Wondering what free things to do in Liverpool there are available?
We’ve got you covered! Take a read through the article to learn more about the city. See what’s available for your day in Liverpool from museum visits, strolling around the docks, dining out, and entertainment.
As the capital of Scouseland, The Beatles childhood home and the birthplace of the Titanic and part of our best places to visit in Northern England series, we are taking a closer look at this city.
You may know about this amazing city in the northwest for its recent successes with Liverpool F.C. or its Capital of Culture status in 2008.
As one of the best cities to visit in the northwest, it provided the blueprint for infrastructure innovations the rest of the country has emulated for their own urban bastions.
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Free Things to do in Liverpool
So what can you do whilst staying in Liverpool? You may find yourself in Liverpool for a short space of time and would love to soak in all of the Liverpudlian cultures.
You may have arrived at short notice, or you’re local to the surrounding northwest area and you’re looking for something to do.
Fear not, for Liverpool is bountiful with culture, history, and sporting heritage.
Most people that visit Liverpool end up paying exorbitant amounts of money for paid attractions such as The Beatles Story or The Anfield Stadium tour.
However, it is incredibly easy to explore and experience the city of Liverpool without having to pay at all.
It’s fairly obvious that you’d want to experience free aspects of the city whilst meanwhile paying for food, nights out, and hotel rooms.
Experience this amazing city on the doorstep to the Lake District and Snowdonia!
Liverpool Central Library
Located within several adjoining buildings, the Central Library represents everything that makes Liverpool a grand mixture of modernity and tradition.
The Atrium staircase and the Picton Reading room provide for some amazing pictures all budding photographers dream of.
The library is open seven days a week and is worth a look being known as one of the most beautiful libraries in the UK.
Inside you will find an extensive collection of books built up over 150 years. A must-see when visiting Liverpool if only to take in the beautiful views of the building.
The Albert Dock and Liverpool Waterfront
The Albert Dock and the Liverpool Waterfront are historically known as the maritime and slaver centres for the UK before and during the reign of Queen Victoria.
With its museums, cafés, and shops, the Albert Dock is a must-see for any tourists visiting the city. You can walk around the dock and admire the views without having to pay a penny.
The docks are a short walk from the center with plenty of free attractions nearby. It also has some lovely coffee shops and restaurants to stop off on your way.
The docks are rated as one of the top 10 places to visit in Liverpool which makes it a great feature for our free things to do in Liverpool article.
Mathew Street
The street most famous in Liverpool for the Cavern Club and some of the biggest names in modern music history.
Not only did the Beatles perform on Mathew Street several times, but the first-ever UK performance by Kraftwerk on Mathew Street kick-started the synthpop movement in the UK in the late 70s.
This street is one of the must-sees when visiting Liverpool and is full of music history.
Anglican Cathedral
The largest Cathedral in Britain and one of the most iconic landmarks visible from hundreds of miles away.
The mainstay of the Liverpudlian cityscape is a Gothic Revival church designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, who was only 22 years old when he submitted his design to a competition and won.
In terms of volume, it’s still the fifth largest cathedral in the world.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Just half a mile down Hope Street from the Anglican Cathedral is the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral referred to by the locals as “Paddy’s Wigwam.”
Situated between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moore’s University, this feat of modern architectural brilliance has a secret underground crypt that visitors can see at certain times.
A unique building and an interesting place to visit whilst in the city.
Walker Art Gallery
This incredibly diverse gallery in the heart of the city has one of the largest art collections in the UK outside of London.
Some of the amazing artworks include Holbein’s portrait of Henry VIII, an amazing array of Pre-Raphaelite works, and modern pieces by the likes of Lucian Freud.
The Bluecoat
The oldest contemporary arts center in the UK is situated in the bustling Liverpool One area surrounded by shops and restaurants.
The Grade 1 listed building celebrated its 300th birthday in 2017 and holds some of the best contemporary art experiences in the Northwest.
Liverpool One
If you’re looking for a great place to go window shopping, look no further than the Liverpool One shopping centre.
It has some of the best shopping experiences in the city including the flagship Liverpool F.C shop and a designer section that could rival London’s Bond Street.
Tate Liverpool
Situated in the historic Royal Albert Dock, the Tate has some of the best temporary exhibitions in the north. From Andy Warhol to Roy Lichtenstein to William Blake and Keith Haring.
The Tate is free to enter with plenty of rooms to visit and explore plus a shop and café inside. A great place to explore arts and exhibitions whilst visiting Liverpool.
Bold Street
Bold Street joins the main high street of the city with Chinatown, meaning it has some of the most diverse and progressive shops and eateries in the city.
Experience authentic Asian cuisine, or enjoy some of the most interesting independent shops in the city.
Museum of Liverpool
The most modern and innovative museum in Liverpool tells the history of the city from the Blitz to the Beatles. If you find yourself near the harbourfront on a rainy day, the Museum of Liverpool is a must-visit.
International Slavery Museum
Located in the Royal Albert Dock, the Slavery Museum unfolds the dark history of the city, as well as the worldwide implications of slavery in its many iterations.
Experience how African slaves were transported across the Atlantic with realistic scaled cabins and galleys.
Stanley Park
If you’re looking to experience the footballing heritage of this amazing footballing city, Stanley Park is definitely the best place to start.
This already stunning park is situated right in between both Everton’s Goodison Park Stadium and Liverpool’s Anfield.
If you’re looking to get a good view of both/either, then this park will provide for some great pictures.
Places to Eat in Liverpool
What places in Liverpool are worth visiting when you fancy a bite to eat? After exploring the free attractions Liverpool has to offer you’ll have worked up an appetite.
Here are some of the best independent places to eat in the city.
Pippin’s Corner
The best in local cuisine with some of the best fish and chips in the city. A trendy spot with vegan and vegetarian options, it serves breakfast too. Sandwiches, salads, burgers, and breakfast foods are all the best in the city.
La Parrilla Mexican Bar and Grill
Voted on numerous occasions by the locals as one of the best restaurants in the city, this fun family-friendly restaurant on Bold Street frequently has a Mariachi band playing outside to attract customers.
With huge portion sizes and an amazing atmosphere, it’s difficult to look past La Parrilla. Try the steak burrito, it’s to die for.
The No. 9 Bar and Restaurant
Located inside the Dixie Dean Hotel on Victoria Street, this fine-dining eatery has vegan and gluten-free options available.
The grass-fed beef fillet is one of the best mains on the dinner menu, but is one of the priciest dishes! If you’re looking for some class when trying local cuisine, the No. 9 is the spot to visit.
Cowshed
The best steakhouse in Liverpool also has some of the best-rated desserts in the city too. If you can’t decide on what steak you want, try the Greedy Cow.
It requires 2 people and means you get to try the Flat Iron, Rump, and Ribeye cuts with your choice of 2 sauces and 2 sides. It’s a no-brainer!
Liverpool Nightlife
You can’t beat a good night out in Liverpool where you can find a buzzing nightlife scene whether a weekend or weekday. Here are some of the best nightlife scenes we have found.
Liverpool Gin Distillery
For those who are budding Gin connoisseurs, the distillery is an amazing spot to try out. They make their own brand of Liverpool gin, as well as sell a variety of variations with the corresponding tonics that complement them. You can book the gin making experience and create your own gin and take it home with you.
Cavern Club
The music haven of Liverpool offers many experiences for those interested in the musical history of the city or for those looking to see some local live bands perform. The stage and arches are iconic to the city and one of its shining achievements.
Sgt Pepper’s
Also located on Mathew Street is the relatively new bar and music venue Sgt. Pepper’s. The live acts that play here are perfect for tourists searching for some live renditions of Beatles songs, as they only use this venue for cover acts.
Level
The best nightclub in Liverpool has three levels of House, Hip Hop, and Pop music. It’s one of the most popular venues for young people and offers some great experiences for anyone looking for a great night out.
Where to Stay in Liverpool
Get some ideas on where to stay in Liverpool, you’ll need at least one night and two days to be able to enjoy the city.
After a long day exploring the city and seeing what it has to offer here are some of the hotels we have found.
Hope Street
Situated in the most picturesque area of Liverpool, Hope Street is a stone’s throw away from the Everyman Theatre, Philharmonic Hall, and both cathedrals. The surrounding Georgian terraced houses contrast with the ultra-vogue interior.
The rooms are lovely, the staff is incredibly helpful and the food is to die for. This independent 4-star hotel is a great place to stay for a weekend getaway.
The Resident (previously the Nadler)
Not only does this renovated Victorian former warehouse have some of the best in hotel innovations, but the rooms are quite affordable.
It’s located in the historic Ropewalks district and has some amazing views from the upper floors. The rooms are very warmly and the lounge areas are spacious.
The Shankly
Named after Liverpool Football Club’s best ever manager, The Shankly Hotel is a pristine luxury hotel with a keen following of Liverpool supporters.
This amazingly furnished and upholstered hotel has multiple exclusive offers available including bubbles & breakfast, Steak Night Tuesdays, and exclusive screenings of Liverpool games.
Free things to do in Liverpool
Liverpool is an incredibly diverse city with a modern sensibility.
The music and footballing heritage is only the tip of the iceberg, and most visitors are surprised as to how much there is here for tourism.
Whether you are looking for a weekend away exploring the culture and history the city has to offer or exploring the nightlife in Liverpool you won’t be disappointed.
Find more things to do in the north of England with these things to do in York without spending a penny.
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