The Municipal Hotel and Spa

The first 3 nights of our two week trip exploring Liverpool and Wales were spent at the Municipal Hotel and Spa, and honestly, it felt like part of the Liverpool experience itself.

The Municipal is recognized as Liverpool’s first and only 5* hotel and is located in a restored former civic building on Dale Street close to everything the downtown area has to offer.

Hope Street Hotel

Hope Street Hotel is a stylish 4-star boutique stay nestled right on Hope Street in Liverpool’s charming Georgian Quarter, putting you within minutes on foot of the Philharmonic Hall, Everyman Theatre, and both of the city’s magnificent cathedrals. It is an easy and pleasant walk to the city centre’s shops and restaurants.

If my husband and I ever return to Liverpool, we most certainly will be choosing this as our home base as I loved the atmosphere of the Georgian Quarter :).

The Georgian Quarter is a quaint cultural neighborhood with independent restaurants, theatres, and historic landmarks practically on the Hope Street Hotel doorstep.

Photos courtesy of Hope Street Hotel Instagram

The Halyard Liverpool, Vignette Collection by IHG

The Halyard Liverpool, Vignette Collection feels like your stylish home base in the heart of Liverpool’s coolest neighborhood: the historic Ropewalks district where 18th century rope making once helped power the city’s great maritime trade, and now it’s just a few minutes’ stroll from the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Club, Beatles attractions, vibrant bars, and independent shops.

This 4-star hotel blends modern comfort with a nod to local history, giving you luxe rooms and easy access to Liverpool’s best sights right outside your doorstep ~ perfect for exploring by foot and feeling like a local the moment you arrive.

Photos courtesy of Halyard Liverpool Instagram

Additional Lodging Options

Here is a list of a few more 4* hotels I saw while in Liverpool and could recommend:

• Hard Days Night Hotel (just be aware – this one is located right around the corner from the quite lively Mathew Street and Cavern Club!).
• Titanic Hotel
• The Shankly Hotel

What to See and Do in Liverpool

The Cavern Club

A stop at the Cavern Club is an absolute must.

This legendary underground club is where The Beatles famously got their start in the early 1960s, along with countless other iconic musicians, and you can truly feel the music history the minute you walk down those brick steps.

Our late August 2025 visit to Liverpool coincided with International Beatles Week which I was sure was going to make the city (and the club!) crowded and annoying.

But what I quickly discovered is that the Cavern Club during Beatles Week is a nonstop Beatles songs marathon with every band during that week playing only Beatles songs ;).

And we thoroughly enjoyed popping in and out during our 3 days in the city to hear incredible Beatles bands from all over the world.

A Beatles Taxi Tour

We wisely invested in a private Beatles tour with Fab 4 Taxi Tours on our first day in Liverpool.

Having one-on-one time with a guide who was born and raised in the city meant we got personal stories and little history lessons you just don’t get on a big group tour.

And in case you are wondering if you should just do the cheaper group tour – we saw those buses zipping right by us (sometimes they didn’t even stop at significant places!) – and the benefit of being the only people at a stop is well worth the extra investment :).

We genuinely enjoyed getting to know our tour guide, John, who seriously went above and beyond to make our Beatles day fun and enjoyable :).

Every stop had an explanation and stories that you would never hear any place else – including the backstory to many famous Beatles songs (ahem – Penny Lane, Let It Be, and Strawberry Fields Forever!).

Stops that we made during our 3 hour tour with John:

• Ringo Starr’s Childhood Home

• Madryn Street – Ringo Starr’s 2nd childhood home and mural building

• Penny Lane

• John Lennon Imagine statue

• Strawberry Field

• John Lennon’s Childhood Home

• George Harrison’s Childhood Home

• Eleanor Rigby’s Gravesite – super fun happenstance at this stop – we ran into Eleanor Rigby’s cousin also visiting her gravesite who knew Paul McCartney as a little (troublemaking) boy and told us a few stories of his own!!

• Woolton House (site where John and Paul first met!)

• Paul McCartney’s Childhood Home

Inside John and Paul’s Childhood Homes

If you would like to see more than just the outside of John Lennon’s Mendips on Menlove Street and Paul McCartney’s Forthlin Road childhood home, the only way to get inside is to book the minibus tour from the National Trust.

The whole experience lasts about 2 hours, and in 2026 tickets run around £37 for non-members (members pay less), so plan to buy them well in advance, especially in summer, because these mini-bus tours sell out quickly.

We did not do this tour (truthfully I did not even realize it was separate from the taxi tour we did!) – however the houses are quite small and our taxi tour guide told us you are only allotted about 10 minutes as a group inside each one to allow for multiple groups to get inside…

Strawberry Field

If you choose to not do a private Beatles taxi tour like we did, at least get yourself over to Strawberry Field!

This peaceful spot was made famous by John Lennon, who grew up nearby and used to climb over the fence to play in the gardens of the Salvation Army children’s home, later immortalizing it in “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Today, Strawberry Field is a beautifully restored visitor experience with a small exhibition, café, and gardens you can wander at your own pace, all while supporting the Salvation Army’s charitable work.

It’s quiet, reflective, and surprisingly moving ~ a lovely pause from sightseeing that feels both nostalgic and meaningful.

St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

One stop that really stayed with me, and was honestly my favorite sight in all of Liverpool, was St Luke’s Bombed Out Church.

This hauntingly beautiful church was largely destroyed during the Liverpool Blitz in World War II, and instead of rebuilding it, the city made the powerful decision to leave it exactly as it was, as a memorial to peace, resilience, and the lives lost during the war.

Today, it stands open to the sky, quietly reminding you of Liverpool’s strength and history.

We happened to wander through while a wedding was taking place, and honestly, it was unexpectedly breathtaking.

It felt like one of those moments you don’t plan for but never forget.

Bold Street

Bold Street is one of those fun, buzzy streets that’s perfect for a wander, lined with indie shops, vintage stores, bookstores, and tons of great spots for coffee or a casual bite.

It does attract visitors, but it still feels local and creative rather than a tourist trap, so it’s absolutely worth a relaxed stroll (and maybe a little shopping 😉).

Liverpool Cathedral

Can you even say you went to Europe if you didn’t stop in on at least ONE of their massive churches??

Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain, built in 1904 and completed in 1978, so while it feels ancient and grand, it’s actually just over a century old.

It’s about a 15–20 minute easy walk from the main city center – you can plan to visit the cathedral and then head over to the Georgian Quarter or the famous Peter Kavanagh pub for a pint or two :).

“A Case History” in the Georgian Quarter

Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter is one of those neighborhoods that instantly feels charming and lived-in, named for the elegant Georgian-era townhouses built during the reigns of the Kings George in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Today it’s a lovely place to wander Hope Street, pop into cozy cafés, admire architecture, and soak up culture near the Philharmonic and small galleries.

Don’t miss the public artwork A Case History ~ those stacked suitcases represent Liverpool as a city of departures and arrivals, and the suitcases labeled for The Beatles nod to how their journey began here before they carried Liverpool’s story out into the world.

Beatles Statue

Down by the waterfront, the Beatles Statue is a relatively new addition, unveiled in 2015, but it already feels like it’s always belonged there.

It celebrates Liverpool’s most famous sons and their massive impact on music and culture, making it a must-stop moment for photos and a little Beatles nostalgia right by the Mersey River 🎶.

Royal Albert Dock

Royal Albert Dock is a beautifully restored waterfront landmark that dates back to 1846 and played a huge role in Liverpool’s rise as one of the world’s most important ports.

Today it’s full of museums (including the Beatles Museum!), shops, bars, and restaurants.

It’s an easy spot to spend about 1–2 hours strolling, eating, and/or just soaking up the views.

Anfield Stadium and Liverpool Football Club

Anfield Stadium has been part of Liverpool life since 1884, and it’s the historic home of Liverpool FC, making it a must for anyone curious about the city’s deep football pride.

The stadium tour takes about 1.5–2 hours (plan a relaxed 2–3 hours total in the area), and it’s only about 2.5 miles from the city center, an easy 15-minute taxi or Uber ride.

What to Wear in Liverpool

For spring, late summer, or fall visits to the United Kingdom, pack layers, including medium weight sweaters, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes for changing weather.

Don’t forget a scarf and umbrella for added warmth and rain protection.

Our Full August 2025 Liverpool/Wales/London Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly from San Diego to Manchester via London on British Airways

DAY 2 | Arrive in Manchester 3:30pm | Blacklane private car to Liverpool | Spend 3 nights at the Municipal Hotel Liverpool

DAY 3 | Liverpool: Private Beatles Tour | Dinner at the Cavern Pub

DAY 4 | Liverpool: Walk around city | Liverpool Cathedral | St Luke’s Bombed Out Church | Georgian Quarter | Dinner at The Quarter | Evening Music at The Cavern Club

DAY 5 | Pick up rental car at Liverpool Airport | Drive to Wales with 2 hour stop at Conwy and Conwy Castle | Stay 3 nights at Pale Hall in Bala, Wales

DAY 6 | North Wales: Drive to Snowdonia National Park and Pen Y Pass | Visit Caernarfon Castle | Dinner at Pale Hall

DAY 7 | North Wales: Lunch at Rhug Estate | Drive to Wrexham | Dinner at Pale Hall

DAY 8 | Drive to Cardiff, Wales with stops at Abereiddy Beach, Blue Lagoon, and then the quaint village of St Davids (where we also had a quick dinner) | Drop off car at Cardiff Airport | Spend 2 nights at voco St David’s Cardiff by IHG

DAY 9 | Cardiff, Wales: walk around Old Town and the Arcades | Got Cardiff Cakes at Cardiff Bakestones in Cardiff Market | Tour Cardiff Castle | Dinner at Daffodil | Walk along the Cardiff Waterfront

DAY 10 | Train to London 12:50p-2:45p | Stay 2 nights at an AirBnb near Wembley Stadium (we were in London for the Coldplay concert at Wembley)

DAY 11 | London: Tour Westminster Abbey | Tour Parliament Building | Shopping on Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Arcade in St James’s Area | Visit Building where the Beatles played their last live performance | Dinner back near Wembley Stadium

DAY 12 | London: Coldplay concert at Wembley Stadium

DAY 13 | Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

I hope you found this ultimate Liverpool England travel guide helpful in planning your British adventure :).

Liverpool is one of those cities that surprises you in the very best way, with just the right mix of history, music, waterfront walks, and warm, welcoming energy.

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