3-Day Un-Beatle-ble Liverpool Itinerary for your first visit
Located in the northwestern part of England, Liverpool has not only placed a very strong foothold in the music industry, but also holds history to one of the fiercest sporting rivalries in the world. Liverpool has evidently kept very strong links to the Beatles through the multiple tributes and historical sites dedicated to them. Furthermore, the city also has the largest cathedral in Britain, and holds some of the rarest books in their library. On the whole, the city of Liverpool has surpassed all my expectations for its small size and population. And hopefully with my 3-day Liverpool itinerary, you can also replicate the pleasant experience I had in the city.
For an overview of England including tips on budget, safety and food, do also refer to my England Travel Guide.
Please note that this Liverpool itinerary contains affiliate links (marked with *) that will earn me commission if you click and make any bookings, at no additional cost to you.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Liverpool. (coming soon)
Liverpool Itinerary
This 3-day Liverpool itinerary covers the main attractions that would normally be of interest to first-time visitors in general. If you have more days in Liverpool or have a much deeper interest in the Beatles or in the art scene, then there are additional activities listed below that you can consider.
For this Liverpool itinerary in particular, you do not need to purchase the Liverpool Pass or any transport passes. Other than the Liverpool Anfield or Everton Stadium, it is possible to walk between the various locations within 30 minutes.
For a start, you may wish to browse some of the activities available* to have an idea of what you’d be interested in to include in your Liverpool itinerary, in case you have any other more specific interests.
Liverpool itinerary planning considerations
Number of days
Most people visit Liverpool for one of two reasons – either as a football fan wanting to visit the Everton or Liverpool stadiums, or as a Beatles fan wishing to visit their hometown and important places.
Even if you want absolutely nothing to do with either, Liverpool has other great things to offer. The waterfront along with the Royal Albert Docks are an absolute must see, as well as the largest cathedral in the UK, the Liverpool Cathedral.
The city is very small and compact, so a full day will just be about enough for a non-football and non-Beatles fan. I am recommending three days for this Liverpool itinerary that will allow you to also visit a football stadium and discover the history of Beatles.
Getting to Liverpool
Liverpool is served by the Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), but direct flights to the airport are mainly only from European cities. Therefore, if you are flying from anywhere outside of Europe, you will have to find a connecting flight from one of these European cities.
If you are getting to Liverpool from one of the English cities such as London, Birmingham or Manchester, then you are only one train away. Intercity trains to Liverpool arrive conveniently at Lime Street Station in the city centre, with travelling times of between 1 and 3 hours.
Accommodation
As I have said above, Liverpool is a small and compact city that is walkable between most attractions. To illustrate this, it should take you under 30 minutes for a normal adult to walk from the Central Library in the northeast to the Beatles Story Museum in the southwest.
However, I do prefer accommodations along the waterfront or around the northern areas of the map above just simply because of the closer proximity to the main attractions. This then saves you time walking or taking any public transport.
Transportation
Other than the visit to the football stadiums, you are not likely to need the public transport. Even then, you can walk to the stadiums in under an hour.
However, if you want to take the tour of the Beatles’ childhood homes tour, visit Strawberry Fields or do a day tour to Chester, then you will need to take the MerseyRail and/or the bus. Both the MerseyRail and the bus are easily accessible from the city centre, especially from the Lime Street station.
Do I need the Liverpool Pass?
Unless you intend to cover all six attractions, and in two days, I don’t feel there is a need for the pass. Specifically for this Liverpool itinerary, you do not need the Liverpool Pass. Check out the Liverpool Pass website so you can decide for yourself.
Liverpool Day 1
Day 1 – Liverpool
Day 1 of this 3-day Liverpool itinerary takes you to the waterfront and the Royal Albert Docks where you can get a cruise down Mersey River, take a tour up the Liver Building, enjoy a meal at the docks and then dive into the world of the Beatles.
Expected expenses (adult prices):
£12.75 – River Explorer Cruise down Mersey River (book here)
£16 – Royal Liver Building 360 Tour (online price, £17.50 on the day price)
£20 – Beatles Story Museum (book here)
Things to note:
- If you are arriving at Liverpool in the morning and are able to pace yourself well with time, then it is still possible to cover the attractions for this day.
- To point out, the Liverpool Maritime Museum as well as the International Slavery Museum are both closed for renovations and will only reopen in 2028. Otherwise, both free museums will normally be places to visit at the Royal Albert Docks.
Mersey River Explorer Cruise
Firstly, begin your tour of Liverpool with a 50-minute Mersey River Explorer cruise. While on the cruise, you will be able to view the Liverpool skylines along both banks of the river. Cruises depart hourly, but the first and last ferries may differ depending on seasons.
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
Once you arrive back at the terminal after your cruise, head straight to the Royal Liver Building opposite the ferry terminal. You will be able to recognise it as the building with two Liver Birds at the top.
The tour will take you through the history of the building, from which you will understand how the offices of an insurance company eventually became the icon of the city. The tour takes about 70 minutes and also brings you to the observation level for a panoramic view of Liverpool. You should also spend around 30 minutes touring the visitor centre, which is actually free of charge if you choose to skip the tour.
Beatles Statue
When at the waterfront of Liverpool, you will almost certainly not miss the Beatles Statue. Especially so when there is normally a queue of people taking turns to take pictures with the Fab Four. It is here in Liverpool where each member of the Beatles was born and also where the band was founded and eventually became a worldwide sensation. (See the rest of this 3-day Liverpool itinerary for even more activities related to the Beatles).
Royal Albert Docks
After that, continue walking southwards along the waterfront towards Royal Albert Docks. Today, the docks house a number of museums as well as cafes and restaurants and hence gives a good opportunity for you to have lunch.
Here, you can explore the museums and easily find a place for refreshments should you need a break.
This is one of the most visited places in Liverpool so is one you definitely have to include in your Liverpool itinerary.
Two of the museums at the Royal Albert Docks – the Liverpool Maritime Museum as well as the International Slavery Museum – are currently closed for renovations until 2028.
The Tate Liverpool Museum is also closed for renovations till 2027, but they are temporarily housed currently at RIBA North, Mann Island a short walk away.
Beatles Story Museum
The Beatles Story Museum is an excellent place to start getting acquainted with the life of the Beatles, especially if they’ve only been a passing interest of yours. The museum tells the story of the band in chronological order through replicas of important places and events such as their performing stage, their recording studio and the record store where their manager used to work in.
I entered the museum hardly knowing anything about them but exited it with a fairly good idea of their key milestones. Overall, I felt that the story of the Beatles is presented here in a very simple and digestible manner. For this reason, I think this is one museum I’d strongly recommend you to include in your Liverpool itinerary.
Liverpool One
If there is any place in the city centre that is good for shopping, it is the Liverpool One shopping mall. The whole area around the mall is also very nicely pedestrianised so you can walk around to do your shopping without any motor traffic. The top level of the mall also features a number of popular restaurants where you can have your dinner.
Liverpool Day 2
Day 2 – Liverpool
The second day of this 3-day Liverpool itinerary brings you to Matthew Street where it all happened for the Beatles, before exploring a museum of your choice.
Expected expenses (adult prices):
£17 – Beatles Museum (book here)
£5 – Cavern Club
Things to note:
- If you’d like to see some of the important places associated with the Beatles, you can go on a Beatles-themed walking tour such as “Liverpool: Beatles Highlights Walking Tour“.
- Tate Liverpool, originally housed at the Royal Albert Docks, is currently closed for renovations until 2027. In the meantime, the museum is temporarily housed at RIBA North, Mann Island, which is just a short walk from the Museum of Liverpool.
Matthew Street
So, this is where it all happened for the Beatles. Located in the Cavern Quarter district of the Liverpool city centre, this was where the Beatles sensation all started. It was right here where the Beatles first performed in the Cavern Club.
Beatles Museum
Firstly, head to the Beatles Museum. Similar to the Beatles Story Museum, the Beatles Museum tells the story of the band in a chronological order of events. But instead of telling the story through replicated settings and backdrops, the museum makes use of the many real life artefacts and belongings to string them into a story of their life. This includes items such as their musical instruments, newspaper articles, valuable photos and other precious belongings. That includes one of their hotel room cards as well!
If you are a big fan of the Beatles, then this is the museum not to miss. You not only get to see some of the original items on display, but also relive some of those moments of those years while listening to their songs playing in the background.
Liverpool Wall of Fame
This wall lists down all the Number One songs on the UK Singles Charts sung by Liverpool-based singers. You might not know until you see this Liverpool Wall of Fame, that Liverpool has actually produced 54 Number One hits to date. The wall was unveiled in 2001 by Lita Roza, the singer of “How Much is That Doggie in the Window”. She was also the first ever Liverpool Number One on the UK Singles chart, making that record in 1953. And you might also notice that many of them are songs from, you know who, the Beatles! Spend some time looking at the list – how many songs do you know?
Cavern Wall of Fame
Also located here is the Cavern Wall of Fame, where you will see numerous names of singers inscribed into bricks. These are the list of singers who have ever sung in the Cavern Club – the very same club where the Beatles first performed. You may be very surprised at some of the names who have performed here!
The Grapes
This is a famous pub located right outside of the Cavern Club and used to be the frequent hangout of the Beatles during their Cavern Club-playing days.
John Lennon statue
Travel back in time and make friends with one of the lead singers of the Beatles – John Lennon, or rather his statue. This is where many people love to take a picture with him, including myself.
Cavern Club
Last but not least, end off your visit to Matthew Street with a visit to Cavern Club. Unfortunately, they have started charging visitors £5 to just enter the club and you have to pay additional for any drinks you order.
This place can get extremely busy at night, which is why I have included this as a daytime visit where it is much more pleasant, quieter, and you get a better chance of finding a place to sit and enjoy the performances.
I really enjoyed the performances, so much so that I was reluctant to leave. I left only because I had planned this on my last day and I had a return train to catch.
Alternative: A Beatles Walking Tour
If you wish to know a lot more about the Beatles and some of the key places such as the legal firm where they signed their contracts, or the NEMS record store where Bryan Epstein their manager first discovered them, join a Beatles walking tour.
I went on this particular tour Liverpool: Beatles Highlights Walking Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only did we visit the key Beatles sites on this tour, we were also introduced to some of the general Liverpool icons in the city. If you’d like to experience the same as me, check out the availability of this tour below*.
Castle Street
After that, a short walk away is Castle Street. This is the oldest street of Liverpool and is where you get a pretty view of the Liverpool Town Hall. Take the opportunity to also have lunch in this vicinity.
Museum of Liverpool and/or Tate Liverpool
After lunch, head to the waterfront once again where you can have another look at the Beatles statue – maybe with much more appreciation this time?
Here, you have the option to visit either the Museum of Liverpool or the Tate Liverpool, or even both if you are quick. Both have free entry so if you have the time you certainly should do so.
The Museum of Liverpool tells the story of the city’s history and culture, and how its port, people, musical and sporting history have shaped the city of today. On the other hand, Tate Liverpool is a modern and contemporary art gallery. If time is not on your hand, then go for the one that interests you more. i.e. go for Tate Liverpool if you love modern art, and go for Museum of Liverpool if you’d like to understand the city and culture. I personally felt that the Museum of Liverpool was an interesting one that can take you a full afternoon to explore. It also gives you a great view of the waterfront (the front cover picture of this post).
Tate Liverpool, originally housed at the Royal Albert Docks, is currently closed for renovations until 2027. In the meantime, the museum is temporarily housed at RIBA North, Mann Island, which is just a short walk from the Museum of Liverpool.
Bold Street
End the day with a leisurely walk down Bold Street, famous for its cafes and restaurants, as well as the St Luke’s Church located at the far end of the street. Here on this street, you can find a place you fancy for dinner and perhaps relax over drinks as well.
But before that and if it is opened for the day, check out the St Luke’s Church, also known as the Bombed Out Church. The church got its nickname because it got literally bombed out by a devastating seven-night bombardment (known as the May Blitz) during World War II, leaving its interior and roof destroyed. Today, the church is open only on certain days, so check it’s website for opening days and hours.
Word has it that people have experienced a time slip (accidentally travelling through time) while walking on this street. Some said to have travelled back to the Victorian Era while others to the 1950s or 1960s. Why not give it a try and let me know in the comments if you experienced it!
Liverpool Day 3
Day 3 – Liverpool
The third day of this 3-day Liverpool itinerary brings you to a stadium tour or matchday experience at one of the football clubs. For non-football fans, visit some of the beautiful buildings such as the Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain. Music fans can also go for the British Music Experience.
Expected expenses (adult prices):
Various prices – Visit the various Stadium Tour options available at Liverpool FC and Everton FC
£7 – Liverpool Cathedral Tower experience (book here)
£17 – British Music Experience (book here, or £20 over the counter)
Important note:
- If you are going for a matchday experience, the matches are normally during the night on weekdays and can be afternoons or evenings or nights during weekends. For a good experience, you should aim to make your journey to the stadiums 2 hours before the match.
- Match tickets are extremely high in demand and may require you to book them as early as they are released. I would also strongly recommend that you book your stadium tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
- It is also possible to cover the other sights in the day if you have a night match.
- Stadium tours only occur during the day.
All in all, the activities on the third day of this 3-day Liverpool itinerary very much depends on your interests. You should be able to cover two of the three options listed below if you are going for the stadium tour or a day match. Or if you are going for a night match, then it is possible to cover all three options in the day.
Option 1: Stadium tour or matchday experience
Football fans, especially Everton FC and Liverpool FC fans, will definitely want to do a stadium tour or watch a match in their respective home grounds.
Doing so will require at least half a day, especially if you are watching a match live. Do make sure to make your way to the match 2 hours before kick-off to ensure that you get there in good time before the start of the match. Also do note that due to the large crowd, you may find it difficult to catch public transport back to the city centre after the match. So do factor in time for this.
Option 2: British Music Experience
Music fans, particularly British music fans, should not miss the British Music Experience. This is the only museum in the UK that is dedicated to British music. It features numerous instruments used by British stars, their stage outfits as well as video footages. In addition, there are also many interactive activities that you can get your hands on. For example, you can learn the guitar, drums or keyboard in the interactive studio, or get your vocals out in the vocal studio.
You can expect to spend at least 1.5 hours here.
Option 3: City architecture and culture
If neither football nor music are your interests, fret not because there are some great city architecture and culture that you can discover.
Liverpool Cathedral
In particular, the Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain. It is in fact also within the top 10 largest cathedral in the world, the actual ranking depending on what criteria you use to measure!
Entry to the cathedral is free of charge but make sure to check the opening times and services that you can attend.
For £7, you can go on the Tower Experience and get a full panoramic view of the city beneath you. Also included within this experience is a visit to the Bell Chamber.
World Museum
The World Museum boasts a wide range of exhibits and activities that are very family-friendly. Especially so when it features millions of years of natural history including dinosaur skeletons, an impressive array of colours in the aquarium, a bug house of live insects, an area about ancient Egypt as well as a planetarium. It is undoubtedly a good place to stimulate children’s learning.
Entry to the World Museum is free and you can easily spend at least 3 hours viewing the exhibits across five levels.
Central library
Located right next to the World Museum is the Central Library, which is worth taking a quick visit even if you are not a fan of books. It is said to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the UK. The Central Library also features a number of rare books, all of which are housed within glass display cases (so no, it is not for your reading).
Liverpool Day 4
Day 4 – Return
Until your flight or train out of Liverpool, you may visit one of the museums you’ve missed above, or spend some time shopping around the pedestrianised city centre. Hopefully by this time, you would have the same level of appreciation I had for this beautiful city.
Extra days for your Liverpool itinerary
If you have one or two more days to add to your Liverpool itinerary, then you can consider doing the following:
Beatles’ Childhood Homes Tour and Strawberry Field (one day)
Beatles’ Childhood Homes Tour
For huge fans of the Beatles, you have the opportunity to step into the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney through the organised tours by the National Trust. Do take note though, that visits to these houses are by National Trust tours only. And entry into the compounds is possible only while on board the tour shuttle bus.
The tour costs £37 for non National Trust members and £13 for members. Pickup for these tours happen at the Liverpool South Parkway station (for morning tours) and Speke Hall (for afternoon tours). For more information on the tours and how to travel to the tour pickup points, refer to Planning your visit to the Beatles’ Childhood Homes.
Strawberry Field
On the same day as your tour to the Beatles’ childhood tour, you can also visit Strawberry Field. If you are a Beatles’ fan, you will then likely know that they have taken inspiration from this place for their song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever‘.
It is unfortunately not easy to get here by public transport. Hence, I suggest getting a taxi from Liverpool South Parkway station or Speke Hall for just a 10-15 minute journey.
Strawberry Field was previously a Salvation Army children’s home where John Lennon (who lived nearby) would go to play. It is presently still with the Salvation Army, but also houses an interactive exhibition telling the story about the house, the Salvation Army, John Lennon’s childhood as well as the writing and recording of the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever‘. Tickets cost £11.20 and an average visitor spends at least 1.5 hours here.
Day trip to Chester (one day)
The city of Chester is located south of Liverpool and can be reached by a 45-minute journey on the MerseyRail. It is widely known for its extensive Roman fortress walls with an excavated Roman amphitheatre located just outside. It used to be one of the key Roman settlements in Britain and boasts medieval buildings within. Furthermore, the Chester Racecourse is also in the World Guiness Record books for the oldest operating racecourse in the world!
Liverpool Itinerary closing note
For a city just 112 square kilometres in size and half a million in population, Liverpool has certainly an impressive number of things to boast about. To sum up, there is the numerous tributes and historical sites dedicated to the Beatles, the biggest football rivalries in sporting history, the rarest books in their Central Library, and even the largest cathedral in Britain! All in all, this 3-day Liverpool itinerary covers the most important places of Liverpool and hopefully it will help bring you lasting impressions of the city like it did to me.
Begin planning your Liverpool Itinerary
Export the outline of this 3-day Liverpool Itinerary to Microsoft Excel and begin your planning and customisation! Leave me a comment if you have any questions and happy planning!
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3-Day Un-Beatle-ble Liverpool Itinerary for your first visit
