Liverpool has been called the ‘most exciting place to go out in the UK’, and with its ever-changing array of pubs, bars and clubs it’s easy to see why. With a fairly compact city centre, it’s easy to get around and try a bit of everything, so whether you’re an indie kid, a hardcore clubber or a warehouse raver, here’s our guide to the best areas for going out in Liverpool.
The Ropeworks & Seel Street
If a night out for you means getting dressed up and heading out on the tiles, then this is the place for you - and keep an eye out for the gaggles of hen parties who descend on the area every weekend. There’s a bit of everything here - try Alma de Cuba, a spectacular converted church, restaurant and party venue with carnival festival vibes, or pop into Heebie Jeebie’s for some inventive cocktails. Head to the buzzing courtyard to enjoy the lively atmosphere and some great DJs. The Peacock is another popular cocktail spot, with a massive array of different gins to try, and fresh pizza and loaded fries to soak up the alcohol. After midnight, upstairs is the place to be for dancing to some funky tunes. Right next to Seel Street is Concert Square - a going out destination in its own right. Here, if the weather’s appropriately continental, you can sit outside on shared tables and order drinks from the surrounding bars - or even a shisha, if you fancy something different! The square is surrounded by bars and clubs, including McCooley’s, an Irish sports bar; Einstein, a Bavarian-inspired beer haus, and The Krazyhouse, a cheap-as-chips club with different music playing on every level.
Cavern Quarter
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool’s most famous export, The Beatles, then the Cavern Quarter is the place for you. Named after the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played regularly in the 60s, this area is the epicentre of Liverpool’s nightlife which offers an array of pubs and bars, and also holds some of Liverpool’s biggest clubs. The Cavern Club is still open as a live music venue, offering gigs in intimate surroundings, and is open all day, every day. For all night partying, try Mansion - this mega club opens for one night a week only, and with the dress code ‘Dress to Impress’, glamorous hedonism is the name of the game. Playing dance and house music, a VIP booth is recommended if you want to get away from the crowds. Kingdom is another top party venue, known as Liverpool’s most exclusive nightclub and a staple of the city’s nightlife for over ten years. With luxurious interiors, inventive cocktails and a number of bookable booths and VIP areas, this is one for a special night out.
Baltic Triangle
This up-and-coming area is the place to be for trend-setters in the know. Quirky venues and warehouse parties set this area apart and make it one of the most exciting places to go out in Liverpool right now. If you’re a gin fan then head straight to Botanical Garden. This hidden gem features an outdoor bar and an array of exciting drinks along with Mexican food. One of Liverpool’s best-kept secrets - at least until now! For something of everything, try Camp and Furnace - this converted warehouse is a club, restaurant, bar and cafe. Visit by day for coffee and food trucks, or by night for everything from bingo to drag quizzes to open mic nights. Constellations is another favourite in this area; this versatile space plays host to warehouse parties, art exhibitions, karaoke and more. For some summer fun, head to Yard, an intimate outdoor bar built around a 15 ft shipping container, with food pop-ups and soul, funk and disco music.
Rainbow Quarter
While not as well-established as that of its neighbour, Manchester, Liverpool’s gay scene is quickly growing, with a variety of clubs and bars all based around Stanley Street. Warm up your evening with a drink at cosy pub The Lisbon, then head on to Superstar Boudoir, which is the place to go for fabulous drag acts. If pirates are your thing then you shouldn’t miss themed bar Man’s Ruin, or for a big night out move on to GBar, a late night clubbing venue and after hours party which stays open until the small hours of the morning.