Home of The Beatles, two Premier League football clubs, and girlies wearing hair rollers in public, Liverpool is one of the UK’s most culturally-rich and thriving cities — and a must-visit for your next staycation.
With a high student population and plenty of young people working in the city, Liverpool has a notoriously booming nightlife. You can embrace your inner tourist at The Cavern Club (where The Beatles got their start), watch up-and-coming bands at Quarry, or dance into the early hours at Meraki. There’s no shortage of boozers either, if a pub crawl is more your vibe.
But it’s not all clubs and bars; for every nighttime drinking venue, you’re sure to find an equally as bustling brunch spot to nurse your hangover in. And if food’s what you’re after, you’ll find restaurants serving pretty much every type of cuisine you can think of, including in the city’s bustling Chinatown — the first to be established in Europe, FYI.
As for culture, it’s by no means in short supply. There’s a host of museums and art galleries, including Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool, and, ofc, the dedicated Beatles Story Museum. Then, once you’re exhibition-ed out, you can jump on a ferry across the Mersey (and back), then shop ’til you drop in Bold Street’s vintage stores.
Easily accessible by train from locations across the UK, Liverpool is also a shout for those who don’t fancy a long slog in the car. Still, if you choose to drive, it’s well connected via the motorway too. Plus, the city is small enough to explore in just a couple of days, so if you only have the weekend to spare, it’s an ideal spot.
So, if you’re planning a trip and need some inspo, here are some of our favourite recommendations.
Where to stay
Radisson RED Liverpool
7 Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1RD
If you’re travelling by train, you can’t do better than Liverpool’s Radisson RED hotel, which is right next door to Liverpool Lime Street station — perfect for dropping your bags as soon as you arrive and picking them up just before you leave. It’s also ideal because it means you’re in the centre of everything: not only is the hotel opposite the beautiful St George’s Hall and St John’s Gardens, it’s also a v short walk from the city’s shops, museums, galleries, and venues.
When you’re back from exploring, the luxury of the Radisson RED will be waiting for you, with its plethora of art, stylish decor, and Beatles memorabilia, all within an impressive Grade II-listed building. The hotel actually first opened in 1871 as a railway hotel, designed by local architect Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed London’s Natural History Museum. It closed in the 30s and was used as student accommodation in the 90s, before being renovated and reopened as a hotel in 2022. With this in mind, while you’re there, it’s worth crossing the road and taking a proper look at the grand and arresting hotel building — and remember to look up when you’re inside, too.
During our visit, we were lucky enough to stay in a suite, with an unbelievably comfortable king bed, a separate lounge area, and a spacious bathroom, with a bath, rainfall shower, and two sinks — so no need to fight for space. It was a quiet and relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. We also signed up for breakfast — your typical buffet-style offering continental breakfast, hot food (the sausages were a particular highlight), and even desserts. The perfect hangover cure! We didn’t get a chance to take advantage of it, but the Radisson RED also boasts a 24-hour, fully-equipped gym. Oh and of course there’s a buzzy bar and the hotel’s Stoke Brasserie & Grill.
Rooms at Radisson RED Liverpool start at £83 per night.
Malmaison Liverpool
7 William Jessop Way, Liverpool, L3 1QZ
Liverpool’s Malmaison hotel is just one mile from Liverpool Lime Street station, so (for those arriving by train) you can take a short taxi journey or a longer walk if you fancy seeing some sights on your way. Situated right on Prince’s Dock, the city centre location is matched by views of the water, and the hotel is just up the road from Liverpool’s famous Royal Albert Dock too.
While city breaks can often feel busy, the Malmaison was the perfect place to reset when we weren’t out and about. Our room had both a huge bath and an open monsoon shower, which was a real treat for those of us used to dealing with cramped bathrooms and rubbish water pressure at home.
As for sleep, we all know there’s no comfort like a hotel bed, and this one did not disappoint. Thanks to some luxuriously comfy pillows, we woke up feeling super refreshed and ready to get out and about the next day.
There’s the option to have breakfast included when booking the Malmaison too, which obvs we did. You can choose from a standard hot menu plus a continental buffet. Delish. Plus, with the Malmaison’s in-house Chez Mal restaurant and accompanying Chez Mal Bar, you could essentially eat all your meals there without having to leave. Of course, sightseeing called us, but the idea of going down to breakfast in PJs was very tempting.
Rooms at Malmaison Liverpool start at £90 per night.
Where to eat
Eating and drinking = an important part of any trip. For coffee, brunch, and independent shops, head to Bold Street — famous for its range of cute café options. Bold Street Coffee is known for its Egg Buoys (scrambled egg with melted cheese inside a lightly toasted brioche bun), and you’ll find understated classic breakfast options on the menu too — from avocado toast to a bacon butty. Coffee connoisseurs will also enjoy COFFI on nearby Pilgrim Street.
When it comes to lunch options, you’re spoilt for choice. We enjoyed hedonistic sandwiches from Derek’s, where, if you’re a Sopranos fan, you might recognise some of the sandwich names on the menu — gabagool, anyone? For those craving a taste of the city’s Chinese food offerings, Wang’s Dumplings is a must for a generous helping of flavourful dumpling noodle soup; though if soup’s not your thing, you can simply opt for dumplings — boiled or fried.
Or if you’re after Chinese food for dinner — and especially if you’re with a big group — we recommend the Sichuan delights of Mr Chilli, where you should order lots to share and always give into your impulses to slurp up any leftover spicy, oily sauces (or order extra noodles to do it with).
Back on Bold Street, we stumbled upon The Italian Club, perfect for those in search of an authentic Italian in the city. There are all the pizza and pasta options you could wish for, and family photos scattered across the walls add a homely touch. Plus, there’s even a corresponding bakery just round the corner.
If you’re craving a slap-up British-European meal, like we were, Stoke Brasserie & Grill at the Radisson RED has got you covered. The seasonally-led menu offers a mix of brasserie-style mains and small plates — from nduja ‘fondue’ and calamari to swordfish steak and classic fish and chips. We opted for the sirloin steak and wagyu burger, both juicy and delicious, as well as a mix of starters, and, of course, some fizz to go with it all — specifically, British sparkling wine from Sussex’s Bolney Wine Estate, which we can’t recommend enough (feels v luxe for a reasonable price, BTW!).
Liverpool’s Baltic Market, close to Royal Albert Dock, is a bustling option for more casual dining. Food options from a range of traders means there’s something for the whole friend group, and fun seasonal events pop up from time to time too. It’s a similar story at Renshaw Street Market, popular with students and renowned for its neon signs advertising food from across Asia, Italy, and Mexico.
Where to drink
As an alternative to the city centre, head to Lark Lane where you’ll find a range of cool, independent bars. Close to Sefton Park south of the city centre, the street has a reputation for being the trendy, ‘bohemian’ part of the city. We tried out Lark Lane’s The Old School House, which offered up a range of cocktails creatively named after memorable moments or lines from classic films (You’re Tacky and I Hate You; O Captain! My Captain!; Bend and Snap). School desk-type seating adds a nice touch to the theme too, while its roomy beer garden makes it a great summer pub.
For busier bars and clubs, there’s Concert Square, where you’ll find a lot of the city’s nightlife concentrated in one area. There are tonnes of venues to choose from if you’re planning a big night out (and the pedestrianised area means you can easily switch from bar to bar). Plus, there’s a Popworld which (for me) really is a selling point all on its own, TBH.
Other pubs we tried and liked (as fans of old school boozers) include The Grapes on Roscoe Street, The Pilgrim on — you guessed it — Pilgrim Street, Peter Kavanagh’s on Egerton Street, and The Red Lion on Slater Street, most of which are within a 10 minute walk from Concert Square (Peter Kavanagh’s is a bit further).
What to do
Liverpool’s famous Royal Albert Dock is a must-see, and you’ll find yet more cafes, bars, and restaurants there too. If you’re after a museum or a gallery to browse, it’s close to the Tate Liverpool too (which is free to enter, but currently in a temporary, smaller space nearby while renovations are happening). Afterwards, jump on the famous Mersey Ferry and see Liverpool and Wirral’s waterfronts. Top tip: get the audio guide so you can learn as you go.
Of course, you can’t think of Liverpool without thinking of The Beatles. The band’s famous Cavern Club (where they played 300 times) is a favourite for music fans, and the club offers information on a whole range of other Beatles-dedicated activities and tours too. We actually did the Magical Mystery Bus Tour, which takes you to the homes and old haunts of John, Paul, Ringo, and George, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
Sefton Park in the south of the city is also perfect for walks all year round. And a handy tip for getting about? Try the city’s e-scooters. Liverpool started an e-scooter pilot scheme back in October 2020, meaning you’ll find scooters dotted about the city available to hire via your phone. Efficient and lots of fun.
In terms of nightlife, if you’re interested in watching live music and/or up for a night out, check out the listings at Quarry, Invisible Wind Factory, or Meraki.
How to get there
As a regular train-traveller, I’m a big fan of sitting back and enjoying the journey without having to do any extra work. Liverpool is well connected to the rest of the country via rail and we travelled up from London in about 2 hours 20 minutes, affording lots of time to take in the views of the British countryside.
You’ll find departures to Liverpool from across the country, and planning your journey is easy via National Rail, Trainline, or, if you’re travelling from London or The Midlands, direct via Avanti.
Alternatively, you can drive into Liverpool via the M62 which connects the city to Manchester and then onwards to Leeds and Hull.
If you’re further afield, you can even fly into Liverpool John Lennon Airport from across the UK and Europe, while Manchester Airport is just 45 minutes away.
Prices for a one-way journey to Liverpool Lime Street from London Euston start from £26 from www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk.
Emily Gulla was Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Editorial Assistant/Junior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer, covering celebs, TV and film for the site, magazine and video. She’s interviewed the casts of your favourite TV shows, from Bridgerton to Derry Girls and Stranger Things, as well as dozens of Love Islanders. She also loves getting stuck into long-read features, writing on all things digital culture (including her favourite topic: memes), and dating - having appeared on the radio to discuss dating.
Emily's work has also been published on ELLE, Women's Health, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy and more. She holds a First Class degree in English with Film Studies from King's College London, and even wrote her dissertation on Love Island. You can find Emily on Instagram and LinkedIn, and can see more of her work on her website.
