48 hours in Liverpool – 2 day Itinerary
I have spent a lot of time travelling around England and Liverpool has been one of my favorite places. Being rasied in the UK, I had the opportunity to see Liverpool through the eyes of a local, which allowed me to make the most out of my two days there.
When I visited Liverpool with my family, we realized how much was there to do and explore! We were amazed by its history, culture, and iconic sites such as the Albert Dock and Beatles Story Museum. But our biggest challenge was figuring out what were the must-dos during our two days in Liverpool.
Fortunately, I had done some research prior to our trip and spoke to several travelers who had recently visited the city. What’s more is that we found out about some hidden gems that only locals knew about (e.g., Durning Road Library). This gave us a huge edge over other tourists as well as an assurance that we were getting reliable advice from people who have already experienced it.
Therefore, if you are looking for an itinerary or tips for your two days in Liverpool – look no further! You can be sure that this advice comes from someone who has lived in England, spent a lot of time travelling around, and experienced firsthand what it’s like visiting this amazing place.
Looking to spend 2 days in Liverpool? As the hometown of the Beatles, Liverpool has earned its place on the bucket list of all classic rock fans. However, the city has so much more to offer- from a rich history as one of the most important port cities of England, to its two iconic football (soccer!) teams.
How many days in Liverpool do you need? It’s hard to say- this city is really vibrant, but it’s also quite small- so while you could easily stay in Liverpool for weeks, two days is enough time to hit up many of the main tourist attractions and things to do in Liverpool.
Liverpool does have its own airport, the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, so you can take a direct flight to there from many other European destinations if you’re visiting as part of a longer trip. However, many people visit from other parts of the UK, and it couldn’t be easier to get to Liverpool via train.
The ride from London Euston station to Liverpool Lime Street Station takes just over two hours, and it leaves multiple times daily, so you can easily plan to spend a weekend in Liverpool from London (or other UK destinations!)
Liverpool has a lot of great neighborhoods, each of which has a unique feel to it. Stay in the City Center for easy access to cute pubs and the famous Mathew Street (where the Beatles performed).
The Baltic Triangle is a more trendy area with art and street food- stay in a converted warehouse here to experience a younger side of Liverpool- especially great if you’re looking for a stay for your weekend in Liverpool itinerary.
If you’re looking for a budget stay, the more suburban Everton area offers less expensive accommodation with easy access to the city.
Below is a guide on What to do in Liverpool in two days, we hope you enjoy it!
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Overview of your 48 hours in Liverpool itinerary
Day 1 in Liverpool
- Have a full English breakfast in the Ropewalks
- Experience the International Slavery Museum
- Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum
- Eat lunch at the Royal Albert Dock
- Learn about local legends at the Beatles Story
- Say hi to the Beatles statue
- Visit the Titanic Memorial
- Enjoy the view from the Royal Liver Building
- Go for a classic Pub dinner
- Party the night away on Mathew street
Day 2 in Liverpool
- Explore the Baltic triangle
- Spend a cultured morning at the Tate Liverpool
- Enjoy a pub lunch in the city center
- Explore the city on an afternoon Beatles tour
- Catch dinner on Hope Street
- Go for a show at the Hot Water Comedy Club
- Head out in the Baltic Triangle
- Alternate option: Catch a Liverpool FC match!
Day 1 in Liverpool
Have a full English breakfast in the Ropewalks
The Ropewalks is a cool neighborhood in Liverpool made up of Victorian warehouses which have been converted into vintage shops, cafes, and trendy restaurants. It’s a great place to start your trip to Liverpool because it really shows how much regeneration and growth the city’s experiencing in recent years, and it’s super cool!
If the weather’s good, sit outside at Bold Street Coffee– a cute little café offering traditional English breakfast fare to a really high standard. We’d recommend getting the full English, a classic UK meal consisting of eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and beans(plus a few extras).
Sitting on the street outside gives you a great chance to people watch- and you can also enjoy views of St Lukes Bombed Out Church down the street. This church is in ruins after being bombed by the Germans in 1941 and now serves as a cultural institute with regular events, as well as a war memorial.
After breakfast, slowly make your way through the neighborhood to enjoy the quirky shops and galleries lining the streets here.
Experience the International Slavery Museum
After lunch, make your way to the Royal Albert Dock, the center of Liverpool’s maritime heritage, and head to the International Slavery Museum.
This free museum documents the worldwide slave trade and the important part Liverpool played it in. It’s definitely a somber experience, but it’s important to appreciate the history of Liverpool and to acknowledge the role that slaves had in building its legacy.
The vision of the museum is “to inform and help visitors understand the history and legacy of transatlantic slavery and the wider issues of freedom and injustice”, and they have done an amazing job of curating the museum to do just that.
Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is attached to the International Slavery Museum, and it also is free to enter. It tells the story of Liverpool’s maritime past, including exhibits about the sinking of the Titanic, which was registered in Liverpool (and many of the crew members were from the city).
You’ll find a large collection of maritime paintings, as well as large-scale models of how boats hundreds of years ago would have looked inside.
Eat Lunch at the Royal Albert Docks
The Royal Albert Dock has been built up a lot over the years, and is home to a huge number of cafes and restaurants in converted warehouses lining the Mersey river. There are tons of options here, but two which we’d really recommend.
The first is Maray, a restaurant recently named one of the UK’s best places to eat by the water. Their menu is made up of small plates inspired by the middle east, and their hummus is the star of the show. If you’re traveling alone or in a pair, pull up a bar seat and enjoy the view of the water from the window.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, check out the Pump House. A typical pub, the Pump House is housed in a converted Victorian pump house. Get some bangers and mash, a pie, or a pint while enjoying a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Learn about Local Legends at the Beatles Story
While there’s much more to Liverpool than just the Beatles, they’re definitely high on any visitor’s list!
The Beatles were born and formed in Liverpool, so the city played an incredibly important part in the formation and success of the band. See artifacts from their childhoods to recent years and learn about the musical culture of the 60s.
The Beatles story museum is narrated by an audio guide, and it’s really well-curated, including representations of important locations in the band’s history like the Cavern Club (the venue in Liverpool where they were discovered).
Say hi to the Beatles statue
After learning more about the Beatles, walk along the waterfront to find the famous statue of the four band members.
You’ll almost always find a busker singing Beatles songs, and seeing all the people coming to see the statue feels like a beautiful tribute to their incredible contribution to music.
Visit the Titanic Memorial
A bit further along the dock, you’ll find the Memorial to Heroes of the Marine Engine Room (commonly known as the Titanic Memorial).
Originally built in honor of engineers who lost their lives as part of the Titanic tragedy, it was expanded to include all maritime engine room fatalities during World War II.
It’s a beautiful memorial and a touching tribute to Liverpool’s contribution to the maritime industry.
Enjoy the view from the Royal Liver Building
The Liver Building (pronounced Lie-ver) was Europe’s first ever skyscraper. Built in 1911 as the headquarters of the Royal Liver Group (an insurance company), the building is really important to Liverpool culturally and historically.
It also has an amazing view of all of Liverpool from the top. You can enter the building and visitor’s centre for free, but we’d recommend prebooking a ticket to head up to the top for the beautiful view.
Go for a classic Pub dinner
After a very busy day of sightseeing, it’s time to relax with a meal and a pint. The Slaughter House may not have the most appetizing name.
But it will win you over with it’s cosy interior and delicious menu of British classic (plus a wide assortment of beers, from traditional ales to local microbrews). It’s the oldest pub in Liverpool, and you can really feel the history all around you when dining here.
Party the night away on Mathew street
From dinner, it’s just a quick stroll up the road to Mathew street, the heart of Liverpool’s famed nightlife. Home to the Cavern Club, where the Beatles were discovered, the street is full of bars with amazing live music acts.
The Cavern Club was rebuilt, so you can go there for some fun tribute acts (but you’ll need a ticket). Otherwise, head to the Grapes (another favorite Beatles haunt) or SGT Peppers for live acts basically every night of the week.
Liverpudlians (the locals) are known for their hospitality, so let loose, make some friends, and enjoy what Liverpool does best!
Day 2 in Liverpool
Spend a cultured morning at the Tate Liverpool
The Tate Liverpool is Liverpool’s leading art museum, and it’s one of the best collections in the whole of the UK.
The museum was created in the 1980s as the “Tate of the North”, as an addition to the famous Tate museums in London and Cornwall. Wander the galleries and take in some of the country’s most interesting pieces.
Have a casual lunch at the Duke Street Food & Drink Market
The Duke Street Food & Drink Market is a massive food hall with an industrial vibe that offers a wide selection of meal options.
From burgers to Spanish tapas to tacos, there’s something for everyone here. It’s really popular with young locals, so it’s a fun place to experience Liverpool like you live there.
Explore the city on an afternoon Beatles tour
After spending time inside learning about the Beatles on Day 1, hop on a bus on day 2 to experience Liverpool through the Beatles.
The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour will take you around the city on a fun, colorful coach to see famous places from Beatles songs like Strawberry Field and Penny Lane, as well as the childhood home of Paul McCartney, and more.
You can also find some information online to discover these places yourself, but by booking a tour you’ll get insight and information that you would never learn on your own.
Catch dinner on Hope Street
Hope Street is the high street of Liverpool’s gorgeous Canning Georgian quarter, and has previously won the title of the best street in the UK! It’s well deserved- this picturesque street is full of bars, hotels and restaurants, and is an absolute highlight of the city.
It houses the famous Liverpool Philharmonic, as well as 2 of Liverpool’s most famous churches. Head to Papillon, a chic gastropub with twists on traditional pub dishes (including a venison scotch egg, yum!). They have an extensive drinks menu and even host regular jazz nights.
Go for a show at the Hot Water Comedy Club
After dinner, head to the nearby Hot Water Comedy Club, which hosts standup acts 5 days a week. Whether its your first show, or you’re a comedy regular, you’ll be laughing until you cry at this fun spot.
Head out in the Baltic Triangle
The Baltic triangle is one of the trendiest spots in Liverpool, and is incredibly popular with young locals. Hosting a bunch of indie shops, restaurants, and bars in converted warehouses, Baltic Triangle is an amazing place for a night out with friends. Dance, be merry, and look back on your amazing 2 days in Liverpool!
Alternate option: Catch a Liverpool FC match!
We haven’t included a football match on the official itinerary, as it may not be feasible depending on seasonality, day you’re visiting, and a few other factors.
But Liverpool FC is as iconic as it gets, so managing to watch a match during your 48 hours in Liverpool would be an incredible experience! Even just watching from a pub is quite the experience – Liverpool fans are no joke!
Tours for your 48 hrs in Liverpool
Small-group Beatles tour
Experience all of Liverpool’s most famous Beatles sights in an unforgettable way. On this private tour, your guide will drive you around in a replica of John Lennon’s iconic Rolls Royce Phantom with a maximum of 5 other travelers.
North Wales day trip from Liverpool
Wales is known for its stunning landscapes- and it’s very easily reached from Liverpool! See famous sites like Snowdonia and Swallow Falls on this minibus tour to northern Wales.
Mersey river cruise
Take to the water with this 50 minute cruise on Liverpool’s famous river. See some of the most iconic sights in the city with an audio guide telling you all the history and context behind them.
History of Liverpool walking tour
Learn about the history of Liverpool (stretching back as far as 1207!) with this enlightening walking tour. With only 48 hours in Liverpool, a tour like this will help you cover a lot of ground in a little bit of time.
Liverpool football tour
On this unique tour, be guided by an ultimate football fan to discover all the top Football-related sights of the city, and to hear stories about how the beautiful game has shaped Liverpool’s history.
FAQs About liverpool 2 day itinerary
What activities are included in this itinerary?
This two day tour includes a visit to the world famous Albert Dock complex, a guided bus tour of the city, an insider’s look at the local music scene, and a stop at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as The Cavern Club and St George’s Hall.
how many days to spend in liverpool
Liverpool is a great city to explore, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities and cultural attractions.
Depending on how much time you have available, two to three days is usually enough for most travellers to get a good overview of the city. However, if you want more time to really get to know Liverpool or visit some of its suburbs, then four or five days would be ideal.
Final Thoughts: how to spend 48 hours in liverpool
Liverpool is a treasure trove of tourist attractions and hidden gems, sure to give any traveller a unique and memorable experience.
Whether you’re looking for fantastic food, exciting nightlife or simply exploring the city’s iconic sights, there’s something for everyone.
With this two day itinerary, you can make the most of your time in Liverpool and create an unforgettable trip. So take a chance and mix and match this awesome 2 day itinerary to craft an amazing 48 hours in this vibrant city.
Recommended tours in Liverpool
- City & Beatles Tour – BLUE ROUTE
- The LFC Stadium Tour
- Mad Day Out Beatles Taxi Tours in Liverpool, England
- Liverpool Ghost Walking Tour
- A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour
- Liverpool: River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Half-Day Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool
- Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool
Read more about Liverpool:
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