Where to stay in Liverpool: best areas and neighborhoods

Liverpool, the city of the Beatles and football, is a city full of attractions where tradition and modernity intertwine to exist in perfect harmony. Although it is not very big, it is very characterful, and this is perfectly reflected in its neighbourhoods: according to your needs and the type of stay you want to experience, there will be an area more or less suitable for you.

So here's everything you need to know about where to sleep in Liverpool, tips and the best neighbourhoods to stay.

Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Liverpool

If you visit Liverpool, the best area to stay is Liverpool City Centre, full of attractions, services, clubs and nightlife. It represents the heart of the city and is divided into several neighbourhoods, including Ropewalks, Baltic Triangle, Waterfront, Georgian Quarter and Cavern Quarter.

For families, Waterfront and Georgian Quarter are recommended. The first develops on the River Mersey and is made up of ancient buildings, museums, shops and clubs, it is one of the most fashionable and well-served areas of the city. The second is a residential neighbourhood, with costs a little higher than average, but really quiet and elegant.

If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, choose Cavern Quarter, Ropewalks or Baltic Triangle. Numerous nightclubs are here as well as young and lively neighbourhoods a few steps from the centre.

Ropewalks and Baltic Triangle are also recommended for those travelling on a lower budget, as they are full of hostels, apartments and accommodation at the lowest prices.

• Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Ropewalks, Baltic Triangle
• Recommended areas for families with children: Waterfront, Georgian Quarter
• Recommended areas for young people: Cavern Quarter, Ropewalks, Baltic Triangle
• Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Liverpool. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

If you are in Liverpool for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com

Guide to the areas of Liverpool

Liverpool is not far from the border with Wales, with an area of 111.84 square kilometres and about 580,000 inhabitants. It is the capital and one of the metropolitan districts of the county of Merseyside, together with the districts of Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

In turn, the city is divided into several districts and the best ones to stay are the central ones. The most central district of all is Liverpool City Centre, as the name suggests. This district contains smaller neighbourhoods, all with their own characteristics. One of the most central is the Cavern Quarter, where Mathew Street and numerous clubs are located, followed by Liverpool Waterfront, which is the area overlooking the River Mersey, and the inner districts of Ropewalks, Baltic Triangle and Georgian Quarter.

Not recommended areas: among the neighbourhoods to avoid, because they are far from the centre and because they could be unsafe in the evening, are Croxteth, Norris Green, Northwood, Kirkby and Toxteth, located on the outskirts.

Liverpool City Centre / Cavern Quarter

One of the most central districts of Liverpool City Centre is the Cavern Quarter, one of the best areas to stay in Liverpool, along with the Waterfront. Here, you will be near most of the main attractions and the famous Mathew Street, home to the equally famous Cavern Club. There is no shortage of clubs and restaurants, and most of the facilities and accommodation are located here.

Given all these characteristics, Cavern Quarter and its surroundings is one of the most expensive areas of Liverpool, but perfect for those looking for nightlife and those who want to have all amenities to hand. For fun, we recommend staying near Mathew Street, while families can find quieter accommodation in the St George's Hall Liverpool area.

Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. The major attractions are all close by, as is Albert Dock. Also here are Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €230,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Liverpool City Centre / Waterfront

After the City Centre, the next best area to stay is Liverpool Waterfront. This is the district that extends on the banks of the River Mersey, and includes the famous Albert Dock and numerous museums, such as the Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool and The Beatles Story. Furthermore, all the boats that go around the river depart from here.

It is an area full of restaurants and clubs, which has become one of the most beautiful and trendy in all of Liverpool thanks to redevelopment works. It is ideal for families and those who want to be close to the main museums. Here, there is less choice than in the City Centre, but you can still find different types of accommodation at more or less similar prices.

Staying here means the main attractions of the city will be within walking distance. For example, the Tate Liverpool is just 10 minutes away from Mathew Street. The area is also well served by various bus routes.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommende accommodation

Liverpool City Centre / Ropewalks

Ropewalks, located south of the City Centre, is a neighbourhood with an alternative and vintage soul. Its name comes from the rope factories that were once here, now converted into night clubs, shops and restaurants.

It is a young and lively district, frequented mainly by young people and university students, with a nice nightlife. It is therefore an ideal area for those looking for fun and those on a budget: here the cost of accommodation is a little lower than in the centre and you can find more offers! The important thing is to book in advance.

Finally, from here you can easily get to the centre on foot. Bold Street, the district's main street, leads directly to Liverpool Central Station.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €230,00 for more expensive options- compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Liverpool City Centre / Georgian Quarter

Moving south, after Ropewalks, is the wonderful Georgian Quarter, one of the oldest and most elegant neighbourhoods in the city. It is spread over a hill around Liverpool Cathedral, the city's majestic cathedral and one of the largest in all of England. This is a very quiet area, but the prices are higher than average.

Given all these characteristics, it is one of the best neighbourhoods for families and those want tranquillity. There is certainly no shortage of clubs and restaurants here, but it is certainly not one of the hubs of nightlife. Along Hope Street you will find elegant buildings, cafes and boutiques.

Finally, staying here you can get around on foot or use public transport. For example, from Liverpool Cathedral you can walk along Hope Street, reaching Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in about ten minutes. Mathew Street is a 20-minute walk away, alternatively 15 minutes by bus.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Liverpool City Centre / Baltic Triangle

Finally, between Georgian Quarter and Liverpool Waterfront is Baltic Triangle, one of the neighbourhoods that symbolizes the redevelopment of the city. Once an industrial area, today it is an alternative and artistic district, full of murals and alternative clubs (do not miss the unique Baltic Market). Numerous start-ups are based here, and various cultural and musical events are held here.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those looking for nightlife. There are lots of nightclubs and they are mainly concentrated along Jamaica Street, the main street of the neighbourhood full of graffiti and murals created by local artists. It is also a great area to save money as you can find small hotels at great prices.

From here, you can either walk to the centre or use public transport. Taking Jamaica Street as a reference point, it will take you about 20 min to reach Mathew Street on foot, or about 10/15 min with public transport.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Places to stay near Liverpool

Liverpool is small and can be visited in a few days, so the best solution is to stay in the city. As we have seen, there are several neighbourhoods, numerous accommodation and solutions for all budgets. Also, when you stay in the city you don't have to worry about transport, as most of the attractions are within walking distance.

But if you still want to evaluate some alternatives, there are several locations around Liverpool that could be perfect to use as a base, also because they are well connected to the city. Let's see them:

• Birkenhead (32 km / 34 min): on the opposite bank of the River Mersey, opposite Liverpool, connected by the Queensway Tunnel and the Kingsway Tunnel. Quiet location, surrounded by greenery and with a beautiful city centre - compare accommodation on booking
• Warrington (32 km / 45 min): quiet English city surrounded by greenery, ideal if you are travelling with your family (Gullliver's World Theme Park is also located here). Connected to Liverpool by direct Northern line train (40 min) - compare accommodation on booking
• Southport (33 km / 50 min): overlooking the Irish Sea, perfect to stay in the summer. Southport Beach and Southport Pleasureland amusement park are here. Connected to Liverpool by direct Merseyrail train (55 min) - compare accommodation on booking

Liverpool accommodation price map

Booking.com