Liverpool’s centre is small enough to cover on foot, and the best routes link its music, Georgian streets and waterfront. Pier Head, Lime Street and Hope Street are about 15 to 25 minutes apart. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). You can follow the routes below independently or search for a guided walk with a local operator. Cavern Quarter Mathew Street is the centre of the Beatles story in the city.

Liverpool’s main sights sit in three clusters: the waterfront at Pier Head, the civic buildings on William Brown Street, and the two cathedrals on Hope Street. All three are within 15 to 25 minutes on foot of each other. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). Pier Head and the Three Graces The Royal Liver Building (1911), the Cunard Building (1916) and the Port of Liverpool Building (1907) are the trio known as the Three Graces.

Liverpool is a good city for a couple’s weekend built around food, live music and architecture, though it has fewer set-piece romantic experiences than some destinations. There are no scenic lakes, no evening tower openings and no couples’ paddling on the tidal River Mersey. What it does offer is a handful of strong restaurants, concert halls and walks. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). Dinner The Art School at 1 Sugnall Street (L7 7EB) is a Michelin-listed fine dining restaurant that opens Tuesday to Saturday, so book well ahead and check the current menu prices.

Three days is enough to cover Liverpool’s waterfront, its two cathedrals and one football stadium, with a day trip if you add a fourth. The plan below groups sights by area to keep walking short. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). Day 1: waterfront and Beatles Start at Pier Head with the Three Graces: the Royal Liver Building (1911), the Cunard Building (1916) and the Port of Liverpool Building (1907). The Museum of Liverpool next door is free.

Liverpool is easy with children because many of its best museums are free and the waterfront is compact. Prices below are in pounds sterling (GBP). Several sights can be combined in a single day around Pier Head and William Brown Street. Free museums The World Museum on William Brown Street is free and includes an aquarium. Liverpool has no zoo and no city aquarium, so this is the place to see fish and reptiles.

Merseyrail’s two lines make Liverpool an easy base for day trips. The Wirral Line heads to Chester, Port Sunlight, New Brighton and West Kirby, and the Northern Line serves Crosby, Formby and Southport. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). Chester Chester is about 45 minutes from the city centre on the Wirral Line. The main sights are the Roman walls, the medieval Rows and the cathedral. Chester Zoo is the big paid attraction, with adult tickets around GBP 34 to GBP 38 when bought online.

Liverpool’s organised attractions fall into a few groups: football stadiums, Beatles tours, a wartime bunker and a tower tour at Pier Head. Prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). Most operators are cashless and sell timed slots online, so book ahead for weekends and school holidays. Anfield Stadium Tour and Museum The Liverpool FC tour costs GBP 26 for adults, GBP 21 for seniors and students, GBP 17 for children and GBP 77 for a family of four.

Liverpool packs most of its best activities into a compact centre, so a few days on foot and by Merseyrail cover a lot. Prices below are in pounds sterling (GBP), many venues are cashless, and several big waterfront museums are closed for rebuilding, so check the notes on closures before you plan. Beatles attractions The Beatles Story in the Britannia Pavilion at the Royal Albert Dock charges about GBP 20 for adults, GBP 16 concession and GBP 11 for children aged 5 to 15, with under-5s free.