Liverpool, England, UK cruises
Liverpool port guide
Named the European City of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has great significance in the history of Britain. A rich maritime past first put Liverpool on the map, and today the city is known for its diversity and contributions in the world of sport and music, being home to the world-renowned Liverpool Football Club, and of course, The Beatles. Explore everything from fascinating museums to vibrant streets filled with shops, restaurants, street art, and eye-catching architecture.
Top landmarks and sights in Liverpool
Get lost on purpose while exploring busy streets. Marvel at architectural wonders. Ponder the lives of those who’ve lived and worked here over the years. You’ll find many notable landmarks in Liverpool that you may want to take in during your visit, to help you get to know the city and its people.
The Three Graces
There are three iconic buildings at Liverpool’s harborside, built in turn of the century Gothic-style architecture, known as the city’s Three Graces. These are the Royal Liver Building, the Port of Liverpool Building, and the Cunard Building, the latter of which once acted as the headquarters for the Cunard Steamship Company before we relocated to Southampton.
The Royal Albert Dock
First opened in 1846, the Royal Albert Dock is home to the single largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK. The dock buildings and warehouses were built with no structural wood, rather using cast iron, stone, and brick - a first in Britain at the time. Today the Royal Albert Dock is a picturesque spot to wander around, as well as being home to museums, shops, and restaurants.
Liverpool Cathedral
Another Grade I listed building, Liverpool Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It’s truly a sight to behold at over 330 feet high and 620 feet long. Built in the Gothic-style, both the exterior and interior are well worth exploring if you’re interested in architecture.
Things to do in Liverpool
Liverpool offers something to do no matter your passions. Discover the history of the famous football club. Walk down memory lane (or Penny Lane for that matter), reliving the era of The Beatles. You could spend a slow-paced day soaking up local culture by the waterside, or in one of the city’s museums. The choice is yours.
Museums
One of the forefront cities in the UK’s Industrial Revolution, from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries, Liverpool grew significantly during this period. Workers here led the way with developments from canals to the first timetabled passenger railway. Learn more about Liverpool’s industrial history in the Museum of Liverpool, which is just one of seven national museums here.
Learn about The Beatles
In addition to its maritime significance, Liverpool is well-known as the home of world-famous musicians, The Beatles. While here, you could retrace the steps of the icons at Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and The Cavern Club, where the group is known to have played almost 300 gigs.
Visit Anfield Stadium
Love them or hate them, football fans across the world will appreciate that Liverpool FC is one of the UK’s iconic football teams. Home ground to the team since 1892, Anfield Stadium is open for visitors to explore on tours on days when no games are on.
Eating and drinking in Liverpool
Liverpool’s culinary scene has changed drastically over recent years, now offering everything from delicate gastro cuisine to hearty northern classics. You’ll find restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, as well as pubs whose menus offer unfussy English food.
Should you want to ‘eat like a local’, one must-try dish is Scouse. This meat and vegetable-based stew is a great option for something warming and filling. Other British dishes like ‘Toad in the Hole’ and ‘Bubble and Squeak’ are also popular choices in Liverpool.
Liverpudlian bread pudding – or ‘Wet Nelly’ – is a local dessert made with soaked sponge cake or bread mixed with dried fruit, spices, sugar, and eggs – served with a generous helping of custard. There’s also the Liverpool Tart, which dates back to the late Victorian era. This has a shortcrust pastry base and lemony filling, often served with cream or ice cream. Both make excellent sweet treats to round off an authentic local meal.
Shopping in Liverpool
As one of the UK’s biggest cities, it will come as no surprise to learn that Liverpool leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to shopping. The main shopping center, Liverpool ONE, is home to well over 100 mainstream shops and restaurants and is ideal if you’re looking for items for yourself, from clothing to toiletries.
When it comes to gifts for loved ones, and mementos of your time in Liverpool, the independent shops on Bond Street may offer up more unique and local choices. Typical Liverpudlian treasures could include The Beatles and Liverpool FC merchandise, and souvenirs that proudly showcase the Liver Bird – Liverpool’s mythical symbol of the city.
Getting around: Liverpool transport
Liverpool’s cruise terminal is located on the River Mersey, just a short walk from some of the city’s main attractions. It’s around a 10–15-minute walk to museums, restaurants, and the Liverpool ONE shopping center. Liverpool city center itself is fairly walkable, so you’ll likely only need public transport or taxis should you want to travel further afield.
Liverpool port facilities
The cruise port at Liverpool is bright and modern, offering some basic amenities. You’ll find a passenger lounge designed to accommodate roughly 400 guests, as well as toilets and a kiosk where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
Top tips for Liverpool
Currency
As a UK city, Liverpool uses sterling (GBP) currency. Card payments are accepted throughout the city, but you may like to carry a little cash for smaller purchases. You’ll find plenty of ATMs all over Liverpool, or you can also purchase sterling on board your ship if you prefer.
Tipping
Tipping in Liverpool is entirely up to the buyer’s discretion. If you’ve experienced great service in a bar or restaurant, you may wish to leave a little something – simply rounding up your bill to the nearest £5 or £10 is appropriate. In some chain or high-end restaurants, you may find that a service charge has already been added to your bill, so do check this first.
Weather
Unfortunately, like much of the UK (especially the north) Liverpool is a notoriously grey and rainy city. In the warm months of July and August you can expect highs of around 21 degrees Celsius, and in the cooler months of December to January, highs tend to reach around 8 degrees. Most months see some rainfall, however October to January is usually the wettest period.