Sitting on the banks of the River Mersey, Liverpool is a proud port city that welcomes visitors with relics of its past, intertwined with impressive modern developments that give a glimpse into its future.
Known as the hometown of The Beatles, this delightful port city on the River Mersey has plenty more to explore beyond the Fab Four. The city houses an impressive collection of impressive architecture and contemporary art, alongside a host of world-class sights to discover when you book car hire in Liverpool.
Read on to find out our top 10 things to do in Liverpool to experience the best of the city.
1. Royal Albert Dock
3-4 The Colonnades, Liverpool, L3 4AA
Converted from the old Victorian docks in the heart of Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock has quickly become one of the city’s most popular attractions. Restored warehouses are now home to award-winning museums, such as the Tate Liverpool art gallery, the International Slavery Museum and the Beatles Museum.
Explore the collections, take a boat cruise along the River Mersey and browse the eclectic boutiques. There’s also plenty of restaurants and bars to try. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and cake at one of the pavement cafes or celebrate a special occasion with a delicious meal along the waterfront.
2. Liverpool Cathedral
St James’ Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ
Pay a visit to Britain’s biggest Cathedral, found here in Liverpool. It first opened in 1978 and is one of the city's tallest buildings, dominating the skyline with its Gothic Revival architectural style.
Admire traditional stained-glass windows, alongside unique works of art, from the 15th-century Lady Chapel statue to contemporary compositions by British artist, Tracey Emin. Learn about the cathedral's fascinating story and why it took 74 years to build. The Tower is also open to visitors, where you can ascend to enjoy stunning views across the city.
3. The Cavern Club
10 Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE
Spot the neon sign of The Cavern Club, Liverpool's legendary rock and roll venue. Considered the birthplace of The Beatles, this world-famous club saw big names grace its stage, including the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Queen.
The has been rebuilt and refurbished since The Beatles era and is still a fantastic spot to soak up the atmosphere of a small 1960s cellar bar. Daytime visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and climb onto the world-famous stage, while those wanting to experience Liverpool’s iconic nightlife can catch a live gig.
4. Walker Art Gallery
William Brown St, Liverpool, L3 8EL
Art and culture lovers can spend a day at the Walker Art Gallery, the national gallery of the North. Step inside to explore the collections of some of the most important paintings and sculptures from the last 600 years.
Visitors can discover works by leading artists like Turner, Monet, Rubens and Rembrandt, who feature among a cavalcade of traditional and modern pieces, including decorative art like ceramics, furniture and fashion. There's also a special gallery for under-eights, as well as a popular cafe and gift shop.
5. Merseyside Maritime Museum
Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AQ
You can find the Merseyside Maritime Museum among the restored waterside warehouses in Liverpool's Albert Dock area. Educational and interactive, the museum showcases an exciting array of displays and artefacts that tell the story of the port of Liverpool and ships that visited many years ago.
Hosting exhibitions about the Titanic, extraordinary model ships and historic maritime paintings, the museum also helps visitors learn about the wave of 19th-century emigrations from Liverpool and the Battle of the Atlantic in World War Two. There's also a play centre for toddlers and a quayside café, if you fancy grabbing a bite to eat.
6. Museum of Liverpool
Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DG
The first thing that strikes visitors to the Museum of Liverpool is its exterior – an eye-catching geometric shape along the waterfront. Step inside this award-winning museum and you'll find even grander state-of-the-art galleries and collections, spanning more than 10,000 years of Merseyside history.
Learn about life in the city, the history of the port, stories of music and art – as well as the city’s illustrious sporting pedigree. There are also archaeological artefacts from the Stone Age, the antique 1838 Lion locomotive and a collection of Beatles memorabilia.
7. Metropolitan Cathedral
Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ
On your trip to Liverpool, this extraordinary Roman Catholic Cathedral is sure to catch your eye. Dating back to 1967, the breath-taking landmark features an unusual circular conical design, made of Portland stone, marble and aluminium.
Whether you wish to worship and attend mass at one of the many services that are held throughout the week, explore or just enjoy some peace and quiet, the Metropolitan Cathedral welcomes all. Look out for acclaimed modern stained-glass windows and follow the spiral staircase below the main structure to explore the Lutyens Crypt.
8. Tate Liverpool
Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AB
Housed in a converted redbrick warehouse on the Albert Dock, Liverpool's Tate Gallery is one of Britain's biggest displays of modern art outside the capital. The gallery features various pieces from the national Tate collection, so you can expect to find permanent displays of modern art, temporary exhibitions and occasional live events.
Works cover domestic and international compositions from the 16th century to modern day. Once you’ve explored the impressive collections, head to the café overlooking the docks for a light lunch, amidst colourful pop art designed by Sir Peter Blake.
9. Sefton Park
Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 1AP
Just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Liverpool, Sefton Park is a stunning 235-acre green space where you can enjoy a break from the bustling city year-round. The centrepiece is a boating lake, surrounded by circular footpaths, towering trees and open sports areas.
Follow the trails to Old Nick’s Cave and Fairy Glen, where you’ll find caves and waterfalls to explore. You can also visit beautiful botanic gardens in the 19th-century Palm House conservatory, as well as the Victorian bandstand which inspired the Beatles' song “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.
10. Crosby Beach
Crosby, Merseyside
Situated along the Merseyside coastline, Crosby Beach isn’t your typical English seaside spot. Instead of sunbathing and swimming, this beach is known for Antony Gormley’s spectacular sculptural installation – Another Place.
Stroll along the shores and spy 100 life-sized cast-iron figures of people standing on the sand or in the water. Gormley used his own body as the model for the statues, each of which is looking out to sea. Stand alongside the statues and take in the peaceful seaside surroundings.
Start planning your Liverpool city break when you book car hire with Hertz today.
