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48 hours in Liverpool - what to do on a weekend in Liverpool

Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend away with the girls, A romantic getaway with the other half or a family-friendly break Liverpool is the city for you.

Named one of the friendliest cities in the UK you are sure to be welcomed in by Liverpudlians with open arms. In Liverpool you will find something for everyone so if you’re into music, sports, history, or think of yourself as quite the foodie you won’t be short of activities or restaurants to visit.

Liverpool is pouring with history and heritage and is nothing short of beautiful. Perched on the River Mersey with its notorious skyline this picturesque city needs to be the next place you spend a free weekend.

Maxine

November 17, 2021

Friday afternoon

It’s a sunny Friday afternoon, you have a long weekend off work, and you have just got off the train at Liverpool Lime Street. When you step out of this iconic station you will be greeted by the jaw-droppingly gorgeous St George’s Hall.  Believe me when I say it’s just as amazing inside as it is out.  You’re hungry and haven’t booked anywhere so there are two options; either head to Bold Street to find an amass of cafes, bars, and eateries that you can just walk in, or get takeaway.  Laros would be my go-to for a quick, cheap eats that you can enjoy on the go while exploring. If that’s not your thing, head to Casa Italia, the best Italian restaurant in the city famous for its authentic Italian bistro feel. They don’t take reservations, but if you time it right, you might not have to wait too long for a table.

After that amazing pasta, why not walk it off with a bit of retail therapy?  Just a five-minute walk away you will find the shopping Mecca that is Liverpool One. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see some of the many art installations they have on display.  If shopping isn’t your thing, why not take a walk up to Mathew street and find one of the many busy pubs with the sound of live bands and singing spilling out. Mathew Street is home to the world-renowned Cavern Club.

I would recommend checking into your hotel first if you’re thinking of a trip down Mathew Street as you might not want to leave. The question is where to check-in? If you’re a Beatles fan and not on a budget, then I would recommend the Hard Day’s Night Hotel. The name says all about the theme you will find through this beautiful hotel. If you want something where you can relax, why not check into the Titanic hotel and sink into pure relaxation at their Maya Blue wellness spa, hidden beneath the Stanley Dock.  If you’ve got the kids with you and relaxing isn’t likely to be on the agenda this week then the Malmaison offer a beautiful waterfront location and family-friendly rooms with a bath.

Friday Evening

You’re getting ready for the night.  If you’re staying at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel then you won’t need to walk far. Castle Street is beautifully lined with some of the best bars and restaurants the city has to offer.  Your evening is going to start at one of Liverpool’s hidden gems down a secret alley, tucked away just off Castle Street. Queens is an accolade to Liverpool and this wine bar and bistro have an ever-changing seasonal menu. I would recommend you pick something off the specials menu as that never disappoints.  On a budget? Try Maluco Pizzeria which is perfect for the whole family. Providing you with all like pizza!

After that amazing meal and a few too many glasses of wine, head back out to Castle Street where you will find the Liverpool Gin distillery offering a balloon of your favourite Liverpool gin. If cocktails are more your thing, why not go next door to Neighbourhood for some glamorous Porn Star Martinis and the bustling atmosphere.

Got the kids with you? Kids are welcome at Junkyard Golf before 6 PM. Why not enjoy a wacky round of golf and then head up to Liverpool One’s top deck, where you will find an array of family-friendly restaurants. The Club House is a personal favourite with its Hamptons beach house vibes and the nicest hanging kebabs. 

Saturday Morning

Now you might have woken up with a bit of a bad head if you spend the night out on Mathew Street.  If you’re anything like me, you will want something to soak up all those gin balloons you have had. You can either head down for a delicious full English breakfast buffet that the hotel has to offer, or if you find that bed is just too irresistible to get out of, and you’ve all slept in, why not head to the Brunch Club on Duke Street for the perfect brunch menu with a twist?

This unique brunch location also has a fantastic vegan and kids menu too so you will find something for everyone.  In true Liverpudlian style, if you fancy a drink with your breakfast then you’re in the right place. So enjoy a cocktail with your Eggs Benedict. After all, “When in Liverpool…!”

After brunch, why not stretch your legs with a picture-perfect stroll around the world-famous Royal Albert Dock. It’s pouring with history and is an architectural beauty bursting with Liverpool heritage. You will find plenty on offer, so go grab a coffee from Ruben’s and enjoy the view. Wrap up warm though as it can get very windy!

Saturday Afternoon

So, you find yourself perfectly perched on the Pierhead, coffee in hand, after that lovely walk. What to do next?

Did you know, outside of London, Liverpool has the largest collection of museums and galleries in the UK? This is the perfect city if you want to feed your mind and take a walk around the Museum of Liverpool. If it’s the art that you want, why not go for a walk around the iconic Tate Gallery. If you have kids I recommend the world museum which is always running events and exhibitions that the little ones can interact with. Entry is free so you don’t need to worry about booking in advance.   

If museums are not your thing, why not hop on a city explorer open-top bus? These tours start at the Albert Dock and run regularly. Booking is advised as it is very popular. This idyllic way of sightseeing will take you around 14 iconic Liverpool locations. Beatles fan? Why not book onto the Beatles explorer tour and see John Lennon’s childhood home and the infamous Strawberry Fields along with many others.

Saturday evening

It’s Saturday night. You’ve been back to the hotel and freshened up after spending the day feeding your mind in some of the many museums. Now it’s time to feed your belly. The stunning Mowgli on Water Street will be the perfect place to go for a tranquil atmosphere. This restaurant has an exquisite feel to match their Indian Street food inspired menu. The interior is stunning and all the lights along with the aromatic food will leave you well-fed and relaxed.  

If Indian isn’t your thing but you want an out of this world dining experience, check out Panoramic 34 where you can enjoy a 360 view of the city along with some amazing food. If you’re on a budget, why not try the Baltic Markets situated at the Cains Brewery Village? Here you will find something for everybody with a unique selection of vendors, live music, and a bar; you will most definitely be spoiled for choice.

After you’ve eaten, there are plenty of bars or activities to visit. How does crazy golf mixed with Instagram worthy backdrops and fun themed cocktails sound? If this is up your street, then get yourself to Ghetto Golf. Retro game lover? Your dream bar exists. ArCains is an amazing bar where once you pay to enter; everything is on free play across the 3 floors comprising plenty of new and retro arcade games. Peaky Blinders fan? The famous Peaky Blinders bar is also situated in the village with the sound of live music enticing you in from the festoon lit street. 

Sunday Morning

You have had a fast past couple of days so why not take it easy on a Sunday morning and have a lie-in? If you’re staying in the Titanic hotel, why not treat yourself to a spa treatment after all that walking. After some fresh air? The ideal slow paced Sunday morning for me would start on Lark Lane at Pippin’s Corner for breakfast. It’s popular so get there early. There is plenty of truly independent and unique cafes along Lark Lane so if you have already had breakfast why not go for a coffee at Freida Mo’? You might even end up leaving with some vintage treasures too.

Now it’s time to continue your chilled out Sunday with a walk around the beautiful Sefton Park. This park is full of history and was designed by a French landscape architect who won a European competition for the design after the Liverpool council bought much of the land from the Earl of Sefton in 1867. If your feet are a bit tired after all the walking this weekend, why not rent out one of the 400 e-scooters dotted around the city? This quick and convenient way of getting around the park is just another fun addition to the growing list of things to do during a stay in this beautiful city.