Liverpool’s landmarks tell the story of a city shaped by music, trade, and bold ideas. From towering cathedrals to historic docks, these cultural sites offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a history fan, architecture lover, or just keen to see what makes this city so special.
With Liverpool Lime Street Station just a short walk from many of the city’s most famous landmarks, it’s easy to explore on foot. Here are some of the best places to visit for a true taste of Liverpool’s culture and heritage.
Discovering Liverpool Culture Through Its Landmarks
Royal Liver Building
The Royal Liver Building is one of Liverpool’s most famous landmarks. Perched on the waterfront at Pier Head, it’s instantly recognisable thanks to the twin towers topped by the mythical Liver Birds, Bella and Bertie. Local legend says that if they ever fly away, the city will come to an end.
Opened in 1911 as the headquarters for Royal Liver Group, the building was one of the world’s earliest reinforced concrete skyscrapers. But today, the big draw for visitors is Royal Liver Building 360, a guided experience that takes you inside the clock tower and up to a 15th-floor viewing platform. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the River Mersey, the docks, and the city skyline.
The immersive tour includes an immersive audio-visual show inside the historic clock tower. Along the way, friendly local guides share stories about the building’s design, its place in Liverpool’s history, and what makes it such a cultural icon.
Liverpool Cathedral
As the largest cathedral in the UK, Liverpool Cathedral is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply want to take in the best views of Liverpool, it’s a must-see.
Step inside and you’ll find vast spaces made for quiet reflection, impressive stained-glass windows, and a full calendar of events, exhibitions, and family activities. Art lovers will enjoy the changing installations, while those drawn to music can often catch live choral performances.
For an unforgettable view, take the Tower Experience. After two lifts and a final 108 steps, you’ll reach the top of the Vestey Tower and enjoy panoramic views across the city. On a clear day, you can even spot Blackpool Tower in the distance.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s bell chamber, home to the world’s highest and heaviest peal of bells. Commissioned over a century ago, they’re a powerful reminder of Liverpool’s ambition and history. You can also explore the viewing screens on the ground floor if you’re unable to make the full climb.
St George’s Hall
Right across from Lime Street Station, St George’s Hall is one of the most famous landmarks in Liverpool. It’s famous for its grand neoclassical design and deep roots in the city’s history. Inside, you’ll find a mix of culture, heritage, and modern events all in one stunning space.
Originally opened in 1854, this Grade I listed building was built for music festivals and court hearings. Today, you’ll find it’s just as lively. Inside, you’ll find grand pillars, mosaics, and one of the largest vaulted ceilings in Europe. The Great Hall is especially worth seeing, with a huge Minton tile floor made from approximately 30,000 hand-laid pieces that’s revealed on special occasions.
There’s always something to experience, from free exhibitions and guided tours to live concerts and comedy nights. Downstairs, the old prison cells and courtrooms offer a powerful look at Victorian justice through “The History Whisperer,” an immersive experience that brings the past to life.
Need a break? Stop by the café, run by Homebaked Bakery, for award-winning pies, sandwiches, and coffee in a setting that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re into architecture, history, or just curious to explore a Liverpool icon, St George’s Hall makes a memorable stop.
Williamson’s Tunnels
Hidden beneath the Edge Hill district, Williamson’s Tunnels are one of Liverpool’s most curious and captivating landmarks. Built in the early 1800s under the direction of tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson, this underground maze is still surrounded by mystery.
No one knows exactly why the tunnels were built. Some say Williamson simply wanted to create jobs for local workers in hard times. Others believe he was preparing a safe haven from an impending apocalypse.
Whatever the truth, what remains today is a fascinating network of vaulted chambers, long corridors, and deep caverns. Even now, some are still being uncovered.
Visitors can explore parts of this underground world on guided tours run by the Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels. You’ll descend into brick-lined spaces like the dramatic Banqueting Hall and learn about the workers who built them. They’ll also share the theories behind their purpose, and the history of the area above.
The Bluecoat
Right in the heart of Liverpool city centre, The Bluecoat blends over 300 years of history with a fresh, creative energy. Housed in the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool, this Grade I listed arts centre is a must-visit for anyone curious about art, culture, or the city’s past.
Inside, you’ll find free exhibitions featuring artists from around the world, along with a busy calendar of performances, talks, and hands-on workshops. Families will enjoy the regular children’s events, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s a book reading, a printmaking course, or a dance performance.
The Bluecoat also has a peaceful walled garden, perfect for a quiet coffee break, and a café serving homemade meals. You’ll also find a handful of independent shops selling everything from houseplants to handmade gifts and vintage records.
Explore Liverpool’s Landmarks with Avanti
From iconic waterfront views to hidden underground wonders, Liverpool’s cultural landmarks offer something for every kind of explorer. And with most attractions just a short walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station, it’s easy to take it all in without the stress of planning.
Travelling by train with Avanti West Coast makes your day out even easier. Book direct for the best fares, travel Off-Peak to save, or sign up for Priority Ticket Alerts so you never miss a deal. Whether you’re visiting solo or with family, there are plenty of ways to save - and plenty to see once you arrive.