Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? 13 Pros and Cons of Visiting Liverpool, UK

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

You’re here, so chances are you’re wondering “is Liverpool worth visiting?”.

Home to the Beatles, top football clubs, a bazillion fabulous landmarks, and some of the warmest and most friendly people you’ll ever meet, Liverpool is one of the top cities in the UK for tourism.

I grew up just an hour away from Liverpool, and, by now, I’ve been to the city over 30 times now, and even created a travel blog all about it, so it’s fair to say I’m biassed. I love Liverpool, and I definitely think Liverpool is worth a visit.

However, it doesn’t really matter what I think. What matters, when you’re considering whether or not to visit Liverpool, is whether or not you’ll like it. 

To help you figure this out, I’ll share the reasons Liverpool is worth visiting, and why I love it so much, as well as the reasons why you might not like it, so you can decide for yourself. 

Before we get started, I’d like to remind you that one person’s favourite city in the world is another person’s least favourite, so I can’t tell you with 100% certainty whether or not you’ll like Liverpool

Let’s get started.

Reasons Liverpool Is Worth Visiting

1. It has more Beatles attractions than anywhere else in the world

If you’re a fan of the Fab Four, then Liverpool is your Beatles haven. Striding through the very streets where John, Paul, George, and Ringo grew up feels like flipping through the pages of a living history book! 

There are SO many Beatles sites in the city that you could easily fill days just doing Liverpool’s Beatle-related activities.

If you want to delve deeper, then hopping aboard one of Liverpool’s countless Beatles tours is your best bet. From the famous Magical Mystery Tour to the Beatles Taxi Tours, these are brilliant ways to discover more about the city’s Beatles legacy.

You’ll find no other city on Earth offering such an intimate peek into the Beatles’ past!

2. It’s a world-class footballing city

The football fever in Liverpool is infectious! 

With two major Premier League clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the city lives and breathes football. 

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not a football fan, and I barely know what “offside” means, but I’ve been told by those in the know that football is one of the top reasons people travel to Liverpool.

You’re able to take a tour, and even abseil, at Anfield Stadium, and visiting Goodison Park, the home of Everton, will give you a taste of the city’s deep-rooted football rivalry.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Liverpool’s football culture is a spectacle not to be missed!

3. It has more museums than any other UK city except for London

Ever been on a city break and ended up museum hopping? You’re my type of person, and Liverpool is your type of place! 

Here’s a fun Liverpool fact to remember for your next pub quiz: Liverpool has more museums than any other city in the UK! It also has an impressive number of totally free museums – that are actually good.

On my last visit, I spent hours perusing the varied collections at the Museum of Liverpool learning more about the city’s history. And of course, the city’s maritime past comes alive in the Merseyside Maritime Museum, one of my favourites.

Tying back to the Beatles connection, Liverpool actually has not one, but two Beatles museums – The Beatles Story (the best one, in my opinion), and The Liverpool Beatles Museum.

4. It’s extremely walkable

From Lime Street Station, the city’s main train station, pretty much anywhere you’d want to get to in the city is within walking distance. You’ll very rarely have to walk any longer than fifteen minutes to get between places in Liverpool’s city centre.

Some attractions, like the football stadiums and Beatles attractions like Penny Lane, are outside the city centre, but they’re just a short bus ride away. 

Provided you’re just sticking to Liverpool’s main attractions, you won’t need to use a single bus, taxi or train during your visit. It’s so convenient.

Liverpool is also full of many wonderful walking tours that’ll cover off all of the city’s best landmarks in a couple of hours. I love that all the top attractions are within walking distance of one another.

Of course, if you don’t fancy walking, I recommend heading onto one of the Liverpool boat tours that’ll show off the city to you from the waters of the River Mersey. Cool!

5. Mathew Street is a fabulous night out

Let’s talk about nightlife – Liverpool style! 

Mathew Street is a riot of fun and music, and it’s the go-to place for a good night out in Liverpool.

From the pulsating Cavern Club, where the Beatles were once regulars, to its eclectic mix of bars and pubs, there’s no dull moment here. Unlike many cities, many of Mathew Street’s bars are open every night of the week – and they’re far from empty.

I love heading to the Cavern Pub on a Monday to enjoy their open mic night – musicians from all over the world travel to play here on Mondays, and there’s always some serious talent on display.

6. Live music is everywhere

Speaking of the Monday open mic nights at the Cavern Pub, Liverpool is a city of music, and live music is literally everywhere. You can’t escape it, so don’t even try. You’ll even find live music at Liverpool’s Xmas Market!

Obviously Mathew Street, which is inside the legendary Cavern Quarter of the city, is the go-to spot to find live music, but, especially on weekends, you’ll hear live music flowing out of seemingly every bar, restaurant and pub in the city.

You can even watch live music whilst eating a Sunday roast – it really is inescapable!

What’s more, it’s usually free to check out a live performance – you’ll just need to buy a drink at the venue, so it’s an easy way to entertain yourself whilst visiting Liverpool on a budget.

If I was moving to Liverpool (and trust me, I’m tempted!) I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from checking out live music every night of the week.

Many of the venues offer 2 for 1 drinks too, making sticking to a budget even easier!

7. Scouse hospitality goes above and beyond

The Scouse hospitality is something else, truly one-of-a-kind! 

Liverpool’s people are renowned for their warmth, humour, and no-nonsense charm. From friendly chats with cab drivers to jovial banter with waitresses at brunch, the locals make you feel right at home – no matter where you’re from or what you look like. 

Provided you’re friendly and polite, you’ll get the same back in droves from the locals.

You can’t help but fall in love with this city that wears its heart on its sleeve. Scouse hospitality is something you’ll wish you could bring home with you in your suitcase.

8. It’s far more affordable than other UK cities

Let’s talk pennies and pounds! 

Liverpool is refreshingly wallet-friendly. From accommodation to eating out, you’ll notice your money stretches a lot further here compared to many other UK cities. 

I still remember my surprise when I checked into my chic, centrally located hotel with a balcony without having to fork out a small fortune, unlike London, where you may have to remortgage your house for a night’s stay! 

And don’t get me started on the food prices – top-notch quality without the London price tag. 

If you want the UK city experience without burning a hole in your pocket, Liverpool is the way to go!

9. It has its own international airport

Isn’t it a relief when your destination city has its own international airport? 

Well, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is right there to greet you! Landing directly in Liverpool is such a breeze, without the hassle of lengthy transfers or the exhausting cross-country treks. 

From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll already be soaking in the city’s vibe. Plus, seeing the iconic Beatles lyric “above us only sky” welcoming visitors at the airport is the perfect Liverpool hello. 

So, pack your bags and fly straight into the heart of Liverpool. The convenience is priceless!

Reasons Liverpool Isn’t Worth Visiting

10. It can get quite rowdy with stag and hen dos at the weekend

Now, while Liverpool’s buzzing nightlife is generally a pro rather than a con, it does have its flipside. The city is a popular destination for stag and hen dos, meaning that weekend nights can get a little too lively for some tastes. 

Although plenty of these groups do calmer activities like going on ghost tours or enjoying afternoon tea, there are plenty that hit Mathew Street on Friday and Saturday nights.

The merry-making of boisterous stag and hen parties can drown out conversation and swamp some venues at the weekends.

There are plenty of dedicated party apartments for these groups, though, so they don’t often cause a disturbance in normal tourist hotels.

So, if you’re someone who prefers a quieter, more serene weekend escape, be prepared that Liverpool’s party scene may sometimes tip the scale towards the rowdier end.

11. It doesn’t have the greatest safety record

Liverpool is unfairly seen as a run-down, deprived, dangerous city. And, sure – parts of it are, to an extent (like pretty much every city on Earth). But you’ll find that the majority of people who hold those views have never even been to Liverpool. At least, not in the last 15 years!

Most of the dangerous or more deprived areas are not near the city centre, but of course it’s worth always being vigilant and careful, especially if you’re wandering alone in the dark.

It’s worth looking at the numbers. According to Liverpool’s Numbeo stats, Manchester and London are both rated as more dangerous than Liverpool, as are most major US cities. 

Liverpool also ranks as “low” for risk of physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin, gender or religion (Scousers are generally very diverse and accepting of diversity).

12. Hotel prices can be very high on important match days, weekends, and during the races

Liverpool’s status as a footballing city and its popular events come with a catch – hotel prices can spike during match days, weekends, and during the Anfield races. 

I learned this the hard way when I visited during a major Liverpool FC game and was shocked at the hotel rates! 

It’s a simple case of supply and demand, with thousands flocking to the city for these events. So, if you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check the city’s sports and events calendar to avoid these peak times, unless you’re willing to splurge a bit!

If you’re travelling with a few others, it could be cheaper to rent an apartment in Liverpool together for a night or two and split the cost, instead of looking for multiple hotel rooms.

13. It gets pretty chilly in the winter

Liverpool, like much of the UK, can get pretty chilly in the winter. 

I recall a December visit where the cold winds off the Mersey had me wrapped up in layers like an onion! Note to self: don’t take the Mersey Sightseeing Cruise when it’s 0°C outside.

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, the winter months might be a little uncomfortable for you. That said, in the colder months, you’ll have the bonus of fewer tourists. 

Just be prepared – warm clothes, scarves, gloves, and a love for hot chocolate are essential winter survival tools here!

FAQS – Is Liverpool Worth Visiting?

Final Thoughts: Is Liverpool Worth a Visit?

In conclusion, despite the few drawbacks, I really do believe that the answer to the question “is it worth visiting Liverpool?” is a resounding YES! The blend of music, football, museums, and friendly locals creates an experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else. 

Plus, its affordability compared to other UK cities is also a big plus for those of us watching our travel budgets. You can hop on a cheap sightseeing bus tour and see a lot of the city in just a couple of hours.

The testament to my love for Liverpool is the frequency of my visits – I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve found myself strolling along the Pier Head or humming along to psychedelic Beatles tunes on Mathew Street. 

Each visit unearths a new aspect of the city, a new story, a fresh perspective. 

The truth is, Liverpool, with its heartwarming Scouse charm and vivid character, has a way of tugging at your heartstrings and keeps you coming back for more. 

Ready to visit Liverpool? Then you’ll want to check out my one day in Liverpool itinerary to help you to plan your trip!