Exploring Liverpool on a Budget

Liverpool is easily one of the best UK cities to visit on a budget. Thanks to cheap public transport, bargain accommodations, and wallet-friendly food options, this city has all your basic travel needs down. Fill your itinerary with free museums, unticketed attractions, and lots of top-notch parks, and you’re bound to have a memorable, yet satisfying money-saving adventure in Liverpool.

Dine Out at Liverpool’s Wonderfully Affordable Indie Restaurants

Liverpool boasts one of the best independent food scenes in northern England, and arguably the entire UK. Its history as an important trading port is infused into its culinary offering, with almost every type of gastronomy on the table.

Eating at a local restaurant can be a great way to save money and treat your taste buds. Bustling Bold Street’s Lebanese eateries are consistently praised for their value, with tasty mezze dishes starting at just £4. Additionally, you’ll find excellent Chinese restaurants with fantastic buffet deals and numerous cafes where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast for under £10.

If you’re keen to try the local cuisine, the humble Scouse stew is Liverpool’s unofficial dish—hearty, filling, and usually very affordable. Several locations serve this delicacy, including Maggie May’s and The Welsford Bistro at Liverpool Cathedral, which even offers a vegan version for £6.95.

Walk Around the City as Much as Possible

One of the best ways to keep your budget low in Liverpool is to walk everywhere. Thankfully, the city’s compactness makes exploring on foot both feasible and enjoyable.

Areas such as the picturesque Georgian Quarter and the lively Cavern Quarter are best appreciated at a leisurely pace. Liverpool ONE and the historic, attraction-packed Liverpool Waterfront are largely pedestrianized, allowing for a pleasant stroll. For those preferring to cycle, Liverpool has an excellent bicycle rental program, making it easy to explore even further.

Buy a Travel Pass Instead of Paying for Individual Tickets

Public transport in Liverpool is reasonably priced. Merseytravel, the city’s main transport company, offers various tickets and passes making it affordable to use buses, trains, and ferries, with rates as low as £4.30 per day or £20 for a week. This is especially useful if you’re considering exploring the wider region or heading north to the beaches along the Sefton Coast.

Take a Free or Self-Guided Walking Tour

A great way to familiarize yourself with Liverpool is through a walking tour. Several options are available, including donation-based tours. Alternatively, you can create your own self-guided tour, whether through the city’s historical docks or by following a Beatles-themed path that traverses various landmarks.

Make the Most of Liverpool’s Free Museums and Art Galleries

Almost all of Liverpool’s museums are free, offering a wide variety of experiences. Those interested in history can delve into the city’s maritime past at the Mersey Maritime Museum or the significant International Slavery Museum. For art lovers, Liverpool has several outstanding galleries, including Tate Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery. Most museums and galleries are conveniently located around either the Royal Albert Dock or the Knowledge Quarter, both easily accessible on foot.

Liverpool Has Plenty of Cheap and Quirky Things to Do

Learning something new in a world-class museum isn’t the only thing that comes at no cost in Liverpool. This friendly city is filled with all kinds of unusual attractions, from mysterious underground tunnels to beautiful Grade II-listed public libraries, all just waiting to be explored without breaking the bank.

Shop Around for Your Accommodations

While some hotels can be expensive, it is still possible to find budget-friendly options in Liverpool. Choosing accommodations in the heart of the city or near the waterfront keeps you close to the action, but the most affordable rates are often found on the outskirts of the city center.

Self-catering accommodations can also help you save money. Many hosts offer discounts for off-season stays or longer reservations. Additionally, Liverpool has a variety of hostels available, which can be a budget-friendly choice, even though some hotel rates can be similarly priced.

Spend an Afternoon Outdoors

When the sun shines, an afternoon in one of Liverpool’s many parks is a must. Walking through a lush park is one of the best free activities the city has to offer, with many located throughout the city center.

If Liverpool Cathedral is on your agenda, don’t forget to explore St James Mount and Gardens, which offers a serene picnic spot and features sculptures by renowned artists. For a leisurely afternoon, sprawling Sefton Park, with its beautiful Victorian Palm House and ornamental lake, is a great destination.

Avoid Visiting in the Summer Months If You Can

June, July, and August tend to be the most popular months in Liverpool due to a variety of summer festivals. These events can drive up accommodation prices and limit your options. If you’re planning a visit during this time for events like music gigs or football matches, it’s wise to book your stay well in advance and consider lodging on the outskirts of the city center where parking may be more readily available.

Daily Costs in Liverpool

• Hostel dorm room: £30–50

• Basic hotel room for two: £45–75

• Self-catering apartment: from £40

• Public transport pass: £4.20 Day Saver Train ticket, £5.60 all areas Saveway transport pass

• Pint of beer: £3–4

• Cup of coffee: £2.50–3.50

• Bowl of Scouse stew: from £6.95