We may be a little bit biased but Liverpool is a wonderful city with a world-famous waterfront, a lively social scene, brilliant bars and restaurants and a rich musical heritage.
Already a well-established city break destination and a popular port stop for ships docking at the Cruise Liner Terminal, Liverpool is lively with lots of things to keep you occupied 24/7. Of course you'll be busy with Eurovision and there is so much going on to entertain fans both indoors and outdoors.
We're big fans of the Floating Earth installation at the Royal Albert Dock, the Soloveiko Songbird trail and Protect the Beats in Exchange Flags, a work of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. And, while visitors will all have their own must-see check list, there's nothing like a little insider knowledge when deciding what to do during your visit. Here are our recommendations.
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Explore the Albert Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is a stunning space which is steeped in history. It’s a hotbed of activity with swanky bars and restaurants, incredible museums and galleries, event spaces, shops and more.
There are scenic views of the water merged with cultural offerings at Tate Liverpool, plus plenty of tourist supplies to take home. If you fancy some Beatles memorabilia, quirky art prints of the city or Liverpool-themed jewellery then this is the place for you.
Some of our favourite spots are Rough Hand Made, a boutique bakery which is absolutely perfect for breakfast or lunch with fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, pizza and Lavazza coffee all made through an open theatre-style kitchen. The Nest, described as “a magical curated cave of wonder” is perfect for bespoke, special gifts for friends and family and the best part is you’ll be supporting local Liverpool artists and creators.
Especially for Eurovision the dock will host Luke Jerran’s 10-metre art installation Floating Earth accompanied by a soundscape from BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones. They have also partnered with Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules to bring Eat Drink Ukraine to the dock - in the form of a cheesecake topped with caramelised apples and a Kompot Spritz.
See the Liver Building
One of the jewels in Liverpool's waterfront crown, the Royal Liver Building is a beautiful, iconic building well worth seeking out and absolutely impossible to miss if you’re hanging out at the EuroVillage.
It is one of the Pier Head’s Three Graces - next door is the Cunard Building, until the late 1960s the HQ of the Cunard Cruise Line and now home to the British Music Experience. The third Grace is the Port of Liverpool Building whose central dome was an unused design for Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.
Described as Europe’s first skyscraper the Royal Liver Building is topped by the majestic Liver Birds - the city’s world-famous emblem - which are a staggering 18ft tall and each weighs four tonnes. In 2019, RLB360 began offering guided tours of the 322ft Grade I-listed building’s clock tower giving visitors a 360 degree view around the city while ground-floor cafe/bar Relish is open to the public.
Superstar Taylor Swift reportedly this month filmed a music video in the street between The Royal Liver Building and the Cunard Building during a break in her The Eras tour.
Go for lunch on Bold Street
Boasting a huge selection of restaurants and bars, this popular pedestrianised street is constantly changing with a decent selection of quirky independent shops.
At the top of Bold Street is the iconic St Luke’s, known to locals as the ‘Bombed-Out Church’. Built between 1811 and 1832, St Luke’s was designed by father and son, John Foster, Senior and John Foster Junior. Just after midnight, on May 6, 1941, during the WWII May Blitz, the church was hit by a bomb which destroyed much of the building.
But the walls remain and the Bombed-Out Church is now a staple venue in the city for arts and community events. The nearby Cafe Tabac is a Bold Street institution and still the perfect pit-stop at any time of the day. Scouse is Liverpool’s traditional dish and Maggie May’s is famous for it. Maray is another Bold Street favourite with food inspired by the Middle East and drinks from brands around the city including 92 Degrees Coffee, Turncoat Gin and Love Lane Beer.
On nearby Wood Street is cinema and independent arts centre FACT while at the bottom of Bold Street you’ll find new-kid on the block Albert Schloss - half show-bar/half-restaurant and a fun place to pass an hour or two.
Walk along the River Mersey
The River Mersey - the lifeblood of Liverpool and now home to sharks and rare fish. The river, which defines the city, was decades ago declared biologically dead from industrial and sewage pollution. It was recently proclaimed “the best environmental news story in Europe” as the waterway recovers from years of neglect.
A walk along the banks of the Mersey is a must-do during a trip to Liverpool and the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away after a night out at one of the city’s many restaurants and bars. We recommend heading south past the Pier Head, the Royal Albert Dock and the M&S Bank Arena. On the opposite side of the river you’ll see the shipyard Cammell Laird and in the distance the Clwydian Hills of North Wales.
An early recommended stop-off is The Yacht Club Sport Bar and Grill which overlooks Liverpool Marina and is an idyllic spot on a sunny day. The venue will be hosting live Eurovision events and screenings. Another tip is to turn left when you reach the Festival Gardens - home to the 1984 International Garden Festival.
Despite much of the site being developed and other parts overgrown, it’s a pleasant walk which brings you out onto Riverside Drive. Cross the road and head into Priory Woods, past St Michael’s station and onto Aigburth Road. You’ll find yourself at the bottom of Lark Lane - south Liverpool’s bohemian street packed with restaurants and bars. You can catch the 82 bus or get a train from St Michael’s to get back into town.
Take a photo with the Liverpool sign
City signs are a common tourist attraction across the world but that doesn’t make Liverpool’s any less impressive. Situated in the heart of Liverpool ONE, and just a stone’s throw away from the Albert Dock, this beautiful piece of public artwork can be easily factored into your day and it’s the perfect spot for a selfie.
The sign can be found at the entrance of Liverpool ONE on Thomas Steers facing the Hilton Hotel. In 2022, Liverpool ONE and Culture Liverpool commissioned local artist Liz Harry to create the sign and it is regularly given a make-over. It is currently Eurovision Contest 2023-themed and looks lovelier than ever.
Take a walk down Hope Street
It’s no surprise Hope Street was once named the ‘Best Street in the UK’. Book-ended by two cathedrals and lined with restaurants, pubs, a theatre and concert hall, it is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s finest..
Start at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, fondly known locally as Paddy’s Wigwam. The light flooding through the stained glass is strangely spiritual and Lutyens Crypt and Treasury stunning.
Heading down Hope Street you’ll pass the Everyman Theatre, on your left, and the Pen Factory, a perfect lunch spot, just a few doors down. On the corner is Grade I-listed The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a unique pub steeped in history, with some staggeringly ornate gentlemen’s loos.
Cross over and you’ll pass the Philharmonic Hall and the stylish Hope Street Hotel. Papillon and The Quarter are lovely spots for an outdoor drink on a sunny day and Liverpool Cathedral, overlooked by the impressive Gambier Terrace, is arguably Liverpool’s best building. It is currently hosting Izyum to Liverpool - a multi-channel video installation from Ukrainian artist Katya Buchatska. The views from the roof are stunning, the ascent just a little bit scary if you've not got a head for heights.
See the Liverpool skyline from the water
Liverpool’s a beautiful city and extremely easy on the eye but it looks its brilliant best from the water. Ferry Cross the Mersey, written by the late Gerry Marsden and recorded by Gerry and the Pacemakers, was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic and you’ll hear it played plenty of times as you head across the river and admire Liverpool’s world-famous skyline from the deck.
At 1pm, 2pm & 3pm from Tuesday, May 9 to Friday May 12, you can embark on an exclusive Eurovision-themed River Explorer Cruise with live sightseeing commentary and music.
Go shopping at Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE celebrates its 15th birthday at the end of May having fast become one of the most popular retail destinations in the UK. You’ll find all your favourite high street shops, a handful of independents and a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars - many of them located on a dedicated leisure terrace. But what makes Liverpool One extra special is Chavasse Park - a huge green space linking Liverpool One with The Strand and The Royal Albert Dock. The five-acre green open space is the perfect spot to sit down and relax with brilliant views over the docks and the Liverpool waterfront.
Take advantage of The Beatles attractions
From the brilliant The Beatles Story on the Royal Albert Dock to the Cavern Club on Mathew Street, Liverpool is quite rightly extremely proud of ‘The Four Lads That Shook The World’ and there’s no shortage of Beatles-themed attractions.
The National Trust owns both Paul McCartney’s and John Lennon’s childhood homes and a visit to both comes highly recommended. There’s an ultimate Beatles Tour Experience with a uniformed-chauffeur driving a replica of John Lennon’s Rolls Royce Phantom or take a Magical Mystery Tour dedicated to John, Paul, George and Ringo and taking in places which inspired some of their most famous songs including Penny Lane, a very normal suburban street, and Strawberry Fields which is owned by the Salvation Army and has opened its iconic red gates to the public.
Tour the museums
Museums and galleries - Merseyside is home to the largest number outside London so there really is something for everyone. The wonderful William Brown Street is the setting for the World Museum, a family favourite with a planetarium and aquarium, and the beautiful Walker Art Gallery which has some wonderful European Renaissance pictures.
You’ll find the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum on the Royal Albert Dock. Just a short stroll away is Tate Liverpool, currently exhibiting JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters alongside its permanent collections.
The Museum of Liverpool will also be hosting a range of exciting events as part of EuroFest. The steps and terraces of the museum are being transformed with large-scale interactive piano keys between May 1 to 14. And, on Eurovision semi-final nights, two ‘Eurovision XTRAs’ events will be held where guests can experience a programme of exclusive performances including voguing, comedians and DJs along with food and drink throughout the evening.
Take in the views
There’s plenty of places to see Liverpool looking its best. And fans of rooftop drinking will be spoilt for choice with the huge array of rooftop bars and terraces on offer in the city. Views of the Liver Building, the impressive skyline, Radio City Tower and even out to the River Mersey can be enjoyed with a pint or a cocktail. For a real view experience head to Old Hall Street and Innside by Melia where the 18th floor 360 Sky Bar by Gino D’Acampo ticks all the boxes. Neighbouring Panoramic 34 boasts one of the Uk’s highest fine dining restaurants and has a dedicated Eurovision menu.
If you’re after something a little more adventurous, St John’s Beacon Viewing Gallery is well worth it. Standing at 138 metres tall, Radio City Tower is the second tallest free-standing building in Liverpool. From this height, the views are pretty spectacular.
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