This North Western city runs along the bank of the River Mersey, which made it an important trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th century. There's a lot of history to unveil in this region, and alongside the more modern additions to the area, Liverpool is one of the most exciting cities to explore in the whole of the UK.
There are countless things to do here, but we've rounded up the top ones for you right here. From free-to-enter museums to buzzing street food markets and stadium tours, these are the very best attractions Liverpool has to offer.
Top 10 Attractions In Liverpool
Royal Albert Dock
Liverpool L3 4AD - Free Entry
A site that's synonymous with Liverpool, The Royal Albert Dock can be found right in the heart of the city, coming off of the River Mersey. Beautiful on a sunny day, this is a great choice of free attractions, as you can enjoy gorgeous waterside views as you stroll around the dock's walkways.
There are also plenty of fantastic places to check out on the banks, from independent cafes and restaurants to fascinating museums. And if you fancy something a bit more hands-on? Then check out Escape Hunt, an exhilarating escape room here.
This is hands down one of the best places in Liverpool to visit for free.
Tate Liverpool
Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP - Free Entry
Currently located at RIBA North on Mann Island, while their Royal Albert Dock space is temporarily closed for a big refurbishment, Tate Liverpool is one of the best Liverpool tourist attractions out there. It's totally free to enter, made up of two small galleries and a family area.
There's no need to book the gallery, ideal for a relaxed day out. There's plenty of art to enjoy, with exhibitions changing on a regular basis, and they also host everything from talks and tours to creative workshops for visitors to get involved in.
This is one of the best places to visit in Liverpool for free.
Royal Liver Building
Part of the Three Graces that dominates Liverpool's skyline, the Royal Liver Building is situated on the Pier Head. It's adorned with two liver birds at the top of the tower, one of the best known landmarks in the area, said to represent the wives who stayed at home, looking out over the sea as their sailor husbands were away on trips.
The structure was designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, constructed between 1908 and 1911 and used as the home of Royal Liver Assurance. It stands proud today, and you can go inside for all sorts of interesting things to see. Head up to their 15th-floor viewing platform for a 360-degree view of the city, as well as seeing unique artefacts from the building's archives and experiencing an immersive audio-visual show in the clock tower.
One of the best-known Liverpool visitor attractions, the Royal Liver Building is well worth a trip.
Baltic Market
Liverpool L8 5RE - Free Entry
If you're planning out what to do in Liverpool for a day, be sure to schedule in a stop at Baltic Market. Whether it's for lunch, dinner or drinks, there's so much to be tried at the city's first ever street food market, found inside the old Cains Brewery in the Baltic Triangle.
There's something for everyone here, as there are a varying selection of independent vendors selling a little bit of everything. From stone-baked pizzas to fried chicken and dessert bars, tuck into a great meal while sipping on tipples from the gin bar. You'll also fine live bands on Saturday nights, resident DJs and craft sessions, as well as quiz nights.
Get your foodie fix at Baltic Market.
Anfield Stadium
Anfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH - Entry From £16
One of the best tourist attractions in Liverpool, especially for football fans, Anfield Stadium is located on the outskirts of the city centre. The home of Liverpool FC, these grounds have seen some of the biggest matches of all time, and if you're lucky enough to secure tickets to the game then you're guaranteed a buzzing atmosphere.
It's not just game days that are on the cards though, as they also offer stadium tours from as little as £16 per person. You'll be able to go behind the scenes, from the press conference room to the player's tunnel and the managerial dugout. What's more, you can even abseil down the side of the stadium, taking in some amazing views while you're at it.
The stadium tours here are a great choice of Liverpool attractions for families.
The Cavern Club
10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE - Entry From £5
One of the top Liverpool attractions for adults, The Cavern Club is best known for being The Beatles' venue of choice during their formative years. The iconic band have performed here many times, as well as The Rolling Stones, Elton John and more recent acts like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Adele.
The Cavern Quarter venue opened in 1957, though it closed between 1973 and 1984. Today, it's back in full swing with regular live music performances every single day of the week. They showcase a wide variety of up-and-coming local talent alongside the big names, and there's a fully stocked bar to take advantage of too.
Embrace Liverpool's rich music scene at The Cavern Club.
The Beatles Story Museum
Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD - Entry From £16
Liverpool is known for being the hometown of The Beatles, and there are plenty of places in the city that celebrate this. The Beatles Story is a great choice if you want to learn more about the famous four, having been voted as the Best UK Museum in the Tiqets’ Remarkable Venue Awards 2024.
Go on a journey through the life of The Beatles, with recreations of significant moments in their career - from The Cavern Club to Abbey Road Studios. There's also a vast collection of memorabilia, including Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves and photos. Nab tickets for as little as £16 each, and make use of their multi-language audio guides.
Find out more about Britain's most famous band.
Quirky Quarter
The Arch, 142 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5DR - Entry From £15.50
After unique attractions in Liverpool for couples and families alike? Then be sure to check out Quirky Quarter, where you'll be wowed by all sorts of mind-blowing displays. Think interactive experiences, brain-boggling puzzles and optical illusions - making for unbeatable photo opportunities.
Tickets are £15.50 for adults, or £9 for kids, and under 5s can enter for free. Whether you're walking upside down or being shrunk to a miniature size, discover the weird and wonderful at this Duke Street destination.
Turn your world upside down at Quirky Quarter.
World Museum
William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN - Free Entry
Go on a journey through time at the World Museum, where you can discover everything this planet has to offer - and beyond. Their popular Ancient Egypt Gallery gives you a dose of history from over 5,000 years ago, complete with hieroglyphs and mummies. Learn more about different groups and cultures throughout the centuries too, thanks to their World Cultures gallery.
It's not just human history that's on display though, as it also boasts the award-winning Clore Natural History Centre. There are more than 20,000 artefacts in this section, from a hippopotamus skull to a mammoth tooth. There's also a stunning aquarium that features an array of tropical fish, and their planetarium will transport you into space through interactive shows.
Prepare to be mesmerised at the World Museum.
Museum Of Liverpool
Pier Head, Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1DG - Free Entry
The world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, the Museum of Liverpool is the largest newly-built national museum in Britain in over a century. Learn about the social, historical and contemporary issues associated with the Merseyside area, spanning across more than 1,000 years.
There are so many exhibits to enjoy here, from a life-sized liver bird to the King’s Regiment archive and Ben Johnson’s Liverpool Cityscape. And if you head up to the skylight galleries, you'll have an amazing view of the Three Graces and beyond - it's even won the best window with a view award in the past.
From history to art, this place has got it all.
For some more unusual picks, check out our list of quirky things to do in Liverpool.