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A day trip to Liverpool is always a good idea, and with over 10 years of experience exploring Liverpool on day trips, I can confidently say that I am an expert when it comes to planning the perfect Liverpool one day itinerary.
There’s so much to do in Liverpool that you could easily spend weeks there, but, if you’re wanting to see Liverpool in a day, I’ve got you covered.
This is one of the best cities in the U.K., and, with so many world-class things to do here, you’ll finish off your day wishing you had longer.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to spend 1 day in Liverpool, based on my 30+ visits to the city!
So, what are we waiting for? Here are the best things to do in Liverpool in a day!
Table of Contents
One Day in Liverpool Itinerary
Stop 1: Royal Albert Dock
We’ll kick off this day trip in Liverpool with a wander around the Albert Dock.
This is one of the most iconic places to visit in the city, and it’s located on Liverpool’s famous waterfront. Built in 1846, this area fell into disrepair in the late 20th century before being redeveloped.
Now, it’s one of the most lovely parts of the city, and the perfect place to kick off your time in Liverpool.
Spend time walking around the entirety of the dock – you’ll get different views from every angle – and snap a tonne of photos!
There are a bunch of charming cafes, restaurants, and local souvenir shops, so if you’re looking for a caffeine kick, breakfast, or a Beatles-themed coaster, this is the place to get one.
Stop 2: The Beatles Story Museum
On one side of the Albert Dock, you’ll find The Beatles Story museum. This museum is in a league of its own, and even if you’re not a fan of the Fab Four it would be almost impossible to leave without a huge appreciation for them. If you have time, I also recommend going on one of the many Beatles-themed tours around the city.
Inside, you’ll find reams and reams of exhibitions, memorabilia, never-before-seen objects, and even cool recreations! You’ll get to step inside a replica Yellow Submarine, explore a replica 60s Cavern Club, and check out Liverpool’s music scene of yesteryear.
I’ve been to The Beatles Story museum four times already, and it still never gets old. I can’t wait to go back!
Tickets cost £19, which isn’t cheap, but they’re oh-so-worth-it. Get your tickets here!
Stop 3: International Slavery Museum & Merseyside Maritime Museum
On the other side of the Albert Dock, you’ll find two moving museums in one building. Inside the Mersey Maritime Museum you’ll find not just the maritime museum but, on the top floor, you’ll also find the International Slavery Museum.
I recommend starting from the top and working your way down. Liverpool was a key port during the slave trade, and, in this museum, the city somberly owns up to its role in this horrific trade and shares the stories of those enslaved to spread awareness. It’s very interactive, and confronting, and absolutely fantastic.
On the lower floors, you’ll find the Maritime Museum. You may be surprised to learn that The Titanic has a tonne of Liverpool connections, which you’ll learn all about inside their Titanic exhibition. In my opinion, this is the very best part of the museum.
Both museums are free to visit, making them two of the best free places to visit in Liverpool!
Stop 4: Sample Scouse for Lunch
Scouse is probably the most famous dish from Liverpool, so it’d be crazy not to try it during your 1 day in Liverpool. Originally crafted by sailors, this hearty dish is packed with beef or lamb, potatoes, onions, carrots, and a mix of other veggies like turnips and cabbage.
If you’re wondering how to spend a winter’s day in Liverpool, warming up over a steaming bowl of scouse should be at the top of your list! Served with bread or pickled red cabbage, this is pure comfort food.
Since you’re still around the Albert Dock, I do recommend the scouse in the Maritime Museum’s cafe – I can personally vouch for it! I’ve also heard great things about the scouse at Smuggler’s Cove, a pirate-themed restaurant on the Albert Dock.
Stop 5: Beatles Statue
With lunch consumed, wander further along the waterfront, leaving the Albert Dock in your dust as you head over to the Beatles statue.
With the iconic Royal Liver Building in the backdrop (the most iconic building in Liverpool), it’d be a crime to leave the city without snapping a photo here.
Again, if you’re a Beatles fan, you won’t need any persuading. This is one of the top Beatles attractions in Liverpool! Again, though, even if you’re not into the Beatles, you kind of have to visit this.
If the weather is on your side, and you’re running ahead of schedule, head up to Matou to enjoy a drink overlooking the statue and the River Mersey. This is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Liverpool, and you can’t beat it on a sunny day!
Stop 6: Ferry Across the Mersey
It’s time to check out Liverpool from a different angle. So, hop on the Mersey Ferry for a one-hour sightseeing cruise along the iconic River Mersey.
Not only will you get amazing views of Liverpool and Wirral, but you’ll also pass by historic landmarks like the Royal Albert Dock and the Liver Building, all while learning about the city’s unique seafaring history.
This is one of the most famous ferry rides in the world, and it’s all thanks to the hit 60s song by Gerry and the Pacemakers – “Ferry Cross the Mersey”. Cool, right?
When I took the ferry, it was a sunny day and it felt like there was no better place to be in the city. Click here to book your place!
Stop 7: Museum of Liverpool
To learn about Liverpool beyond its famous ferry, head to the Museum of Liverpool, located just a minute away from Pier Head, where you disembarked the ferry from.
This museum tells the story of Liverpool and its people, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its rise as a global trade centre and beyond.
Inside, you’ll find a huge range of exhibits and artefacts that showcase the many sides to Liverpool’s history, including collections on music, sport, industry, and more.
Some of the highlights include a full-scale replica of a Liverpudlian street from the 19th century, original suits worn by the Beatles, and an entire section on the sporting and football history of Liverpool.
One of my favourite exhibits was “The People’s Republic” which explores Liverpool’s political and social history, including its strong tradition of radicalism and activism.
Entry to the museum is free!
Stop 8: Explore Mathew Street
If you’re a fan of music, or even just a fan of fun, then no day out in Liverpool would be complete without exploring the famous Mathew Street.
This street, where the vibe always feels like a Saturday afternoon, is located right in the city centre, in Liverpool’s “Cavern Quarter”. It’s one of the city’s most famous roads!
It’s world-famous thanks to its connection to the Beatles, and a must-do for every visitor’s first time in Liverpool. Here are some must-visit spots on Mathew Street!
Cavern Club
The Cavern Club is undoubtedly the most famous spot on Mathew Street, and for good reason. This legendary venue is where the Beatles played some of their earliest gigs, helping to launch their career and establish Liverpool as a hub for music.
Today, the club continues to host live music performances by new and established artists, with a focus on rock and roll and pop music. Entry to the Cavern Club costs around £5-7.50, depending on the day of the week and time of day.
The Beatles played here almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963, making it a legendary spot in the eyes of Beatlemaniacs like myself.
John Lennon Statue
The John Lennon statue is one of the top things to see on Mathew Street and a popular Liverpool photo spot.
The sculpture pays a tribute to John, depicting him leaning against a wall emulating the pose from his 1975 album “Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The statue was created by local artist David Webster and was unveiled in 1997. It’s hard to believe that it’s been here for over 25 years already!
Eleanor Rigby Statue
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Mathew Street, you’ll find the Eleanor Rigby statue on Stanley Street, which was made by the entertainer Tommy Steele.
Inspired by The Beatles’ song of the same name, the statue is a tribute to the “all the lonely people” in society and depicts an elderly woman sitting on a bench, gazing out into the distance with a shopping bag by her side.
Stop 9: Dinner in Liverpool
If you’re only going to visit Liverpool in one day, make sure you stick around for dinner!
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to options: from the many wonderful tapas restaurants in Liverpool, to traditional Liverpudlian dishes, pub grub, Italian pasta, Mexican tacos, and, well… anything you can dream of!
I can personally vouch for El Gato Negro. I dined here a couple of weeks ago and the tapas was to-die-for! It’s not the cheapest restaurant in Liverpool, especially since all those small plates add up, but for a special occasion or Liverpool date night (even if you’re just taking yourself on a solo date!) it’s definitely worth the splurge.
For pizza, you really can’t beat Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana back on Albert Dock. The pizza here is drool-worthy, the price is decent, and service is quick. This is easily one of my favourite restaurants on the Albert Dock!
My final pick on this shortlist of the best restaurants in Liverpool is Greek Taverna Bold Street. This top-rated Greek restaurant is the best Greek food you’ll find in Liverpool, with tzatziki that will have you looking like the heart-eye emoji 😍. You won’t want to miss it!
Where to Stay in Liverpool
Want to extend your day out in Liverpool, or just have to stay overnight? I’ve got you covered. I’ve spent many nights in Liverpool hotels in my life, so here are my tried-and-tested top picks.
Liverpool Hostel
There are a number of hostels in Liverpool, but this boutique hostel is my top pick. It has modern dorms with privacy curtains (something every backpacker appreciates!), and is located near Liverpool Lime Street train station and the Liverpool universities.
It’s the perfect place to rest your head on a budget if you’re spending 24 hours in Liverpool.
Click here to check availability for your dates!
Budget Hotel
I have two recommendations for budget hotels in Liverpool, and the reason I recommend them both is because they’re almost exactly the same.
The rooms look almost identical, they’re located just a couple of minutes away from each other, and they pretty much cost the same.
My first pick is this fabulous budget hotel, where you can find rooms for as little as £40/night midweek (yes – really! I stayed here on a Tuesday night and paid just £42!).
Click here to check availability for your dates!
My second pick is this centrally-located budget hotel. Like my first pick, you can also find midweek rooms for an absolute bargain.
This hotel is also larger than the other one I recommended, so, if you’re visiting on a busy weekend or during summer, this is more likely to still have availability.
Click here to check availability for your dates!
You’ll struggle to find a Liverpool hotel with a balcony on a budget, so you’ll have to move up into a mid-range budget to enjoy the city’s skyline from your own balcony.
Mid-Range Hotel
When it comes to the best mid-range hotel in Liverpool, you really can’t go wrong with the city’s very own Beatles-themed hotel. This 4-star boutique hotel is located just around the corner from Mathew Street, so it’s perfectly located for sightseeing.
It’s also ideal whether you love the Beatles or not. The theme is certainly obvious, but it’s done tastefully and elegantly. I stayed here for my birthday one year and it was such an amazing treat!
Click here to check prices & availability for your dates!
Another great pick is one of the Beatles-themed aparthotels in the city 🙂
How to Get Around Liverpool
Liverpool city centre is extremely walkable, so, if you follow this 1 day Liverpool itinerary, you won’t have to use any public transportation or taxis during your Liverpool day trip.
From Lime Street station, where you’ll arrive, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the Albert Dock, and that’s the longest walk you’ll have to do on the entire itinerary.
Of course, if you have mobility issues, I recommend taking a Liverpool tourist bus around the top attractions. You’ll get the local lowdown on all of the city’s main sights without having to move a muscle!
As well as buses, Liverpool also has a metro system. I recommend downloading the CityMapper app to get up-to-date timings and route information for Liverpool’s public transportation.
FAQs About a Day Trip to Liverpool
Can you do a day trip to Liverpool?
Yes, absolutely! Liverpool is a great city for a day trip, as there are plenty of things to see and do even if you only have a few hours. From exploring the historic waterfront to visiting world-class museums and galleries, you can easily get a taste of Liverpool’s vibe in just one day.
How can I see Liverpool in a day?
To see Liverpool in a day, start early by exploring the museums around the Albert Dock before hopping aboard the Mersey Ferry for some river sightseeing. Then, head to the Museum of Liverpool to learn about the city’s history and culture and round the day off at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street.
Is it possible to do a day trip from London to Liverpool?
Yes, it is definitely possible to do a day trip from London to Liverpool. The journey takes just over 2 hours by train, and there are frequent services throughout the day. Once in Liverpool, you can easily explore the city’s top attractions in one day before returning to London in the evening.
Is Liverpool worth seeing?
Absolutely! Liverpool is a fascinating, diverse and historic city with plenty to offer visitors. From its iconic waterfront and world-famous music scene to its fabulous museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone in Liverpool. In fact, I’d even argue that it’s one of the best city breaks in the U.K.! Liverpool’s friendly locals, delicious food, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travellers to the UK.
Is Liverpool a beautiful city?
Yes, Liverpool is a beautiful city with stunning architecture and a lovely waterfront setting. The riverside is especially picturesque, with iconic landmarks like the Liver Building and Royal Albert Dock. There are also plenty of charming neighbourhoods to explore, like the Georgian Quarter. Liverpool’s unique blend of old and new makes it a truly beautiful city.
Conclusion: Day Trip to Liverpool Itinerary
Have I convinced you yet that a day trip to Liverpool is something you need to do immediately?
I hope so!
Honestly, Liverpool is tied with London as my favourite city in the U.K., and as somebody who has been to more than her fair share of them, that means something!
By following this itinerary I’m certain that you’ll have an amazing Liverpool one day trip and you’ll be desperate to return for longer in future.
Now, it’s time to get planning a weekend trip to Liverpool, or, better yet… maybe you’ll want to move to Liverpool now. I wouldn’t blame you!