Your guide to Liverpool / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in Liverpool
Only 24-48 hours in Liverpool
With all of the history and entertainment in Liverpool, it can be a challenge to visit the most popular spots on a 24- or 48-hour trip. Don't miss out on any of these cultural and culinary greats in your limited time. We've put together some of the best stops to visit during your short stay.
Try a Traditional Liverpool Breakfast
When you're in Liverpool, you'll want to taste as much local fare as possible. Start your day off at The Tavern Company just off the famous Penny Lane. Voted UK's Best Breakfast in 2014 and 2015, the restaurant offers all-day breakfast. Order yourself a Full English and you won't be disappointed. If you find yourself in the center of the city, check out Cafe Tabac or LEAF on Bold Street.
Take an Historic Stroll Through the Georgian Quarter and Hope Street
Stroll through the picturesque Georgian Quarter and enjoy the architecture and broad mix of cultures. Take a moment to enjoy Falkner Square, relax and appreciate your surroundings. Hit Hope Street just behind the Georgian Quarter for lunch. Either direction will satisfy your architectural tastes between the second-largest Anglican Cathedral in the world at one end and the more modern Metropolitan Cathedral at the other.
You can even take your lunch in the Georgian Quarter at the aptly named, The Quarter or on Wood Street at Lucha Libre or Frost Burgers which caters to vegetarians as well as meat-lovers.
Walk Through the Waterfront Neighborhood and Albert Dock
Albert Dock is an extensive maritime attraction that includes museums, galleries, bars, restaurants and the largest collection of UNESCO-listed buildings in the country. The history is apparent with every step along the dock. The Liver Building's architecture and contemporary art museum, Tate Liverpool, will have you appreciating the interior as much as the exterior of the area. Choose to bike the waterfront, or cruise the River Mersey on the Mersey Ferry. Ferry boat captains will share stories of Liverpool and the Beatles.
Visit Bold Street for Shopping and Liverpool Specialty Meals
Bold Street and the Ropewalks Quarter is an ideal location for your evening meal. This bustling neighborhood is home to a variety of independent businesses, shopping, restaurants and bars. Stop into Maggie May's for Liverpool's famous delicacy, Scouse Stew, or you can taste Lucha Libre, American Pizza Slice or Bakchich for dinner. You could even start your day at LEAF on Bold Street with the best breakfasts from around the world and an extensive tea selection. Enjoy Bingo in a rave at Bongo's Bingo. Win prizes, dance on the benches and have tasty drinks in the dark. Or, explore further in the Ropewalks neighborhood for a wide variety of bars and clubs. Stay on Bold Street and visit Cow, Resurrection, Grin and Dig Vinyl for your vacation retail therapy. Vintage shopping at Grin and Dig is especially fun. Grab your morning coffee at Bold Street Coffee, Artisane, or East Avenue Bakehouse. Another great Liverpool location to start your day is Cafe Tabac on Bold Street. Their reputation is solid for amazing breakfasts but we suggest ordering the Full English since you're experiencing the whole package.
Enjoy the Nightlife on Seel Street
After enjoying the delicious meals from the Liverpool locales, you'll want to find a good outlet for all your extra energy. Just head on over to Seel Street. A wide range of city bars and venues will be pumping music and enticing you to stop in for a drink and some fast-paced dancing. Some good suggestions are the Arts Club, Zanzibar or The Peacock for tasty adult beverages. Take advantage of Liverpool's popular and diverse night scene. Tastes vary from a range of rock, indie, pop and dance music throughout the city.
Sample the Wares at the Grand Central Food Bazaar
If you're near the Baltic Triangle, head over to the Baltic Market for lunch. The food market is hot in Liverpool and you'll have your choice of independent food vendors with a variety of signature dishes. If you're in the City Center, check out the Grand Central Food Bazaar for three floors of independent food vendors.
If you've found your way to the waterfront neighborhood, stop by the Dockside Dining Club. Over ten vendors are set up there to serve tapas, sushi, pizza, pancakes and more.
Meet Your Designer Needs at Liverpool ONE
With over 170 bars, stores, and restaurants, Liverpool ONE includes your designer and high street favorites. This open-air shopping district is located by the iconic waterfront neighborhood and is home to the only Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols in the United Kingdom.
Taste the Best Chicken in Liverpool
The Yard and Coop on Hanover Street is famous for its chicken. You can sit in a chicken coop while you enjoy the best buttermilk fried chicken, dirty fries and halloumi nuggets in Liverpool. Add the creamy house slaw, cowboy beans, or chorizo thins and your meal is complete.
Try Indian Street Food at Mowgli
A must in Liverpool is Mowgli. The city loves this Indian street food restaurant so much, there are two in Liverpool. Taste the traditional home-style meals, curries and the yogurt chat bombs made by each individually-trained chef. The healthy, flavorful and often-vegan dishes will have you coming back every time you're in Liverpool.
Catch a Comedy Show at Hot Water Comedy Club
If you're in town on a weekend, that is the prime time to catch a show off the West End or check out local music at any number of music venues in town. You can even stop into the Hot Water Comedy Club for laughs from top local and national talent.
There are so many historical, cultural and culinary experiences to be had in Liverpool that one or two days may not be enough. But if that's all the time you've got, these suggestions should give you a good taste of the Liverpool culture, food, and history.