Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But like all good things, it can sometimes be a rare event. Whether due to financial constraints or lack of time, we can’t always visit all the places we’d like to. That’s why every traveller—or even anyone who dreams of travelling—should have a list of priority getaways.
The world’s major tourist hubs like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and New York are obvious contenders for such a list. But some less obvious—yet equally incredible—destinations shouldn’t be overlooked either. One such must-see location is Liverpool.
Don’t believe it? Then keep reading to find out why Liverpool should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
1. Home of The Beatles and a Global Music Mecca
You can’t talk about Liverpool without mentioning The Beatles. This is where John, Paul, George, and Ringo honed their sound, crafted their identity, and kick-started a musical revolution. Their presence is still very much alive today, not just in statues and souvenirs, but in the pulse of the city itself.
Start your journey at The Beatles Story, a fully immersive museum at the Royal Albert Dock. With original instruments, handwritten lyrics, rare photographs, and recreated sets (including a replica of the Cavern Club itself), it’s a time capsule that takes you right into the heart of the ’60s.
Then there’s the Cavern Club, the iconic venue where the band performed nearly 300 times. It’s still a working music venue, hosting daily live acts and special Beatles tribute nights that’ll have you singing along with strangers by the second verse.
For a broader view of how the city has influenced culture beyond the Fab Four, the British Music Experience at the Cunard Building is unmissable.
With costumes, instruments, and stories from across British music history, from Bowie to Adele, it places Liverpool’s contribution in the wider context of a country that lives for rhythm and rhyme.
But Liverpool’s music scene isn’t confined to museums or guided tours. Walk down Bold Street or Mathew Street and you’ll hear it – guitars from pub doorways, buskers belting out Beatles covers, and the unmistakable thump of bass from hidden basement venues. The city’s gig scene is alive and loud.
2. Museums, Galleries, and Culture on Every Corner
You know those friends who can tell a story like no one else? If Liverpool were a person, it would be that kind of storyteller. The city has the second-highest number of museums and galleries in the UK, second only to London. And just like the capital, many of these spaces are free to enter.
One of the most famous is the world-renowned Tate. It’s the kind of place where you might find a Turner Prize winner in one room and an interactive sculpture made out of crisp packets in the next – and somehow it works.
Then there’s the Walker Art Gallery, often called the ‘National Gallery of the North’. It’s home to everything from Renaissance masterpieces and Victorian portraiture to modern works by the likes of Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Even if you’re not an art buff, the sheer variety makes it easy to find something that hits.
The Museum of Liverpool is also essential. Housed in a striking modern building right on the Pier Head, it tells the story of the city – its working-class roots, its role in the world wars, its music, sport, and cultural firepower. It’s local pride in museum form.
And if you fancy something a bit more wide-eyed, the World Museum is the one. From ancient Egyptian mummies to towering dinosaur skeletons and a planetarium that’ll launch you into space, it’s got that classic “day out” feel.
3. A City Mad About Football
Visiting Liverpool can be as thrilling as scoring a last-minute goal. And for good reason. Football is everywhere here – in the pubs, on the streets, and in the city’s conversations.
A visit to Anfield, Liverpool FC’s home, is a great place to start. Even if you don’t follow the team, the stadium tour is worth your time. You walk through the players’ tunnel, see the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign up close, and get a real sense of the club’s history and scale. It’s football heritage at its most intense.
Just across Stanley Park, Everton FC is preparing for a big moment. While Goodison Park still hosts matches and remains a much-loved part of the city, the club is getting ready to move into a new home. Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, now under construction, will offer a completely different experience. It’s set on Liverpool’s historic waterfront and designed to reflect the club’s character while giving fans a modern matchday environment.
Even if football isn’t your thing, it’s hard not to be caught up in the passion.
And That’s Just the Start
From music legends and football giants to galleries, museums, and waterfront views, Liverpool packs a lot into every street. But there’s plenty more waiting once you’ve ticked off the big hitters.
The city is brilliant for shopping, with everything from high-street staples to independent boutiques in the Baltic Triangle. Its nightlife is legendary too, whether you’re after a quiet pint in a historic pub or a full night out in the Ropewalks.
Ah! If you want to cover more ground without missing the details, the City Explorer tour of Liverpool is a smart option. You’ll get a fresh perspective on “the Pool”, hear local stories, and stop off at major attractions along the way.
Add in a strong food scene, regular festivals, and some of the friendliest locals you’re likely to meet, and you’ve got a city that keeps giving.
Ready to explore? This is a city that knows how to leave a lasting impression. Add it to your bucket list and see it for yourself.
