LGBTQIA+ guide to Liverpool
England’s north western city is all about its creative pulse, known for musical beats and vibrant communities. Explore its Pride Quarter for buzzing bars, low-key pubs and night-time hangouts. Delve into our LGBTQIA+ city guide to Liverpool for the ins and outs of the city’s top neighbourhoods, hotels and events.
Dates for the diary
Homotopia Festival
November 2023
Hailed as the UK’s longest running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival, the city sees a takeover from Homotopia Festival each year. Queer and trans creatives come together across Liverpool’s venues and cultural spaces to showcase their eclectic and thought provoking works. Think theatrics, visual performances, dance, films, discussions and workshops.
Pride in Liverpool
Dates TBC
Bringing together a colourful march, live music acts, film screenings and glitzy parties, Pride in Liverpool annually fills the city with bold rainbow flags and a lot of love. Last year saw the sounds of disco funk band Boney M., while popular LGBTQIA+ venues, OMG Liverpool and Superstar Boudoirs, brought their much-loved performers to the main stage.
Get to know Liverpool
Pick up a good read at Liverpool’s queer bookshop Spectrum, in the heart of the Baltic Triangle. As well as books, the space hosts events that celebrate diversity and accessibility. While the city’s Pride Quarter boasts bold bars and bustling nightclubs with fierce drag acts and all out karaoke.
Uncover LGBTQIA+ past and present in Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool with an audio trail. Brought to the museum’s scene by podcasters Matthew Riley and Brendan Geoghegan, you’ll dive into the sounds and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community. Hear about struggles through discriminatory policies, alongside positive tales of liberation.
Out and about
Stylish stays
Hotel Indigo Liverpool City Centre
Culture buffs will love Hotel Indigo in Liverpool’s centre. Near to Tate Liverpool and Albert Dock, immerse yourself in the arts and step back in time at a historic dockland. There are 151 guestrooms, each with its own complimentary snack bar.
Aloft
For a boutique stay in the city, look to Aloft Liverpool. Located a short walk from the historic waterfront, the hotel is housed in a Grade II listed building and boasts onsite bar WXYZ, as well as options of twin and king bedrooms.
Hilton Liverpool City Centre
In the heart of the city centre, the Hilton Liverpool is close to amenities, such as shopping and attractions. Enjoy views of Albert Dock and Liverpool Central train station is just a 15-minute walk away. The hotel houses 215 rooms from twins through to suites.
Getting here
Liverpool is a 2hr 15 min train journey from London. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is served by major international and domestic airlines. There are fast and regular train connections to other cities, including Manchester and Birmingham.