How to plan a trip to Liverpool?

Planning a trip to Liverpool, or ‘City of the Beatles’, is an exciting adventure that will take you to the centre of British culture. Liverpool offers a myriad of activities, from its historic docks and museums, to concerts and many other cultural activities. There’s so much to see in Liverpool that it’s not always easy to know how to start organising a trip. But don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for 😉

At Passporter we are real experts in organising trips and we want to share our experience with you through everything we learned during our stay. That’s why below you can read about the necessary travel documents, the best places to stay or how to get around the city among many other recommendations that will help you get the most out of your visit.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Liverpool

Citizens of the European Union, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay can enter the country simply with a current passport for stays of up to 180 days. For longer stays, you will need to apply for a visa and possibly have an interview at the embassy to have your biometric data taken.

For visitors from other nations it is essentialto apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate, or via an official online form. The documents required include:

• Filled application form with personal details and travel details.
• Passport valid for the duration of the stay.
• Two recent colour photographs complying with size and background specifications.
• Proof of financial solvency, such as bank statements, demonstrating the ability to support yourself during the trip.
• Confirmation of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a resident.
• Detailed itinerary of the visit.
• Travel insurance with medical coverage.
• Certified translations into English or Welsh of documents not issued in these languages.

It is recommended to start the visa application process at least three months in advance, and expect it to cost £115.

When it comes to driving, EU citizens can use their normal driving licence, while travellers from other regions may need an international driving licence. Regarding travel insurance, although EU citizens have some cover with the European Health Insurance Card, this is not comprehensive, so it is suggested that you consider additional insurance.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Liverpool

For exploring Liverpool at its best, June to August is ideal. During this period, the city enjoys a warmer, drier climate than the rest of the year, perfect for enjoying its many cultural attractions and outdoor tours such as the famous Albert Dock or Beatles tours. However, you should also bear in mind that this is the peak season, which can mean higher prices and more visitors.

During August you can also attend the famous International Beatleweek Festival, a festival of concerts, exhibitions and activities that makes Liverpool a meeting place for fans from all over the world.

Despite the benefits of summer, it’s worth remembering that the weather can change quickly, so it never hurts to take an umbrella with you.

3. Find out how to get to Liverpool

When we travelled to Liverpool we flew to the city as we found great value tickets and jumped at the chance. However, you’ll see that the city is very well connected and there are plenty of other options – you can even get there by boat!

• By plane: Liverpool John Lennon Airport operates between domestic and international destinations. Airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair offer frequent and cheap flights. But if you want to find bargains, we encourage you to do it through Skyscanner on the Passporter App, where you can book your seats and carry your tickets with you at all times. And to get from the airport to the city centre, you can opt for the 500 Airlink bus, which takes 25 minutes and costs 3GBP, or a taxi, which costs between 15 and 20 GBP.
• By car: Liverpool is served by the M62 motorway, which links to other major UK road networks. You can hire a car on arrival or, if you’re travelling from Europe, take your own car across the Eurotunnel. But before you set off, remember that in the UK you drive on the left-hand side of the road. We personally don’t recommend this option if you’re not going out of the city as there is a lot of traffic and parking is limited.
• By train: Liverpool Lime Street is the main railway station, with services operated by companies such as Virgin Trains, Northern Rail and Merseyrail, offering connections from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major cities. If you’re in another of the UK’s major cities, it’s one of the most convenient ways to travel.
• By bus: National Express and Megabus offer frequent services to and from Liverpool, connecting to multiple destinations across the country.
• By boat: The Port of Liverpool is a gateway for ferries from Ireland and the Isle of Man, with services operated by companies such as the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

And for getting around the city, Liverpool has an efficient public transport system that makes it easy to get around. Buses, mainly operated by Arriva and Stagecoach, cost around GBP2 per journey. And ferries cross the River Mersey, providing transport and scenic views of the city, with fares starting at GBP 3.60 for a return trip.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy Liverpool

The accommodation on offer in Liverpool is as diverse as its musical and sporting heritage. From boutique hotels to budget hostels, this port city has something to suit every budget. You’ll find that each neighbourhood has its own unique charm, whether you’re looking for nightlife, culture, or just a good place to relax after a day’s sightseeing.

With the Passporter App, through Booking you can compare and book your favourite accommodation. It’s a convenient and easy way to keep all your booking information organised and always at hand.

Here is a list of the best neighbourhoods to stay in:

• City Centre: this is the heart of Liverpool, ideal for tourists who want to explore the main attractions on foot. It offers a range of prices, with both luxury and budget options.
• Albert Dock: this is a sophisticated area with tourist attractions and lively nightlife. Generally expensive due to its popularity and cultural offerings.
• RopeWalks: bohemian and youthful area, full of nightlife and alternative culture. More affordable, popular with young people and students.
• Knowledge Quarter: ideal for visitors interested in education and culture, close to universities and museums. It’s affordable, with many reasonably priced accommodation options.
• Baltic Triangle: emerging and creative area, popular with young locals and entrepreneurs. Moderately expensive, but increasingly popular for its arts scene and entertainment options.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Liverpool

If you really want to get to know Liverpool, we recommend spending at least two to three days in the city to capture its essence. This port city, famous for its musical heritage and its importance in the UK’s maritime history, offers an impressive mix of art, music and architecture. Here’s a list of the top must-see attractions in Liverpool:

• The Beatles Story: is a museum dedicated to the Beatles featuring exhibits chronicling the life and work of the band. Approximate price: £17.
• Albert Dock: historic area with museums, galleries and eateries, free entry to most venues.
• Liverpool Cathedral: the largest Anglican cathedral in the UK, with stunning views from its tower. Suggested donation £5.
• Merseyside Maritime Museum: museum exploring Liverpool’s maritime history. Free admission.
• Anfield Stadium: home of Liverpool FC, offers tours including the club museum. Approximate tour price: £20.
• Tate Liverpool: contemporary art gallery located in Albert Dock, free entry to permanent collections.
• Walker Art Gallery: one of the largest art collections in England, free admission.
• Museum of Liverpool: tells the story of the city, from its foundation to the present day. Free admission.
• Royal Liver Building: one of the “Three Graces”, Liverpool’s iconic buildings, tours available for approximately £15.

If you want to find out more about the city we recommend reading this post: Things to do in Liverpool

6. Where and what to eat in Liverpool?

Liverpool’s cuisine reflects its port history with a strong influence from international cultural and culinary exchanges. Local ingredients such as Lancashire lamb, fresh seafood from the Irish Sea and produce from nearby farms are commonplace, resulting in consistent and satisfying dishes, often with innovative twists.

These are the dishes you can’t miss:

• Lancashire Hotpot: another comforting stew from neighbouring Lancashire, this is mainly lamb and potato slices, slow-cooked in the oven.
• Fish and Chips: a British classic, consisting of battered and deep-fried fish served with chips, commonly enjoyed on the waterfront and throughout Liverpool.
• Sunday Roast: a traditional Sunday dish featuring roast beef (such as beef, lamb or chicken) served with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
• Liverpool Tart: a unique dessert from the city, made with a shortcrust pastry base and filled with lemon marmalade and zest, topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs and sugar.

When it comes to drinks, Liverpool is known for its abundance of pubs and local ales. A curious fact is the tradition of “pub singing”, where locals gather in pubs to sing traditional songs from the region, enjoying a pint of local ale, a practice that reflects the city’s community and friendly spirit.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Liverpool

Planning a trip to Liverpool with friends is an unforgettable experience, full of anecdotes and magical moments. Among the advantages is the possibility of sharing costs, such as accommodation and transport, making the trip more economical. But the best thing is that the diversity of interests can enrich the itinerary, discovering corners of the city that you might not find on your own.

However, coordinating everyone’s tastes and schedules can be tricky, and disagreements may arise. That’s why we recommend using tools like the Passporter App, which makes it easier to organise your trip. Download the App and start organising trips with your friends together today, sharing your experience through the photos you take during the trip.

Here is this post with lots of tips for travelling with friends:  Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Liverpool

• The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Liverpool is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How do you prepare what to see on your trip to Liverpool?

Download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Liverpool.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Liverpool