Manchester to Liverpool 48 hours
From Premier League football in Manchester to Beatlemania in Liverpool, these two fantastic cities are steeped in history and culture. Best of all, they’re separated by a short 35 minute rail journey! Starting with a tour of Manchester City stadium and ending on a terrifying Ghost Walk through the streets of central Liverpool, this 2-day itinerary is not one to miss!
Manchester
Arrive in Manchester early, and you’ll be able to enjoy the best food that the city has to offer on a Scranchester Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour keeps all its stops a mystery and highlights hidden gems from across the city. Tours depart at 10:30am and last approximately 3.5 hours – make sure you arrive hungry!
After all that food, it’s time to celebrate another key part of Manchester’s culture – football. Home to the most successful club in English football (Manchester United) and the current Premier League champions (Manchester City), football is a big deal in the city, regardless of your allegiances. Both clubs offer stadium tours on a daily basis, allowing you to get a look behind the scenes at Old Trafford or The Etihad.
If sport isn’t your thing, Manchester has plenty else to offer, including a range of museums and art galleries. It’s also worth wondering around and admiring the architecture, particularly at the Royal Exchange. This stunning building houses a theatre and a shopping centre, allowing you to indulge in quality performance art or some retail therapy.
End the evening right at atmospheric live music venue Matt and Phreds. Found in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, Matt and Phreds hosts live music every night, while also serving delicious cocktails and pizza. Entry is free (except on Thursday and Friday) and if you buy 2 drinks during the daily happy hour, you’ll get a free pizza – bargain!
After a full day of exploration, it’s time to rest up before the trip to Liverpool tomorrow. Malmaison is arguably the most stylish hotel in Manchester, thanks to the injection of colour and style in the décor. There’s no compromise on quality though; you can guarantee a good night’s sleep here.
Liverpool
Ready to start day two? Head to Manchester Victoria bright and early for a direct train to Liverpool Lime Street. There’s a service every half hour, and it takes just under 40 mins to arrive in the nearby city; no need to waste half your day travelling!
Once in Liverpool, music fans will undoubtedly want to celebrate the legacy of the city’s most iconic foursome. The Beatles Story is found at the Albert Dock, and serves as a permanent, atmospheric tribute to the band. You’ll discover tons of Beatles memorabilia, learn more about the life and times of each member, and get to see a full scale recreation of the legendary Cavern Club. Be sure to pre-book tickets to avoid the queues!
From the Albert Dock, you have two very different options to continue exploring Liverpool. If you’re looking to continue the Beatlemania spirit, hop on the Magical Mystery Tour bus (handily located just outside the Beatles Story) for a two-hour trip around the city, showcasing key influences and locations for the band, finishing at the original Cavern Club which still hosts live music every evening.
Alternatively, you can also take a trip out onto the River Mersey; a vital part of Liverpool’s identity. Departing every hour from Pier Head (just a few minutes away from the Albert Dock), the 50-minute tour offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, allowing you to see all the sights in one go, including the iconic Anglican Cathedral.
Sightseeing is bound to get your tummy rumbling, so it’s time to head over to Liverpool’s trendy Baltic Triangle for some world class street food. The Baltic Market has officially been named Liverpool’s first street food market, and it houses pop ups from across the globe. Sink your teeth into tasty offerings from Cuba, Vietnam, Korea and many other places, then follow it up with a mouth-watering dessert from local experts.
Stretch your day into the night with a tour from Shiverpool. Hosted by local experts, these tours take you through Liverpool’s dark history and offer a chance to see some of the most haunted locations in north England. With exclusive sightseeing opportunities, thrillseekers will not want to miss out on this!
Finally, rest your head at the Hope Street Hotel, an independent boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre. Rooms are tasteful and discreet with plenty of luxury added, ensuring your stay is a relaxing one.