Liverpool in 24 Hours: Music, Markets & Honest Impressions 🎸
- Pauline Lys
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
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If you’re into iconic music history, vibrant street markets, and the occasional “this really isn’t worth the hype” moment... Liverpool might just be your kind of city.
Liverpool in 24 Hours - Make the most of your weekend
📍 Stop #1: The Beatles Statue – 8/10 for the Cultural Moment
You can’t really come to Liverpool and not swing by the Fab Four. The statue is impressive, the location is perfect for a quick photo stop, and it’s a good reminder of just how deeply this city shaped music history. I didn’t rub John Lennon’s shoe, but that’s apparently a thing for good luck.
👉 Did you know? The Beatles Statue arrived on Liverpool's Waterfront in December 2015. Donated by the famous Cavern Club, the placement of the statue coincides with the 50 year anniversary of the band's last gig played in Liverpool, at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.
The figures are larger than life size and weigh 1.2 tonnes in total. They were sculpted by Andrew Edwards who also created the All Together Now Christmas Truce WWI statue.
⚓ Albert Dock – 10/10, This Place Delivers
This was hands down a highlight. The waterfront walk is beautiful, the architecture is striking, and it has that calm, open-space energy that makes you want to slow down and just take it all in.
I skipped the Tate Liverpool at the time, something I slightly regret because the space itself looked really promising.
👉 Fun Fact: Albert Dock was the first warehouse complex in the world built entirely from cast iron, brick, and stone—completely fireproof for its time.
‼️ But beyond the picture-perfect views, this place holds a deeper & darker story.
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏽 Liverpool’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade is a heavy part of its history. In the 18th century, the city became Britain’s largest slave-trading port.
Over 1.5 million enslaved Africans were transported on Liverpool ships during the height of the trade, and much of the city’s wealth—its docks, grand architecture, and cultural institutions—was built on profits from slavery.
Even today, some streets and buildings still carry the names of prominent slave traders.
Liverpool has since acknowledged this dark past through places like the International Slavery Museum right here at Albert Dock. If you have the time and emotional space for it, it’s a visit worth making.
🍕🛍️ Baltic Market & Red Brick Market – 10/10, Where You Actually Want to Be
This is the Liverpool I loved most—creative, alive, and full of good food. Baltic Market is the kind of place where you think you’ll grab one quick bite but end up sampling everything.
I went during the day, but it looks like they're having events from time to time! I would definitely keep my eye open on those.
And Red Brick Market? Imagine walking into a warehouse where every corner has something unexpected—local art, vintage pieces, handmade jewelry. You could spend hours there without even realizing.
🏮 China Town – Just a Drive-By This Time
We only passed through, so I can’t really give it a fair review. But for what it’s worth, it’s home to the largest Chinese arch in Europe. Might be worth a stop if you’re already nearby.
🛍️ Bold Street – 2/10, Skippable
This street was hyped up as a must-visit, BUT I left wondering why. Maybe I missed the magic corner café or vintage shop that makes it all make sense... From what I saw, there wasn’t much to write home about.
🎨 Walker Art Gallery – 3/10, Not for Me
I had high hopes, but it just didn’t land. Nothing really pulled me in or made me stop and feel something deep. If you’re looking for that kind of art experience that shakes you up or leaves you thinking, this probably isn’t it.
🎵 Eleanor Rigby Statue – 3/10, Girl Deserved Better
Love the song. The statue? Blink and you’ll miss it. I appreciate the tribute, but after all the build-up, it felt more like a bronze afterthought. RIP to the most famous lonely person in music history.
🎤 Mathew Street – A Quick Walk, 7/10 for the Iconic Status
We didn’t go inside the Cavern Club or Eric’s Club because it was the end of the day and energy levels were low. But even just walking down Mathew Street, you feel the weight of its history.
👉 Did You Know? The Beatles played nearly 300 shows at the Cavern Club before their big break, and just across the street, Eric’s Club launched Liverpool’s punk scene with bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash.
🎶 Saved for Next Time (Or If You Fancy a Different Vibe):
If you’ve got more time or are planning a second visit to Liverpool, here are a few other places that are on my radar:
🏖️ New Brighton Beach: Seaside escape with retro charm and long promenade walks.
🎼 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: For those magical “live music and goosebumps” kind of nights.
🍸 Frederiks: Cozy spot for cocktails and smooth jazz vibes.
⛪ Liverpool Cathedral: Massive, awe-inspiring architecture—literally the UK’s biggest cathedral.
🌳 Sefton Park: Perfect for slow mornings and peaceful coffee walks under the trees.
🌸 The Watering Can: Cute café hidden in the park—ideal for brunch with a garden view.
🎸 Penny Lane: Walk the street that inspired a Beatles classic (and yes, the sign is still there!).
🍓 Strawberry Field: A quiet, reflective spot tied to Beatles history—beautiful and peaceful.
🧐 Final Thoughts?
Liverpool is a city that carries its history on its sleeve. Some parts are beautifully restored, others a bit rough around the edges, but that’s what makes it real. If you’re into music culture, street markets, and exploring without too many expectations, you’ll find your moments here.
Would I go back? For the vintage market and the docks, absolutely. For Bold Street? Hard pass.
✨ Planning your own trip? Save this for later and follow the journey on Instagram @pauline_lys for more real, unfiltered travel stories.
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