Liverpool’s music scene is one of the most famous in the world, and it’s easy to see why. From legendary clubs to world-class concert halls, the city is packed with venues that have shaped music history. Still today, you can find live performances across the city every night of the week.
Whether you’re a Beatles fan retracing their footsteps or just love discovering new music, Liverpool has something for you. Best of all, many of the city’s top music attractions are just a short journey from Liverpool Lime Street Station, making it simple to explore for a day, weekend, or more.
Legendary Liverpool Music Venues
The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club is one of Liverpool’s most famous music landmarks. Open since 1957, it's best known as the venue where The Beatles played nearly 300 times. But its legacy goes beyond Beatlemania, with decades of live music spanning jazz, rock, and indie.
Today, the Cavern is open daily with live music from early afternoon through the evening. The main stage hosts regular sets, while the Cavern Live Lounge features tribute shows and touring acts. Just across the street, the Cavern Pub offers free live music every night in a more relaxed setting.
For a full Cavern experience, stop by the nearby Cavern Restaurant. They serve up local favourites like Scouse, as well as veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options. It’s perfect for refuelling after exploring Liverpool’s legendary music street.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Located on Hope Street, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is one of the city’s most historic and versatile music venues. It’s home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and has been part of the city’s musical scene since 1939.
Over the decades, it has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including Bryan Ferry, Brian Wilson, Kraftwerk, Sir Cliff Richard and Gilbert O’Sullivan. Their appearances have helped cement the hall’s reputation as a key stop on their UK tours.
With over 400 events a year, the hall offers something for everyone, from world-class classical concerts to comedy, film screenings, and gigs by international music legends. Its main auditorium seats just under 1,700, while more intimate performances take place in the Music Room.
Whether you're catching a full orchestral performance or a one-night-only show, the Philharmonic Hall is a must-visit for fans of live music. With tours available, you can even book ahead to explore the venue’s fascinating history and architecture up close.
Music Museums in Liverpool
The Beatles Story Museum
For anyone curious about Liverpool’s global music legacy, The Beatles Story is a brilliant place to begin. Set on the Royal Albert Dock, this award-winning museum takes you through the lives and music of the Fab Four, with exhibits designed to be engaging for all ages.
Step inside detailed recreations of iconic locations like The Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios. See original instruments, rare recordings, and personal memorabilia. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their story, it’s a chance to explore how four boys from Liverpool changed the face of music forever.
British Music Experience
Step inside the British Music Experience and explore how UK artists shaped the sound of modern music. Housed in the iconic Cunard Building, this museum takes you on a journey through decades of rock, pop, punk, and soul, from 1945 to today.
See stage outfits worn by legends like Freddie Mercury, Dusty Springfield, and The Spice Girls. Play famous guitars, try your hand at drumming, or sing along in the Vocal Booth. Whether you're into Britpop or classic rock, there's something here for every music fan to enjoy.
It's also a great pick for families and groups. With hands-on exhibits, dance challenges, and plenty of memorabilia to discover, the British Music Experience brings generations of music history to life in a fun and memorable way.
Famous Spots on Beatles Tours
Penny Lane
Penny Lane might look like any other street in Liverpool, but for Beatles fans, it’s an iconic landmark. Made famous by the 1967 hit of the same name, it’s where Paul McCartney and John Lennon spent time as kids. The song paints a picture of everyday life, with barbershops, banks, and fire stations, turning familiar scenes into musical magic.
Today, visitors come from all over the world to see it for themselves. Street signs, murals, and nearby landmarks all pay tribute to the song. It’s a must-see stop on most Beatles walking tours, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the world that helped shape the band’s early years.
Mathew Street
Mathew Street is at the heart of Liverpool’s music scene and a must-visit for any Beatles fan. It’s home to the world-famous Cavern Club, where the Fab Four played nearly 300 times. Today, the street is still full of life, with music venues, pubs, and shops celebrating Liverpool’s musical legacy.
As you explore, you’ll find the Cavern Pub, the Liverpool Wall of Fame, and the Beatles Museum. They’re all packed into this short, lively stretch of Liverpool. Statues of Cilla Black and John Lennon offer great photo spots for keen photographers. Around the corner, you’ll even find a statue of Eleanor Rigby on a bench with her newspaper, another quiet tribute to another Beatles classic.
Strawberry Field
Strawberry Field is a peaceful spot with a unique link to John Lennon. Once a Salvation Army children’s home, it was where he spent time as a child, playing with his friends. Today, it’s home to an interactive exhibition and a calm garden space. It even has Lennon’s Imagine piano, on loan from the estate of George Michael.
Visitors can learn about Lennon’s early life and the real story behind Strawberry Fields Forever. You can walk through the gardens he knew as a boy, see the original red gates, and take a break in the on-site café. It’s a relaxed and thoughtful place for fans and families to enjoy another side of Liverpool’s music story.
Liverpool’s Best Independent Record Shops
Probe Records
Tucked inside the historic Bluecoat on School Lane, Probe Records is one of Liverpool’s most loved record shops. It’s been part of the city’s music scene since 1971 and remains a go-to spot for music fans today for both new releases and classic albums. It welcomes everyone, from seasoned collectors to casual browsers.
Over the decades, Probe has played a key role in Liverpool’s music culture, once standing at the centre of the city’s punk and new wave movement. While the location has changed, the passion hasn’t. Visitors can take their time exploring the shelves, chatting with knowledgeable staff in the heart of Liverpool’s independent music scene.
Dig Vinyl
Tucked above Bold Street, Dig Vinyl is a favourite spot for music lovers in Liverpool. Since 2014, it’s offered a wide range of second-hand records, CDs and reissues across every genre. With new stock added daily and a friendly, music-mad team on hand, it’s the perfect place to browse and discover something new.
Dig is also a big part of Liverpool’s music scene. Its team of DJs and musicians host regular events, pop-ups, and a monthly “Dig After Dark” night. They’re passionate about keeping vinyl culture alive and sharing their love of music with the city and beyond.
Explore Liverpool’s Music Scene With Avanti West Coast
Getting to the heart of Liverpool’s music history couldn’t be easier by train. With Avanti West Coast, you can travel directly to Liverpool Lime Street and be moments away from iconic venues, museums, and record shops.
Book in advance to save on fares, travel with a Railcard for even bigger discounts, and take advantage of Off-Peak Tickets. Whether you’re here for the legends or the hidden gems, let the train take you straight to the music.