Fun Things to do in Liverpool: A Guide to the City's Top Attractions

Built around the docks and the River Mersey, Liverpool has shaken off the shackles of its industrial past and reinvented itself as a dynamic, thriving city. Cutting-edge architecture blends seamlessly with handsome listed buildings. Former shipping warehouses have been converted into cafes, shops and apartments, and the city now boasts an exceptional modern art scene, world-class museums and, of course, The Beatles.

From amphibious boat tours and abseiling off the UK's tallest cathedral to hearing the roar of the crowd at Anfield as you step out onto the pitch, there are plenty of cool and unusual experiences to be had for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a fan of pop culture, street food or maritime history, let our guide to Liverpool show you how to experience the city's fun-loving side.

You'll probably want to visit all the top sights during your stay in Liverpool , but to make the most of your stay in the city, allow time to relax and soak it all in. These fun things to do showcase Liverpool's rich history, vibrant culture and friendly spirit.

Liverpool is the ultimate destination for any Beatles fan and you can't visit the city without diving into the legacy of the Fab Four. Start your adventure at The Beatles Story , an interactive museum that traces their rise from local lads to global superstars. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Zone where you can create your own newspaper and play a Beatles tune with your feet on a giant piano. Just a short stroll away is The Cavern Club , the legendary venue where The Beatles performed nearly 300 times. It's still a buzzing live music hotspot, so check out the listings to see what's on and book a room at the nearby MGallery Municipal Hotel and Spa – the perfect place to crash after a hard day's night. For an even deeper dive, take the two-hour Magical Mystery Tour, visiting iconic spots like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, immortalized in their songs. It's a nostalgic, fun thing to do in Liverpool that will have you singing to yourself all day.

• The Beatles Story, Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AD
• Open: 9am-5pm daily
• Tickets cost £20 (£11 for kids) and include entry to the Beatles Story Museum, Discovery Zone, Fab4 Cafes and Fab4 Stores

The city’s Victorian docks were once a hub for global trade, where sacks of spices and exotic produce were unloaded onto the cobbled waterfront. Today, the large, red-brick warehouses have been beautifully restored into some of the city’s top attractions. Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Tate Liverpool gallery and discover the city’s seafaring past at the Merseyside Maritime Museum (don’t miss the Titanic gallery). The area is also one of Liverpool’s most atmospheric entertainment districts and there’s no shortage of fun things to do. With waterfront cafes, eclectic street food outlets and global restaurants overlooking the water, it’s an ideal spot for people-watching, day or night. We recommend booking a table in advance as the area is bustling with visitors, particularly at weekends. For an aerial view over the docks, why not take a ride on the 60-metre-high Wheel of Liverpool Ferris wheel?

From the Albert Dock, it’s a short stroll north along cobbled walkways to Pier Head, the jumping-off point for ferries across the River Mersey. The 50-minute River Explorer Cruise offers a panoramic view of Liverpool's spectacular skyline – and yes, the famous Gerry Marsden song does get played on board! As you glide along the river, you'll hear fascinating live commentary about Liverpool’s rich maritime heritage, from its role as a global port to its influence on music and culture. Keep your camera handy as you set off past the city's famous landmarks, including a trio of beautiful listed buildings known as the Three Graces: the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. You'll also journey out to less-heralded sites, including the Gothic Revival Victoria Tower and impressive Wallasey Town Hall, before returning to port. For a fun alternative to the classic boat trip, check out Splash Tours Liverpool, which uses amphibious vehicles.

For football fans, the Liverpool FC Museum and Stadium Tour will be high on your list of priorities. Home to Liverpool Football Club since 1884, Anfield has a capacity of over 50,000 people and is one of the most well-known stadiums in the world. Starting in the museum, you'll explore an extensive collection of memorabilia, trophies and exhibits, charting The Reds' greatest moments. Then, you'll set off for a behind-the-scenes visit of the stadium itself. You'll visit key areas, such as the Press Room, where managers face the media, and the Dressing Rooms, where players prepare before a match. Walking down the Players' Tunnel, to the sound of a virtual crowd, and touching the iconic 'This is Anfield' sign, is an unforgettable thrill. You'll even visit the Kop, one of the game's most famous stands, as knowledgeable guides share stories about the club's history and players. If you're keen to catch a live football match, be sure to book well in advance.

• Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0TH, 3 km northeast of the city centre
• Open 9am-5pm daily (last entry 3pm); stadium closed to the public on match days
• Tickets cost from £25 for a 1.5-hour tour

Tucked away in the Georgian Quarter, Liverpool's magnificent Anglican cathedral is the largest in the UK. With soaring Gothic arches, intricate stained-glass windows and beautiful stone carvings, the sheer size of it is breathtaking. It also happens to offer some of the best views in the city. After taking in the vastness of the nave, a climb up the 100-metre tower rewards you with a 360-degree panorama. Time it right, and you'll hear the chimes of the world's heaviest peal of bells. To learn about the history of the cathedral and discover secret spots, Above and Beyond tours run throughout the day. For something even more thrilling, time your visit to coincide with one of their sponsored abseiling events, where participants descend nearly 50 metres down the cathedral's West Tower. As well as being one of Liverpool's most fun things to do, all funds help The Whitechapel Centre end homelessness in Liverpool, so you can feel good about your visit too.

• St James Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ
• Free entry; tower tickets cost £7
• Above and Beyond tours cost £25 for 2 hours, including a Tower ticket
• Opening times vary due to services, bell ringing and cathedral events

If you're ready to experience a more serene side to Liverpool, head south from the center to Sefton Park, a 95-hectare green space that's a world away from the bustling city hum. This expansive, beautiful park features a natural landscape of boating lakes and wild meadows, linked by curved pathways and lined with indigenous British trees. Be sure to visit the botanical gardens in the magnificent glass-panelled Palm House , which features original specimens brought back by Victorian explorers. Having taken time to relax, explore the park – and perhaps play a game of giant chess – you're sure to have worked up an appetite. Stop by the Palm House Cafe for some post-walk refreshments. Alternatively, head to nearby Lark Lane, where you'll find bright cafes, traditional British pubs and eclectic restaurants in one of Liverpool's liveliest districts.

• Sefton Park, 8 km southeast of Albert Dock
• Park grounds open 8am-5pm daily; Palm House open 10am-5pm Sun-Wed, 10am-3pm Thurs, closed Fri-Sat for private events; cafe open daily until 4pm
• Free entry

Once an industrial wasteland, the Baltic Triangle district has been transformed into Liverpool's capital of cool, known for its hipster culture, street art and dynamic nightlife. Former warehouses around Jamaica Street now brim with art studios and vintage clothing stores, while concept bars and pop-up canteens buzz with youthful creative energy. Visit the Baltic Market for tasty street food stalls, bring your skateboard to grind some rails in the graffitied skatepark or sit back with a craft beer or cocktail and take it all in. Later, the area gives way to live music venues, garage raves and dance clubs packed with hip locals, making this one of the most fun things to do in Liverpool at night. Fortunately, the Pullman Liverpool is just a stone's throw away. Plan your route back responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening.

However you decide to spend your time in the city, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Liverpool. Whether you're day tripping or stopping for a romantic getaway , you'll soon be planning to return. With so much more to see and do, who could blame you?