Liverpool is a port city on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary, built around a waterfront that has shaped its trade, its architecture and its culture. The city centre is compact and largely walkable, with the waterfront and dock area on one side, the main shopping and business streets in the middle, and the university and cathedral quarter sitting on rising ground to the east.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between basing yourself in the city centre, near the waterfront, or in the quieter streets around the universities and cathedrals. Lime Street station, the oldest still-operating main line railway station in the world, sits in the city centre and is also served by the underground Merseyrail network, so most areas connect easily to the sights. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Liverpool
1. City Centre
The city centre is the most practical base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the main shopping streets, the business district, and the stations, and it has the widest choice of accommodation, from budget guesthouses and lodges to four-star international properties. Mount Pleasant, Hardman Street, Duke Street, Hanover Street, Dale Street, Old Hall Street and the streets around Lime Street all fall within this broad central area.
This suits first-time visitors, shoppers and anyone who wants to walk to most things. It is also the best-connected area: Lime Street station is here, along with the Merseyrail underground network, and many central addresses are only a short walk from the station. Expect some noise around the nightlife streets, and note that some budget places here offer shared toilets and showers.
2. Waterfront and Albert Dock
The waterfront area around the Albert Dock and Pier Head places you beside the Mersey, the docks and the convention centre. Accommodation here ranges from budget hostels to upscale hotels, including several housed in converted historic dock buildings. The dock area is close to the convention centre and is easy enough to walk to the city centre.
This suits visitors who want the maritime setting, easy access to the waterfront attractions, and a quieter base than the central nightlife streets. It also works well for anyone attending events at the convention centre or arena. Parking can be limited and is often charged separately, so check before you book if you are driving.
3. University and Cathedral Quarter
The area around Hope Street, Mount Pleasant and the two cathedrals sits on slightly higher ground east of the centre, close to the universities. It is a mix of townhouses, aparthotels and small B&Bs, and it is adjacent to both universities and two cathedrals. Some of the accommodation here occupies listed buildings.
This suits visitors who prefer a quieter, more residential feel while still being within walking distance of the centre, and it is convenient for anyone visiting the universities. The trade-off is that it is uphill from the waterfront, so expect a climb on the way back from the docks.
4. Business District (Old Hall Street)
The business district around Old Hall Street sits just north of the main shopping area and close to the waterfront. It is home to larger hotels, some of them built on or incorporating older buildings, and it is within walking distance of both the commercial core and the docks.
This suits business travellers and visitors who want a central location without being in the middle of the nightlife. It is quieter in the evenings than the shopping and entertainment streets, but still close enough to walk to the main sights.
5. Stanley Dock and the Northern Docks
The Stanley Dock area, along Regent Road, is a short distance north of the city centre and is home to accommodation in converted nineteenth-century warehouse buildings. It is a distinct, dockland setting rather than a residential neighbourhood.
This suits visitors who want a quieter, waterfront-adjacent base and do not mind being slightly outside the immediate centre. You will rely on walking, taxis or transport to reach the main central sights rather than stepping straight out into them.
6. Liverpool Airport and Speke
The area around Liverpool John Lennon Airport in Speke, south of the city, has accommodation aimed at air travellers, including a hotel in a listed art deco building that was the old airport terminal and control tower. A retail park with fast food restaurants is within walking distance.
This suits travellers with early flights or a short stopover, and anyone who wants to be close to the airport rather than the city centre. It is a short drive from the airport but well outside the centre, so it is not a practical base for sightseeing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses, lodges, B&Bs and hostels, some with shared toilets and showers and dormitory-style rooms. Breakfast may or may not be included, and some hostels offer free tea, coffee and toast.
- Mid-range: chain hotels, aparthotels and smaller independent hotels, typically with private rooms and en-suite facilities, often close to the stations or the docks.
- Splurge: upscale and boutique hotels, several of them in listed buildings, with restaurants, bars and in some cases spas. Some issue vouchers for nearby restaurants rather than running their own.
Best area for a first visit
The city centre is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the main sights and gives you the widest choice of accommodation across every budget. It is also where Lime Street station and the Merseyrail network connect you to the rest of the city, so you can reach the waterfront and the cathedral quarter easily on foot or by train.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best connected to the rest of the city?
The city centre, where Liverpool Lime Street station and the underground Merseyrail network are located. From there you can walk to many central sights or take the train to others.
Can I stay near the waterfront and still walk into the centre?
Yes. The Albert Dock area is close to the convention centre and is easy enough to walk to the city centre.
Is there budget accommodation in the centre?
Yes. The city centre has budget guesthouses, lodges and hostels, including some with shared toilets and showers and dormitory-style rooms.
Should I base myself near the airport if I am sightseeing?
No. The airport area in Speke is a short drive from the airport but well outside the centre, so it suits early flights rather than sightseeing.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.