Heading to Liverpool or in need of reasons to go? If you’re there for a short stay, here’s how to spend an (action packed) day. Make sure you plan a lie in for the day after…

9am 

Start the day at

Leaf, Bold Street

Serving breakfast, brunch and small plates – this walk in weekend eatery is a home away from home and you can pick up a Full English for £8. We had Eggs Benedict and the shredded ham hock was incredible. It does get busy so if you’re in a big group, be prepared to wait.

11am 

Browse some art at… 

Tate, Albert Dock

Part of the Tate family, browse two free floors of artists and exhibitions and soak up that culture.

12pm

Soak up the architecture

Cunard & Liver Building 

Liverpool is loaded with pretty buildings and stunning streets, so spend some time walking the waterfront and admiring the Cunard building, which turned 100 last year.
 
 

1pm 

Hit the shops

Liverpool One/Bold Street

Whether you’re into the quirky shops of Bold Street or prefer the mainstream brands, Liverpool has everything you need for hours of spending too much cash…

3pm 

Take in the view

Matou/Oh Me Oh My

If you’re after views, put these two venues on your visit list. Definitely places to save until summer (the breeze from The Mersey is no-one’s friend in the colder months), Matou offers unspoiled views over the water, and Oh Me Oh My is a rooftop bar with a panoramic view over the city. It does get booked up with weddings, so ring ahead or pop by to see if it’s free.

4pm 

Grab a cocktail (or three)

Neighbourhood/ Ex-Directory 

Liverpool’s take on Neighbourhood is well worth a visit. Set in an ex bank, the Grade II listed building is a stunning setting for the New York inspired brasserie. Very much an eat and play destination, they offer live entertainment, an incredible bottomless brunch, Instagrammable interiors and the best Pornstar Martini around. If you’re after a lil’ mystery, book in at Ex-Directory, the city’s hidden bar, where if you’re like me, you’ll spend a while trying to find…

6pm 

Get a bite to eat 

Restaurant Bar and Grill 

Set in a former bank, the building is beaut and there’s a wide menu to pick from.

7pm

Play bingo, but not as you know it

Bongo’s Bingo, Camp and Furnace 

If you’ve not heard of Bongo’s Bingo, where’ve you been? It’s bingo but not as you know it. Think insane raves, crazy prizes, dance offs, cash giveaways, drinks and bingo. You’re encouraged to “leave your nan at home for this one” and it’s the perf spot to go with your squad for quite possibly the best £10 you’ll ever spend in your life. Get down early to get a good seat and a get a few rounds of drinks in to save queuing up at the bar and get ready to play.

10pm

Ping Pong It

Roxy Ballroom 

Get your competition on at Roxy Ballroom where you can drink, dance, play pool, beer pong and ping pong. Walk ins happen in the evening so try your luck, or if you’re free earlier in the day, you can book a table in for 30 mins for less than a fiver.