A weekend break in Liverpool is a must-do, no matter your interests. Filled with historical buildings, fun activities, and great nightlife, there’s something in this lively city for every type of traveler.
The city is relatively small but has plenty to do, and you’ll find that you don’t need more than two days in Liverpool to see a decent variety of things. It’s really easy to navigate the city on foot too, meaning you can see plenty in a short space of time.
Seeing as I’m from Manchester (just an hour away), I’ve spent many a weekend in Liverpool with friends. I’m always the one putting the itinerary together too, so now I’m passing on my well-tested plan to you!
Weekend in Liverpool (2-Day Itinerary)
This itinerary has been compiled from years’ worth of weekend trips to Liverpool, as well as knowledge from my time living there. Many of my friends and family live in the city currently, so if I’ve not done the experience myself, they have, and would recommend it!
I’ve included a solid mixture of activities, from historical to cultural, foodie havens to live music and nightlife. You’ll find a more romantic hotel option for couples too.
Day 1 in Liverpool
No weekend in Liverpool would be complete without a Beatles tour, so naturally, this is suggested on day 1 of your itinerary. I’ve also recommended one of my favorite spots to visit for brunch to fuel your day of exploration.
Day 1: Morning
On your first morning, start the day with breakfast at one of Liverpool’s many excellent cafes and coffee shops. My personal favorite is Ruben’s in the Albert Dock area. Here, you can sip a coffee and eat pancakes as you watch the world go by at the waterfront. Save time to visit the Beatles story museum and discover the story of the ‘Fab Four’.
After breakfast and your fill of The Beatles, take a short 7-minute walk to Gower Street, where you can board a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Liverpool. Take in the city’s main attractions, such as the Liverpool Cathedral, St George’s Hall, and St Luke’s Bombed Out Church.
Disembark at the Liverpool ONE mall, where a plethora of stores await for you to shop til’ you drop. Don’t take too long though – from there, you’ll need to make the short 5-minute walk to the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel for a noon departure.
- Buy your Beatles Story Museum tickets here
- Buy your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Liverpool here
- Book a stay at Hard Days Night Hotel here
Day 1: Afternoon
Once you’ve arrived at the Hard Days Night Hotel, an incredible Beatles tour awaits. Hop aboard a chauffeur-driven replica of John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce Phantom for a cruise around Liverpool’s most famous Beatles attractions. Learn about the band, see the sites that inspired their songs, and take pictures with the stunning, colorful car.
Ask your driver to drop you off on Hanover Street, where you can head for a tasty lunch at Hanover Street Social. With an eclectic bistro-style menu, you can expect to find British classics like fish & chips and steak in a funky setting.
Following your meal, take a taxi to Anfield for a guided tour of the official Liverpool Football Club stadium. Here, you’ll learn all about the club’s 125+ years of history and see their trophies from along the way.
Day 1: Evening
Take a taxi back to your hotel and get ready for an evening of fun. Your first port of call is YO! Liverpool for an immersive sushi-making class. Perfect for those visiting the city for a romantic weekend in Liverpool, foodies will love getting hands-on and making their own rolls, which you’ll get to eat alongside dishes prepared by a master.
You’ll likely be feeling pretty full, but now it’s time to experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife. Head to Blundell’s Supper Club for a Benidorm Bingo Cabaret Show, where a night of lip-syncing battles, cheesy songs, and bingo hosted by drag queens awaits. Enjoy some bubbly before building up the courage to show off your twerking skills (nope, never done this…).
If you’re keen to check out the bars and clubs of the city, take a 15-minute walk or short taxi journey to the Ropewalks area. Make your way to Heebie Jeebies, a Liverpudlian rite of passage that serves up some delicious cocktails. They also host an impressive range of live music events, so be sure to catch one if there’s a show on while you’re in town.
Day 2 in Liverpool
Your two-day trip to Liverpool continues with more activities, sightseeing, and great food. If you’re feeling a little worse for wear after last night’s partying, a trip to see some nature will serve you well.
Day 2: Morning
The early bird catches the worm – or gets to see one of Liverpool’s most well-loved parks. Your morning starts with a trip to Sefton Park, a 200-acre spot home to an abundance of wildlife, a boating life, and the famous Palm House, a gorgeous glass-paneled building dating back to 1896. The best part is, that entrance is completely free.
Back in the City Center, stop for a late breakfast at The Brunch & Cocktail Club, a stylish exposed-brick eatery with hearty brunch meals and fantastic cocktails to match. Try their traditional English breakfast – it doesn’t get any more classic than this!
Take a 10-minute walk to the Cavern Quarter to see the Cavern Club, where The Beatles played 292 times. Opt for a guided Cavern Quarter walking tour to learn more about the area and the stories behind the Fab Four’s rise to fame.
Day 2: Afternoon
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Liverpool’s many museums and cultural attractions. The World Museum is the place to visit to see artifacts from across the globe, with exhibitions hosted across 5 floors. Consider visiting the Western Approaches museum to explore a top-secret converted bunker and learn of the war stories it features in.
For lunch, I’d recommend a trip to one of my favorite spots in Liverpool – Smoke and Dough. This Lebanese-style restaurant is the best place to indulge in the finest grilled meats, which are expertly cooked and then served at your table. The bread served alongside your meal is super soft and comes with the most incredible, authentic hummus. A treat for the tastebuds!
A self-guided treasure hunt offers a unique opportunity to see any of the city’s attractions that you may have missed. Start the game whenever you like, (it’s on a handy mobile app), and make your way around the city to find hints that will help solve cryptic clues.
- Book your tickets for the Western Approaches Museum here
- Book your self-guided treasure hunt around Liverpool here
Day 2: Evening
As day turns to dusk, a different side of Liverpool awaits. Discover the grisly side of the city on a ghost history tour, where you’ll listen to eerie stories and see historic buildings by night. You’ll see two of Liverpool’s cathedrals, roam one of the most haunted streets in the North of England, then complete your tour in a graveyard home to 58,000 souls.
This evening, dine at Bacaro. This Italian eaterie is known for its unpretentious yet delicious cuisine, served in an ambient setting. Their menu is filled with classics, ranging from comforting pizzas to fresh calamari and hearty gnocchi. A go-to of mine whenever I’m visiting the city.
End your 48 hours in Liverpool at Alcotraz, an immersive cocktail bar that promises an amusing experience where you’ll dress up as an inmate, and have the help of a corrupt guard to smuggle in your own contraband (alcohol). Themed around the San Francisco-based Alcatraz prison, you’ll get to try bespoke cocktails made with the contraband you sneak in.
- Book your tickets for the Ghost History Tour here
- Book the Alcotraz Immersive Cocktail Experience here
How to Get to Liverpool
Liverpool benefits from a range of public transport links, but it’s also super easy to get to. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is just 40 minutes away from the city center by car. The airport also operates a bus service, which leaves every 30 minutes and gets you to the city center in 30 minutes.
You may find that flights with budget airlines Ryanair and Easyjet are cheaper when arriving in Manchester. Manchester is just an hour’s drive away and is another viable option for traveling to Liverpool. You can also take the train from Manchester Airport to Liverpool City Center directly. A train journey from Manchester takes around 50 minutes. From London, the train to Liverpool takes just under 3 hours.
The easiest way to navigate cities in the UK is with a rental car, but you don’t necessarily need one if you’re visiting Liverpool alone. Roads in the city center are often one-way and traffic is bad during peak commuting hours. Public transport is a more sustainable and cheaper option – the Merseyrail commuter trains and buses cost just $1.50-$3 per journey and run regularly.
You’ll find that Liverpool is a relatively small city and you can make it to most points of interest on foot. There are plenty of Ubers and black cabs available, (be aware that black cabs will be more expensive).
Where to Stay With 2 Days in Liverpool
Wondering what area to stay in for your weekend getaway in Liverpool? There are lots of great neighborhoods that offer access to Liverpool’s most popular attractions within walking distance. Here are some of my favorites for a 2-day trip to Liverpool:
City Center – Best Overall
The city center is my go-to when booking somewhere to stay for a weekend away in Liverpool. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors to Liverpool, but it’s a place that more frequent visitors stay in time and time again. The area is just a short walk away from shops, restaurants, and bars.
You’ll get a better feel for the city by staying here, as it’s where most of the action takes place, plus there are loads of museums and historical buildings to discover. I’ve stayed at Aloft Liverpool several times in the past and I highly recommend it. Rooms are spacious and it’s in a prime location to see all you can in Liverpool in two days! Find out more here.
Albert Dock – Best for Couples
Anyone seeking a romantic weekend in Liverpool should consider a stay in the Albert Dock area. Situated by the waterfront, this pretty neighborhood is quiet yet packed to the brim with restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions including the Beatles Story Museum. Book a dinner reservation at Maray – great for couples, this cozy restaurant serves a variety of small plates with views across the water.
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool is my recommendation for a hotel in Albert Dock; it’s situated right in the heart of the Dock and everything in the area is easily accessible on foot. Click here for more information.
Ropewalks – Best for Nightlife
Ropewalks is a place most people in Liverpool will have visited as a young adult, but that’s not to say they won’t have been back (again, and again… and again!). This hip neighborhood in Liverpool is filled with fabulous bars and fun things to do. Sip cocktails at Be At One, enjoy a pint of beer at MOLOKO, and visit a Deep South-inspired dive at Mean Eyed Cat.
Duke Street Boutique Hotel serves as a trendy base for 48 hours in Liverpool. It’s quiet but still close to the best nightlife venues. Find out more here.
Tips for a Weekend Trip to Liverpool
It’s not difficult to see most of the city’s main attractions with just a weekend in Liverpool. However, I’d recommend planning ahead so that you can pack as much as you can into your time as possible. Here are my essential tips for a smooth sailing weekend getaway:
1. When to visit: Liverpool is a year-round destination (as long as you pack well). The weather is more likely to be warm(er) from May to September. You’ll also find that sitting at outdoor restaurants and cafes will be more pleasant in the summer months. It’s a great idea to attend one of the city’s many outdoor festivals while the weather is warmer.
2. How to spend less: Liverpool isn’t particularly expensive, but there are ways to make your budget stretch further. Using public transport, such as buses or trains, is more cost-effective than taxis and usually costs around $3 per person per journey. There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations available like hostels or bed and breakfasts too.
Dining doesn’t have to be luxurious – local markets and street food stalls are great, affordable options. Liverpool benefits from lots of free attractions too, such as museums and art galleries, but The Liverpool Pass will give you access to a plethora of attractions at a discounted price.
3. Be prepared for any weather: If you’ve read any of my other articles, you’ll know that I am always mentioning how unpredictable the weather in the UK is. It could be the peak summer months, yet rainy and cloudy. Always pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella in case of a downpour! I’d also recommend packing layers such as long-sleeved tops and a jumper – you can always take them off if you get too warm.
4. Plan around the city’s cultural highlights: If you’re not following the suggested itinerary in this blog, it’s worth writing down everything you want to see in Liverpool and how long each activity takes. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the likes of Albert Dock, the Cavern Club, and some of the city’s museums. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you can’t visit Liverpool without learning about The Beatles!
5. Have a plan B: As much as we’d like things to always go to plan, it’s not always the case they do. Always have a backup plan in case of closures or unexpected weather. For example, make sure your hop-on hop-off bus has a covered section in case it’s raining. If a tour is fully booked, have a different tour lined up so that you don’t end up missing out.
FAQs About a Weekend Getaway in Liverpool
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about a weekend break in Liverpool:
Of course! A weekend in Liverpool is enough to see the city’s main attractions. As long as you plan accordingly and book tickets ahead of schedule, you shouldn’t have any trouble seeing everything you’d like to within 48 hours.
Liverpool boasts an incredible host of cultural, historical, and foodie delights. A weekend in the city should combine all three! You can read our full weekend itinerary for Liverpool in this article to give you some ideas.
Yes. The city is relatively small and you can easily see most of Liverpool’s popular sights within 2 days.
There are many nice neighborhoods in Liverpool. I’d recommend staying in the City Center, Ropewalks, or the Albert Dock area, as these are all within close proximity of the places I’ve mentioned within this suggested weekend itinerary.
This completely depends on your travel style. Liverpool can be experienced on a budget, but would cost more for those looking to indulge a little. For example, a self-guided or group tour will cost considerably less than a private tour. Liverpool is generally a very affordable city though, especially in comparison to larger UK cities such as London.
I don’t think there’s a singular best month. However, I’d recommend a weekend break in Liverpool between May and September, as you can expect pleasant weather and a range of festivals.
Yes. The city is packed full of cultural and historical activities. It’s also the place where The Beatles were born and raised, so that should be reason enough to visit!
Liverpool is a city that can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Public transport is very affordable (average $3 per journey), whereas taxis will cost more. They also benefit from contrasting places to grab cheaper street food or luxurious fine-dining meals. You can suit your itinerary to your budget.
Yes. Liverpool is a rather small city, especially compared to big cities like London. The city center is easy to navigate on foot.
Matthew Street is arguably one of the most popular streets in Liverpool, as it’s home to the Cavern Club. This is where The Beatles played many times, and is frequented by tourists wanting to learn more about the band.
Enjoy Your Weekend Trip to Liverpool
Hopefully, this itinerary serves as a starting point for your next weekend break in Liverpool. Whether you follow my itinerary or decide to go for your own, be sure to plan ahead and book any tours you want to take far in advance.
Liverpool is such a vibrant place – the people are friendly, the nightlife is excellent and there’s an ever-changing food scene. I always feel really lucky writing about my experiences from living there and my regular visits. I hope that when you visit, you come to love the city as much as I do!
