Top 10 free things to do in Liverpool (recommended by a scouser!)
Top 10 free things to do in Liverpool (recommended by a scouser!)
Liverpool is a dynamic and culturally rich city with a unique identity shaped by its maritime heritage, music legacy and sporting achievements. It’s a fascinating city that will captivate you with its Northern charm and down to Earth people. Not to mention there is absolutely tonnes of things to see and do (even if you’re on a tight budget…or no budget at all!). Here are the top 10 free things to do in Liverpool as recommended by a scouser (me!).
OTHER free things to do in cities around the world YOU MIGHT LIKE…
- Top 20 free things to do in Amsterdam (that first-time visitors will love!)
- 30 Free things to do in London (that tourists and locals will love!)
- Ultimate 25 free things to do in New York (from an NYC fanatic!)
1) Take a free walking tour
Liverpool offers several free walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s history, landmarks and cultural highlights.
Liverpool City Walks are great because they offer a variety of themed walking tours in Liverpool, including: the Historic City Centre Walk, Beatles Walk and Waterfront Walk. This way you can select a tour that is more specific to your interests.
However, if you’re looking for a more general Liverpool tour, I would recommend Sandemans. I always have a great experience with them and have taken several of their free walking tours all over Europe.
The Sandemans New Liverpool Free Tour takes you through the heart of Liverpool, covering major attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, St George’s Hall and The Beatles’ famous Cavern Club.
The tour is conducted by knowledgeable local guides who provide interesting insights into the city’s history and culture.
Although technically free, the tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, allowing you to tip the guide according to your satisfaction.
2) Visit the Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is the largest museum dedicated to a city’s history in the UK and incredibly, it’s completely free to visit!
Located on Liverpool’s historic waterfront at Pier Head, the museum explores the diverse aspects of Liverpool’s past and present, showcasing its rich heritage, culture and significance.
It’s also great fun no matter what your age so adults and kids will love exploring this awesome museum during their visit to Liverpool!
The museum offers a range of interactive displays, multimedia presentations and engaging exhibits to provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience.
3) Explore Albert Dock and the waterfront
Liverpool’s Albert Dock is a historic waterfront complex which played a significant role in Liverpool’s maritime and trading history and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
The Albert Dock (named after Queen Victoria’s husband) was opened in 1846 and was revolutionary in its construction for the time, utilising cast iron, brick and granite in its architecture.
The dock features grand warehouses with imposing columns and ornate details, all built to accommodate goods such as tobacco and cotton that arrived on large cargo ships from all over the world.
After exploring the Albert Dock, carry on walking along the waterfront and check out some of Liverpool’s iconic landmarks such as the Liver Building, the Royal Liver Building and the Pier Head.
Don’t forget to take a selfie with the Beatles whilst you’re there too! 😉
4) Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum
Located at the Albert Dock, Liverpool’s Merseyside Maritime Museum explores the city’s maritime heritage (duh!).
The museum offers an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages, allowing them to explore Liverpool’s maritime connections and learn about the city’s significant role in the development of the shipping industry.
You’ll also uncover the city’s connection to the ill-fated Titanic!
5) Explore the city’s street art
Liverpool is known for its vibrant street art scene, with numerous murals and artworks scattered throughout the city – including Banksy’s “Love Plane”, which is located on Rumford Street (on a car park wall of all things!).
I recommend checking out the Baltic Triangle for the best street art. It’s an area of Liverpool that has become a hub for creativity and is home to various galleries, studio and venues with streets of colourful murals and graffiti.
Artists from around the world have contributed to the street art in this area, creating a dynamic and ever-changing outdoor gallery.
Other street art hotspots in Liverpool include: Bold Street, Duke Street and the Ropewalks.
6) Discover the Tate Liverpool
The Tate Liverpool is a contemporary art gallery and museum located at the Albert Dock.
It’s one of four Tate galleries in the UK and the first gallery dedicated to modern and contemporary art outside of London.
It has a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
The gallery also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase different themes, artists and movements.
7) View the skyline of Liverpool from Everton Park
Liverpool has several beautiful parks where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some popular options, include: Sefton Park and Calderstones Park.
However, Everton Park which is only 30 minutes walk way from Liverpool city centre is the one you’ll really want to see!
The park is Liverpool’s version of London’s Primrose Hill with a vantage point offering a truly spectacular viewpoint of the city’s skyline.
Everton Park is literally known locally as “The View” so you know it’s worth the hike!
8) Explore the World Museum
Liverpool’s World Museum provides an enriching and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy exhibitions about the natural world, world cultures, scientific discoveries and the wonders of space. They also have amazing Planetarium shows!
It’s one of my all-time favourite museums and favourite free things to do in Liverpool!
The building itself is also a grand sight to behold for visitors. It’s a beautifully preserved, Victorian building, built in a neoclassic style with imposing columns and a grand staircase.
The perfect home for such a special collection of world exhibits!
9) Visit the Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery provides a platform for appreciating and engaging with the visual arts. Offering a rich and diverse art experience.
Enjoy exploring the gallery’s extensive collection of significant artworks in different genres from the 13th to the 20th century.
The gallery features artworks by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Turner, Hockney, Rossetti and Millais.
10) Visit the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Lastly on my top 10 free things to do in Liverpool list we have the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral!
Explore the impressive architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in all its nutty, modern architectural glory!
It’s a fantastically bizarre addition to Liverpool’s skyline due to its spaceship-esque design by architect Frederick Gibber.
The cathedral’s circular shape, distinctive curved walls and asymmetrical concrete structure make it stand out among traditional church buildings.
But the best part of visiting the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is the viewing platform at the top of its tower. From there, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city!
OTHER free things to do in cities around the world YOU MIGHT LIKE…
- Top 20 free things to do in Amsterdam (that first-time visitors will love!)
- 30 Free things to do in London (that tourists and locals will love!)
- Ultimate 25 free things to do in New York (from an NYC fanatic!)
Are there any free things to do in Liverpool you love and would add to this list? Let me know in the comments! 😄