48 Summery Hours in Liverpool

It’s impossible to visit Liverpool and not fall in love with its scouse charm, whether it’s your first time here or you’re an avid visitor, Liverpool is the perfect destination for a weekend away.

Bursting with history, culture, attractions and a wealth of restaurants and bars, it’s one of the most popular cities in the UK.

Whether you’re here for a day or a little longer, here are some suggestions for spending the best 48 summery hours in Liverpool.

DAY ONE

10am – Check in

First things first, you need to find yourself a hotel or apartment that is centrally located. Liverpool offers a range of different accommodation types, from luxury hotels, to apartments, group accommodation and hostels, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re in the Bold Street area, Leaf or Love Thy Neighbour are the best places to head for exotic tea choices, vegan options and plenty of avocado based dishes.

Elsewhere you’ll find Filter and Fox, The Brunch Club and Moose Coffee that never disappoint, especially if you’re a fan of eggs beni.

But if you’re still struggling to decide, check out our handy guide to the best places in Liverpool to grab breakfast.

12pm – Head to the Waterfront

Liverpool’s stunning waterfront is the perfect place to begin your scouse odyssey. Not only does it give a fascinating insight into how Liverpool was built on its maritime trade, but a walk along to the Albert Dock provides an amazing view of cultural Liverpool.

British Music Experience

Only opening in March 2017, the British Music Experience is one of the UK’s most exciting attractions.

The innovative new museum features over 600 items, including collections of iconic stage outfits, instruments and memorabilia for the public to admire.

Celebrating the best of British music from 1945 to the present day, it features David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costumes, along with the handwritten lyrics to Blue Monday by New Order, plus interactive apps to use throughout your visit.

You’ll find the exhibition located within the striking Cunard Building along the Pier Head.

It’s open everyday 9am-7pm and until 9pm on Thursdays.

2pm – Ferry ‘cross the Mersey

During your 48 summery hours in Liverpool, a journey on the famous Mersey Ferry is a must.

See Liverpool’s most iconic sights from the water itself as you climb aboard the River Explorer Cruise and enjoy a 50-minute journey along the riverside.

Guided by expert commentary throughout the trip, the River Explorer Cruise offers stunning views of Liverpool’s famous skyline with a captivating and rich description of the culture and history behind it.

Tickets are around £10 for adults and £6.50 for children, with many family ticket options available.

Until December 2018 some lucky seafarers will be treated to a voyage on the Dazzle Ferry ‘Snowdrop’, created by Sir Peter Blake. This unique vessel features vivid eye-catching motifs all over the outside, it truly is one of a kind.

The Beatles Story

What better place to celebrate the Fab Four than in their very own city?

With the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition, this is a must-see for tourists and anyone who is eager to delve into the weird and wonderful world of Liverpool’s favourite band.

Guests are taken on a journey through time to see exactly how the Beatles rose to worldwide fame. Expect to discover how the boys met and get an inside look at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

This wonderful experience is open every day 9am-7pm.

4.30pm – Afternoon Tea with a View

To top off an idyllic summers day in Liverpool why not treat yourself to a luxury afternoon tea at one of the city’s many outdoor eateries.

Around the waterfront there are a wealth of beautiful bars and restaurants that feature stunning rooftop terraces that look out over the docks.

The amazing Carpathia Champagne Bar and Restaurant, set on top of the iconic 30 James Street Hotel, this luxurious venue is a favourite with locals.

Or try out one of Liverpool’s hidden gems, Goodness Gracious. This rooftop bar is set at the top of the wonderful Oh Me Oh My restaurant and offers some of the best views of Liverpool.

Last but certainly not least, if you fancy something a little different from afternoon tea, head over to Matou and sample their pan-Asian menu and delightful cocktail list.

The Grapes

Head in the direction of the Cavern Quarter but stop a little short of the tourist traps and duck into the Grapes pub, where the cluttered wooden tables and timeworn flowery carpet look as if they haven’t changed in decades.

This relatively dingy, reconstructed cellar club on Matthew Street is where the Beatles started out.

Built all the way back in 1800s, the Grapes is an institution that has truly stood the test of time.

The Cavern Club

Perhaps one of the most iconic venues on Mathew Street, the world-renowned Cavern Club is the crowning jewel of the nightlife in this area.

Fridays and Saturdays at the Cavern bring back Beatles mania with their very own resident Beatles band to entertain you.

So, if you love a good singalong and are keen to experience the best of Liverpool’s nightlife, this is the number one destination for you.

Lennon’s Bar

Another fantastic spot on Mathew Street for Beatles fans, Lennon’s Bar is one of a kind.

In the midst of a Beatles mad street, Lennon’s is a fantastic little tribute bar, with memorabilia everywhere you look and a soundtrack that certainly won’t disappoint, it’s a great way to round off your first day in this great city.

1am – Time for Bed 

After a long day of exploring it’s time to hit the hay. None of the hotels are far from the Cavern quarter so you can quite easily walk back, but if your eyes are heavy you can grab a taxi from the local taxi services Delta or Alpha.

If you’re feeling peckish, lots of the hotels we suggested will have a late-night food menu, so you can enjoy some tasty treats from the comfort of your own room.

Our favourite is The Shankly Hotel’s midnight munchies menu that includes delicious pizzas, toasted sandwiches and hot dogs served until 5am.

11am – Go on a Themed Tour

You can’t spend 48 summery hours in Liverpool without going on a themed tour of this amazing city. From football stadium visits and musical delights, to Beatles-mania and cultural sightseeing, there’s something for everyone.

The Shankly Hotel offer a range of football themed tours that all centre around the famous footballing legend Bill Shankly. Choose from the ‘Liverpool was made for me’ tour that includes a visit to Anfield Stadium and Shankly’s favourite places in Liverpool, to the ‘Fab Four and Shanks tour’ that incorporates some of the most interesting places both the great man and the Beatles frequented.

Each Shankly Experience Tour includes a visit to the Shankly Hotel where visitors are treated to a tour of the Shankly Museum and given VIP access to memorabilia not out for display.

2pm – Tuck into a Sunday Lunch 

Even when its sunny outside, you can’t go wrong with a comforting Sunday roast. The delicious crispy roast potatoes, perfectly cooked meat and lashings of gravy are hard to beat, especially if you’re feeling a bit delicate from the night before.

From traditional pub roasts from The Monro on Duke Street and the Bastion Restaurant in the Shankly Hotel, to twists on the classic like the sticky roast board from Rockwood Bar and Cue and the Cuban inspired roast from Alma de Cuba, there are so many options you won’t go hungry.

If you’re struggling to decide which is best for you, take a look at our definitive guide to the best places in Liverpool for a Sunday roast.

3.30pm – Get Cultural 

You’ve refuelled so it’s time to walk off all of those carbs.

Liverpool is home to not just one but two spectacular Cathedrals and you’d kick yourself if you spent 48 summery hours in Liverpool and missed out on these amazing sights.

Walk towards Hope Street and you’ll come across the breath-taking Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, or ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’ as its affectionately known by the locals.

You can explore the majestic exteriors and interiors of the Grade II* listed building for free, join in a service, take a guided tour or even catch a live show, which is nothing short of spectacular.

When inside look up to find the exposed interior of the prominent spire, beautifully adorned with stain glass windows, it’s a real highlight.

Take a stroll along Hope Street and you’ll come across various cultural delights including the brand-new Everyman Theatre, the historic Philharmonic Pub and Philharmonic Hall and finally Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

Explore the exterior of this spectacles Cathedral and enjoy a Tower Experience where you can walk (or get a lift) up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views from 500ft above sea level.

The Anglican Cathedral is Britain’s biggest cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe and the friendly staff are more than happy to give you a guided tour and take you to see the Bell Chamber, where the world’s heaviest peal of bells are housed.

If you’ve got time it’s always worth heading to St George’s Hall which is opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station. Widely regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the world, this magnificent hall is Grade I listed and is sure to take your breath away.

Next to St George’s Hall is another World Heritage area, the city’s museums quarter, with the Walker Art Gallery, the Central Library – some call the impressive interior Liverpool’s third cathedral, and the World Museum Liverpool.

6.30pm – Head to the Cultural Quarter

Keep the culture coming and take a short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk to the Baltic Triangle area, known as the Cultural Quarter.

Home to many of the city’s creative industries, hip live music venues and unique bars and restaurants, the Baltic Triangle is a vibrant hub just outside the city centre that offers something a little different.

Once the well-worn factory and workshop of the city back in the slave trade of the 1800s, now a thriving and cutting-edge destination that is at the heart of the Independent Liverpool scene.

With a diverse range of cafes, restaurants, bars, social warehouses, art spaces and chill out areas, you won’t find it hard to pass the last few hours of your amazing 48 summery hours in Liverpool.

There are regular gigs and live music events at 24 Kitchen Street, Camp and Furnace and Constellations, as well as beer festivals and art installations, so don’t forget to check out what’s on when you visit.

This summer the Baltic Triangle welcomes the Baltic Market to the Cain’s Brewery. A giant food hall and hub dedicated to all things food, drink, live music and events, this market is sure to be a hit with Liverpudlians and tourists.

8pm – Grab a Bite

With choices ranging from Camp and Furnace, the Baltic Social, amazing street food and pop up food stalls and the summer BBQ at Constellations, there is a great selection of food on offer in the Cultural Quarter.

Camp and Furnace offers diners everything from lobsters to street food, expect hearty portions of home cooked food in a communal setting. You’ll find comfy sofas, open log fires, vintage caravans and bare bulbs, making it one of the coolest places you’ll eat in Liverpool.

If you fancy something a bit more rugged, try the Baltic Social. An art and music hub, this warehouse is cosy and dingy at the same time. They offer a range of small plates, burgers and the famous punk afternoon tea, but you might be too late to sample it.

But if you want to stay in the sunshine head to Constellations for their tasty summer BBQ with giant burgers and ribs that will make your mouth water.

If none of those take your fancy, get some real sunshine and head to the independent vegan friendly pop up, Ital Fresh. They serve Caribbean vegan street food using locally sourced ingredients.

Offering dishes from plantain to sweet potato fries, Ital Fresh is sure to challenge your preconceptions that Caribbean food is all jerk-chicken and curried goat.

9.30pm – Soak up the Last of the Sun 

One of the best little suntraps in the Baltic Triangle area is the beautiful Botanical Gin Garden. For those looking for a relaxing escape, this garden venue is perfect for curling up on a couch or lounging back in a deck chair and topping up your tan.

The al fresco setting specialises in all things gin, from the classic G&T to the more adventurous cocktails like The Tarragon which includes portobello road gin, oleo saccharum, fresh lemon, tarragon and soda; this hidden gem is the perfect place to end your Liverpool adventure.

12am – Time to Turn in

With the sun setting on your final hours in Liverpool, it’s time to raise a glass to an amazing couple of days in Liverpool and head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our ultimate guide the best 48 summery hours in Liverpool, if you think we’ve forgotten anything then let us know in the comments below!