Budget-Friendly Liverpool: 10 Affordable Activities for Thrifty Travelers
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Liverpool?
Liverpool for budget travelers is an exciting place to explore that’s rich with history. Not only does it date back to the Bronze Age, but it was also the home of seminal moments in modern history. It is, after all, the city that produced the Beatles, who changed rock ‘n’ roll forever.
What many people don’t know is that there are a lot of inexpensive attractions to enjoy in this lively city. If you’re looking to explore Liverpool without breaking the bank, check out these great places you can visit to take your Liverpool experience to the next level of adventure, all while allowing you to save money.
1. Metropolitan Cathedral
Magnificent religious architecture
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool. Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, the unmissable landmark carries the local nickname of Paddy’s Wigwam. It’s also the mother church of the Roman Catholic Liverpool Archdiocese.
The cathedral is a Grade II-listed building that’s known for its unique and stunning architecture by Frederick Gibbard and was constructed between 1962 and 1967. Observe the cathedrals highly unusual circular structure that allows for maximum viewing of the altar and burial crypt of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the designer of one of the unrealized church concepts for the site from 1930. Read more
Location: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ, UK
Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)151 709 9222
Metropolitan Cathedral
2. Sefton Park
Elegant Victorian paths and gardens
Good for: Budget, Photo
Sefton Park is among the best-known parks in Liverpool and loved by locals and visitors alike. The park was designed to maintain the appearance and surroundings of a natural landscape, but the elegant gardens and Victorian-era paths are immaculately maintained. In the spring, you’ll see millions of daffodils casting a golden hue around the lake while a landscape carpeted with bluebells provides a sense of utter serenity.
The walking paths are lined with indigenous British trees, and you can boat on the lake, see statues of Peter Pan and Eros, and even enjoy a cup of tea at the local cafe. Don’t forget to visit the completely restored, all-glass Palm House building as well. Read more
Location: Sefton Park, Liverpool L17, UK
Open: 24/7
Sefton Park
3. St George’s Hall
19th-century gardens and architecture
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
St George’s Hall is easily accessible, sitting just opposite the Lime Street Station, and is at the heart of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site St George’s Quarter. The hall is considered among the most stunning examples in the world of neoclassical architecture. Harry Potter fans will rejoice that it was also the site where parts of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) and Peaky Blinders were filmed.
It hosts a wide variety of public (and free) events all year long, from guided tours to comedy shows and musical performances. Take the tour to see hidden parts of the building that others rarely experience and hear ghostly stories of cells and catacombs throughout. Read more
Location: St George’s Pl, Liverpool L1 1JJ, UK
Open: Monday–Thursday from 9.30 am to 4.45 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
St George's Hall
4. Bluecoat
A creative hub of dance and art
Good for: Budget, History
The Bluecoat is the cultural and artistic hub of Liverpool. It’s in a 300-year-old Grade I-listed building at the heart of the city center and hosts a broad range of artists, craftspeople, performers and creative activities year-round. It’s a creative haven in Liverpool with activities the whole family will enjoy.
Here you can view paintings from some of the most important local artists, view a heritage display tracing the building’s history, pick up boutique clothing and local arts and crafts, and even enjoy a meal at the on-site bistro. Walk the galleries or relax in the colorful gardens with coffee and cakes. Read more
Location: School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BX, UK
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)151 702 5324
Bluecoat
5. Williamson’s Tunnels
A historical subterranean world
Good for: Budget, History, Unusual
The expansive subterranean caverns that form the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool are a mystery even today. They date to the 19th century, around the year 1817, when eccentric trader and tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson undertook a massive construction project connecting multiple buildings with a series of elaborate tunnels.
Legend has it that it was part of an end-of-days cult, but some scholars think it was a simple public works project to keep staff employed during a deep recession. It’s still not known exactly how many tunnels there are, as they are still being excavated and the entire system has yet to be mapped. Book your tour by phoning in advance. Read more
Location: The Old Stableyard, Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, Smithdown Ln, Liverpool L7 3EE, UK
Open: Friday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)151 709 6868
Williamson's Tunnels
6. Liverpool Central Library
Not your ordinary local library
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
The first thing that sets the Liverpool Central Library apart from other public libraries is its size. It’s the largest of Liverpool’s 22 libraries. It’s housed in multiple buildings along William Brown Street, and all of the buildings are rich in history. These buildings date as far back as 1860 and once housed museums, former libraries and reading rooms.
Before the library became public, it was known as the Lyceum and served as a subscription library. Liverpool Central Library was awarded the 2018 Bookseller’s Library of the Year Award, and while the services it operates are ultramodern, all of the historical features and atmosphere remain intact. If you’re traveling with kids, visit the accessible family area for a bit of reading and quiet time. Read more
Location: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)151 233 3069
Liverpool Central Library
7. Baltic Triangle
Uncovering unique street art
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle was once an industrial region of the city but today stands as a bohemian and alternate-culture hub where you can walk through warehouses around Jamaica Street to see unique indie businesses, casual eateries, art studios, and outdoor arts events.
The area is also ripe with stunning art by the most important street artists of the generation, including Paul Curtis’ works such as the Liver Bird Wings on Jamaica Street and the Abbey Road mural on the side of Cains Brewery, and the works of Akse such as the portrait of Jürgen Klopp on Jordan Street and the Stephen Hawking Portrait on Parliament Street. Pose for selfies against these unique backdrops and snap some epic vacation photos. Read more
Open: 24/7
Baltic Triangle
8. FACT
Where you can take in a movie or modern art exhibits
Good for: Budget, History
The two galleries and movie theater at FACT, the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, are a hidden gem of Liverpool. They’re located in the Historic Ropewalks Quarter a few steps away from the area’s famed Bold Street. It’s the leading location for the promotion, support, and exhibition of innovation in the arts, especially in film, video, and new media.
FACT houses a broad showcase of artists from all over the world and seeks to increase knowledge of how new technologies are affecting humanity socially. Entry includes the three state-of-the-art movie theaters, the innovative Box space and the Garden by Liverpool tea company LEAF. Check online for gallery and show details and spend a day exploring this exciting space.
Location: 88 Wood St, Liverpool L1 4DQ, UK
Open: Daily from 11 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)151 707 4444
FACT
9. Open-Eye Gallery
Insightful free photography exhibits
Good for: Budget, History
The Open Eye Gallery has been around since 1977 and is an outdoor nonprofit photography gallery that’s considered one of the leading photography galleries in the entire UK. It’s the only gallery that’s dedicated strictly to photography and related media in England’s North West region.
The gallery promotes the understanding and appreciation of photography by offering everyone the opportunity to experience innovative and unique examples of the art form. It’s in the very heart of the revitalized Waterfront area of Mann Island, right next door to the Museum of Liverpool. Take your time to take in outstanding rotating exhibits of international photographers along with a permanent archive dating to the 1930s. Read more
Location: Waterfront, 19 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP, UK
Open: Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 1 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)151 236 6768
Open-Eye Gallery
10. Abby Road Mural
Embodying a famous image
Good for: Budget, Photo
The Abbey Road mural is a popular spot for visitors who are looking to emulate the album cover of the iconic Beatles record. The mural itself is quite large, allowing the average person to appear about the same size as The Beatles were on the cover in terms of scale.
The white lines of the crosswalk in the album cover and mural are extended out from the wall onto the sidewalk next to it. This allows visitors to mimic the exact spots the Fab Four were in for the ultimate homage picture.The white lines of the crosswalk in the album cover and mural are extended out from the wall onto the sidewalk next to it. This allows visitors to mimic the exact spots the Fab Four were in for the ultimate homage picture. Get your friends all lined up for an epic vacation photo. Read more
Location: Grafton St, Liverpool L8 5XJ, UK
Abby Road Mural
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