Top Things to Do in Liverpool: A Local’s Guide to Food, Markets & Hidden Gems

Liverpool is a city bursting with culture, character, and a food scene that rivals anywhere in the UK. Whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway, a Liverpool football game or a longer trip, there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, and unwind. From vibrant markets to leafy parks, here’s our local guide to some of the best things to do — all within easy reach of our Liverpool apartments and hotels urban breaks

🍝 The Quarter – Elegant Dining with a Local Touch

The Quarter is a stylish yet relaxed spot, perfect for a sit-down meal that blends casual atmosphere with fine-dining quality. Known for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and friendly service, it’s a favourite among both locals and visitors. As a loyal customer myself, I tend to opt for the lasagne and ALWAYS save room for one of the outstanding deserts. The customer service is always exceptional and they food doesn’t disappoint, all whilst having a gorgeous interior, and marvellous view of the grand cathedral.

☕ Bon Café – A Hidden Gem for Coffee Lovers

If you’re after a cosy café experience, Bon Café is a fantastic choice. With its relaxed vibe, specialty coffees, and welcoming staff, it’s the type of place you can sit for hours — whether you’re catching up with a friend or planning your day in Liverpool. Bon cafe, a minute walk away from our apartments and hotels, does an outstanding full English breakfast and all sorts of highly rated Arabian meals, and I advise trying their milk cake at every opportunitiy!!!!

🎉 Boxpark Liverpool – The New Hotspot

Boxpark has recently arrived in Liverpool, bringing together street food, live music, and nightlife under one roof. It’s the perfect place if you want a buzzing social atmosphere with plenty of food and drink options. Boss for watching a football match live with liverpools highest rated food spots under one roof, this should always be a part of the itinerary when visiting Liverpool.

🥘 Baltic Market – Foodie Heaven

Located in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, the Baltic Market is Liverpool’s first street food market and remains one of its most loved. You’ll find everything from bao buns to loaded burgers, along with craft beers and live music. My personal favourite has to include the “shut the cluck up” burger from Nashville cluck.

🛍 Red Brick Market – Independent Shopping Vibes

For something different, head to Red Brick Market. It’s a treasure trove of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, records, and quirky home décor. Perfect for picking up something unique you won’t find on the high street. This place also has a chill cafe inside, which can be relaxing to sit down and chill in after a good explore of the place.

Top tip: all of these places are right by each other as Liverpool is a very walkable city, so I recommend hitting a few of these spots all in one day!!

🍽 Restaurants on Berry Street – A Culinary Mix

Berry Street is one of Liverpool’s busiest food hubs, offering everything from Asian fusion to traditional pubs. It’s the kind of street where you can wander and find something for every taste. Berry street caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner, with well known spots such as Derek’s highly rated, New York style deli for lunch, or fluffy fluffy for unique out-of-this-world pancakes.

🍴 Bold Street Restaurants – A Foodie Landmark

Bold Street is iconic in Liverpool for its independent restaurants and multicultural food scene. Expect Middle Eastern grills, vegan cafés, tapas bars, and more. At the heart of the city it is something that cannot be missed no matter how long or short your stay is.

🍷 Lark Lane – Independent Eats & Bohemian Vibes

If you’re after a true taste of Liverpool’s local culture, Lark Lane is the place to go. Just a short walk from Sefton Park, this lively street is packed with independent restaurants, quirky bars, vintage shops, and cafés with a creative, bohemian feel. It’s a favourite weekend spot for locals and the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. The lane is a place with a beautiful mix of cuisine, coffee, and desserts, as a local I must recommend pastries from both lunko by the lane and gran cafe.

☕ Hardman Street Cafés – A Mix of Classic & Trendy

Hardman Street is dotted with a variety of cafés, ranging from traditional spots to modern hangouts perfect for brunch or late-night coffee. It’s a great stop before exploring the nearby cultural attractions. There are also a few restaurants, would always be a shame to miss out the buyers club for their highly rated starters.

🌳 Sefton Park & Princes Park – Liverpool’s Lush Green Spaces

No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to its parks. Sefton park is a 235-acre oasis featuring lakes, the famous Palm House, and winding walking paths. Nearby Princes Park offers a slightly quieter escape, with Victorian design and plenty of space for a picnic. A walk in the park is a beautiful Journey with of wildlife, Mother Nature, friendly faces and best of all its FREE.

Top tip: I recommend getting a coffee to-go from lark lane and going for a walk from there.

✅ Final Tip: Stay Local, Experience Local

Liverpool isn’t just about the main tourist attractions — it’s about the food, cafés, parks, and hidden gems that make the city special. Whether you’re grabbing coffee at Bon Café, exploring Sefton Park, or sampling food at Baltic Market, you’ll find something unique at every corner.

And the best part? In this very walkable city, all of these spots are minutes away from our apartments and hotels, making your stay convenient, memorable, and comfortable.

Enquire further and book your stay with now at Urban breaks