Liverpool Hotels

Maritime Mercantile City

Liverpool, a city that achieved wealth and fame as an important trading hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, offers a rich tapestry of experiences for Liverpool holidays.

Its illustrious past is mirrored in the many extravagant and grand buildings constructed during its heyday. A walk around the city is the best way to take in all of its marvellous architecture, including the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. This encompasses the old Pier Head, the Albert Dock, and William Brown Street, all conveniently within walking distance of each other and each worth a visit during your Liverpool getaway.

Merseybeat and the Fab Four

Liverpool is well known as the home of The Beatles, probably the world's best-loved band. The Beatles epitomised the Merseybeat sound that came out of the city in the late 50s and early 60s and saw Liverpool bands top musical charts the world over.

Music is still integral to Liverpool's identity, and there are plenty of excellent venues in which to watch live bands and orchestras. The Bluecoat, in the city centre, contains a state-of-the-art performance space showcasing talent from an array of creative disciplines, including dance, music and visual art. For diehard fans of the Fab Four, The Beatles Story, in the Albert Dock, is the world's only museum that is entirely devoted to the band. The museum contains rare memorabilia and other artefacts and is well worth a visit, even if you're more of a Rolling Stones fan!

Art and culture in Liverpool

In 2008, Liverpool was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture, and this legacy still continues to this day. The city has an incredible array of museums and galleries filled with exciting collections and exhibitions. The Tate Liverpool's collection of modern art is on par with its partner institutions, while the World Museum Liverpool houses one of the finest Egyptian permanent exhibitions in the world.

Excellent restaurants all over Liverpool

As the home of Europe's oldest Chinatown, it is unsurprising that Liverpool is a foodie paradise. If you're after some of that aforementioned Chinese food, The Tea House is a great place for a tasty and affordable meal.

Best places to stay in Liverpool

Liverpool city centre is fairly compact and easy to navigate around. Liverpool Lime Street is the main train station, and between that and the docks is where you’ll find the heart of the city and most of the attractions.

The Ropewalks is a quirky and creative district home to Chinatown and Liverpool’s more artsy spaces, while the Baltic Triangle is one of the most iconic districts of the city, close to the docks. You can stay on the regenerated docks themselves for a water-side view, or you can head slightly more inland to the recently revamped Knowledge Quarter and Georgian Quarter, home to the universities, cathedrals and several galleries and museums.

One of the most famous districts in the city is the small Cavern Quarter, where The Beatles shot to fame in the legendary Cavern Club on Mathew Street. Just a little way along the coast you have seaside towns, Crosby and Formby, both presenting a quieter and more rural alternative to Liverpool city centre.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

For most attractions in Liverpool, you can’t go wrong with staying in the waterfront area, the ropewalks, the Cavern Quarter and the Baltic Triangle, as well as anywhere close to the station. This puts you within walking distance of the Beatles Museum, the World Museum, the Maritime Museum and everything along the waterfront, plus most of the main shopping and eating areas. The knowledge quarter is also a good bet for a budget stay.

Where to stay with your family in Liverpool

The waterfront and former docks area is the most obvious choice for a family getaway to Liverpool. It’s at the heart of Liverpool’s most tourist-friendly area, with family-focused attractions like The Sub. Alternatively, families heading for Knowsley Safari Park may prefer to stay out near the zoo itself in the residential town of Prescot. Knowsley Inn and Lounge is a no-frills, budget-friendly stay close to the safari park.

Where to find cheap hotels in Liverpool

Luckily for budget city-break-ers, cheap hotels in Liverpool can be found in almost every district. Top picks for budget accommodation are the Knowledge Quarter around the university and near the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Pembroke Studios is the ultimate basic, budget stay for around £50/night, while the Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village is surprisingly spacious and elegant for £60–70/night.

Even fancy accommodation needn’t cost the earth here. You can find rooms at the colourful, luxurious and modern The Baltic hotel for less than £70/night and enjoy its funky frontage and urban interior. The Pullman is an oasis of modern, high-tech luxury right on the waterfront with rooms for under £80/night.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

As with all other types of travellers, solo explorers visiting Liverpool can’t go wrong in the city centre districts – ropewalks, Baltic triangle and in front of the train station – as well as the waterfront area. The YHA Liverpool Albert Docks Hostel is a fantastic option for those looking to meet others, with their very affordable dorms. Solo shoppers on shop-till-you-drop expeditions could do a lot worse than the affordable-yet-chic School Lane hotel in Liverpool ONE shopping centre.

Hotels in Liverpool with rooftop bars

For a fantastic view of the waterfront, you simply can’t beat the rooftop bar at INNSiDE by Melia. For usually under £100/night, you’ll stay in sleek, urban rooms with large windows and ultra-modern bathrooms and get access to a 24-hour gym. The Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar offers magnificent pasta and magnificent views across the city, the river and beyond.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

For the gourmet dining experience on far less than the usual budget, book into the trendy Hope Street Hotel. The London Carriage Works is the now-famous hotel which has two AA rosettes and features on the AA Notable Wine List, serving modern British cuisine with an elegant twist. 1931 is your neighbourhood eatery, serving mouthwatering, hand-stretched pizzas and decadent charcuterie and sharing boards, and offering an extensive vegan menu too.

As for the interior, it’s Scandi-inspired cool minimalism, with ultra-comfy beds, and there’s even a rooftop suite with a couples’ terrace jacuzzi bath. You’ll also enjoy the city spa featuring steam, heat, pools, fragrance, ice and drenching.

Liverpool Spa hotels

Right in the centre of historic Liverpool, close to the Cavern Quarter and Liverpool One, DoubleTree by Hilton is a real treat-yourself stay. It’s in a 19th-century Grade II-listed building featuring original Corinthian columns and Italian mosaic floors, but what you’ll really come for is the indulgent spa.

Guests and day visitors can book to use the aroma steam room, sauna, whirlpool and hydrotherapy pool, plus treatment from the extensive menu of massages, facials and mini-treatments at the ELEMIS spa. The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable

Exceptional hotels

As iconic addresses go, the Titanic Hotel has to be one of Liverpool’s crowning jewels. This reinvented warehouse scores top points in all areas, from its waterfront rum bar and restaurant to its extensive Maya Blue Spa in the vaults below the hotel.

The rooms are industrial chic with more than a dash of luxury and the Presidential Suite with its spacious living area, is something to behold. Dining here is also a delight, with Stanley’s Bar and Grill ‘food theatre’, where you can watch your dinner being prepared in the open kitchen, to the delectable and dainty afternoon tea.

Luxury Hotels

Our luxury Liverpool pick is a quirky yet stylish hotel in memory of famous Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly – Meet The Shankly. Each of the luxurious rooms and suites features opulent and comfortable furnishings, a jacuzzi bath, as well as iconic quotes by the football legend. The hotel’s dedicated party rooms and studios are really special spaces, each with a colour theme and extravagant, Insta-worthy decor – you can’t beat them for uniqueness, especially for a hen or stag do.

The Eden rooftop bar is sensationally popular in summer, and The Bastion restaurant offers beautifully presented dishes to suit any palate.

Going shopping in Liverpool

Experience the thrill of shopping in Liverpool, a city bursting with trendy high-street stores, charming boutiques, and historic markets:

• Liverpool ONE: The UK’s largest open-air shopping centre with high-street favourites, designer shops and independent boutiques.

• Royal Albert Docks: For design stores and independent shops.

• Bold Street: A cool high street home to vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, tonnes of eateries and coffee shops, and a Forbidden Planet store.

• St John’s Shopping Centre: Indoor mall for high-street favourites.

• Metquarter: Your go-to for designer brands.

• 69A: An antique emporium in the Ropewalks district.

Markets in Liverpool

Discover our top picks for markets in Liverpool, where you can explore a world of local crafts, fresh produce, and unique finds in the city's bustling marketplaces:

• Renshaw Street Food Market: Indoor Asian street-food market with many vendors.

• Red Brick Market: Camden-style indoor market home to makers, bakers and quirky vintage finds.

• Lark Lane farmers’ market: Held on the fourth Saturday of the month in the charming, well-heeled residential area near Sefton Park.

• The GPO Food Market & Bar: Indoor food hall for global cuisine.

• Cain’s Brewery: A revitalised ex-brewery now housing cool food joints and independent sellers in an indoor market space.

Where to buy holiday souvenirs

Royal Albert Dock is one of the best places for holiday souvenirs in Liverpool; the museum and gallery shops, like the Tate Liverpool, are especially good for unique and arty gifts. For truly Liverpool gifts, head to Matthew Street to find shops specialising in Beatles-themed memorabilia and souvenirs.

The 10 must-sees of Liverpool

Uncover the 10 must-see attractions in Liverpool, from the iconic Beatles Story and historic Albert Dock to the majestic Liverpool Cathedral, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture:

• The Royal Liver Building

• The Beatles Statue & Titanic Memorial

• John Lennon's Childhood House

• The Museum of Liverpool

• The Royal Albert Dock

• Beatles Museum

• St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

• Chinatown

• Liverpool Cathedral & St James Mount

• Knowsley Safari

Museums and cultural heritage

Explore Liverpool's museums and cultural heritage sites, showcasing the city's storied past and artistic flair, from the renowned World Museum to the Tate Liverpool art gallery:

• The Maritime Museum

• The Tate Liverpool

• The World Museum

• Victoria Gallery & Museum

• Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

• Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre

• Walker Art Gallery

• The British Music Experience

• Cavern Club

• Western Approaches

• Quirky Quarter