Quirky Things To Do In Liverpool

If there's one place that likes to keep things cool and different, it's this glorious maritime city. Founded over 800 years ago, this culturally diverse Northeast gem is more than just home to one of the most famous bands in the world, The Beatles, and Britain’s largest clock face. Cruise along Merseyside and you’ll see skyscrapers and piers, before making your way inland for unusual cocktail bars (think smuggling your own liquor into prison), offbeat, affordable events and fun, Alpine-themed restaurants, perfect for couples. So, if you’re keen to add a little spice to your day or night out, check out our list of fun things to do in Liverpool.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 18th November 2024




Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Liverpool on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Are you on the lookout for things to do in Liverpool for adults? Then be sure to check out Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Six, an immersive bar that replicates a real-life prison, with metallic cells, dashing orange jumpsuits and a strict warden who'll be keeping you in check with a beady eye. Just make sure he doesn't catch you and your friends smuggling in contraband liquor to the long-serving inmates, who are on hand to whip up bespoke concoctions with your illegal spirits. Tickets start from £36.50 per person and this cool, theatrical event makes a great idea for date night or an alternative work social that'll keep you on your toes. 

Moonshine Saloon Liverpool: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Sunday 22nd December 2024 and 5 other dates

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be at the heart of a covert liquor operation (of course you have), then get tickets from £39.99 per person to Moonshine Saloon Liverpool: Western Cocktail Experience and rub shoulders with outlaws. Sport your very own themed gear, crafted by the village tailor, to avoid any unwanted attention from the Sheriff and bandits passing through, deal cards and roll the dice as part of this immersive, theatrical experience where you try not to bust the cover of Wanted Man Clyde Cassidy. 

FunnyBoyz Liverpool

FunnyBoyz Liverpool is the ultimate quirky event, promising a lineup of brilliant things to do every single weekend at Blundell Supper Club in the Baltic Triangle. Be sure to check out their signature Benidorm Bingo on Fridays, promising twerk-offs, lip sync battles, comedy cabaret and even a free glass of fizz on arrival included in your £27.50 ticket - though admission starts from just £3. They also host karaoke sessions, themed parties, and even the odd appearance from RuPaul's Drag Race queens.

Red Door Liverpool

The contemporary cocktail bar Red Door is hosting all sorts of fun - if you can find it. Once you do stumble upon the entrance, make your way downstairs into a dimly lit haven filled with cool decor, or venture outside into the graffiti-adorned garden to soak up the sun with some pizza and a drink in hand. Dangling pendant lights line the bar and your night will be soundtracked by a vast selection of long-forgotten classics, R&B hits and complete curveballs. The drinks here are as striking as the interiors, for example, the Bakewell Sour, featuring Disaronno, Chambord, egg white, lemon juice and sugar syrup.

Albert's Schloss - Liverpool

For an alternative night out, head to Bavarian bar Albert's Schloss, named after Queen Victoria's husband and drawing influence from his heritage and love of the arts. Featuring live entertainment most nights of the week (head for Pleasure Palace on Saturdays or two pianists battling it out at Baby Grand Slam on Thursdays) and Alpine decor in the form of wooden logs and twinkly fairy lights, it's always an enjoyable time. You'll find a menu packed with treats like schnitzel, gooey fondue and currywurst, plus a creative cocktail list that features sips like an apple strudel, made with spiced rum and apple juice.

Navy Bar 2.1

Looking for a night out that's anything but ordinary? Head to Navy Bar 2.1, a one-of-a-kind venue in Manchester's LGBT Quarter, where the dancefloor always heats up. With its resident DJs playing the best dance anthems, you'll be grooving all night long.

Plus, the drag shows are legendary, featuring celebrity appearances and fierce performances that'll have you shouting yas queen. Whether you're into RuPaul-themed parties or naughty bottomless brunches, it's the place for a memorable girls' night out.

Liverpool Naval Club

Located on Bowring Park Road, Liverpool Naval Club hosts a range of top-notch events in their cool space. Whether you're after a Freddie Mercury tribute night or an evening dedicated entirely to Madonna, then this is the perfect spot to enjoy live entertainment with a glass of bubbly. And if soul's more your thing? Grab tickets to its Motown night on the last Saturday of each month for only £6 each and bob the night away with Steve Charles and special guests.

The Alchemist Liverpool

For flaming concoctions touting a whole load of theatrical elements like colour-changing tipples and dry ice bubbling over the top of glasses like you're in a science lab, The Alchemist Liverpool is just the place for quirky tipple-based antics. Get your hands on one of the signature pours like Bubble Bath made with fairy liquid or the Firey ginger foam-topped Flash AF. Or, if you're feeling hungry opt for delicious international plates; think crispy bao buns, salt 'n' shake potatoes and panko halloumi.

Bierkeller Liverpool

Home to German steins, oompah bands and live entertainment, Bierkeller is definitely a top location for a group night out with a bit of a twist. Be sure to check out some of the cool events at this all-singing all-dancing authentic beer hall, especially the live show every Saturday where, from £20 per person you can have a seat at one of the famous benches, enjoy a mini Jägermeister or shot of sour Schnappsor, and tuck into a delicious range of authentic bites, from pizza topped with currywurst to buttermilk fried boneless wings.

Flight Club Liverpool Brunch Social

@ Flight Club Liverpool on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024

Looking for something fun and a little bit different to get up to this weekend in the maritime city? Book your spot at Flight Club's Brunch Social and enjoy a two-hour session featuring darts and pizza in its fairground-themed haunt. Tickets start from £30 per person and include a whole bottle of prosecco each that you can mix with complimentary orange juice, perfect for when you fancy switching things up from straight bubbles. Ideal for hen parties, group days out or even a date, this charming spot never misses with its iconic feast and games. 

Magic on the Mersey

@ Aloft Liverpool on Sunday 26th January 2025 and 2 other Sundays

Looking for things to do indoors in Liverpool? Magic on the Mersey presents one of the best acts in the city, especially if the weather isn't entirely up to scratch. With a fantastic magician, Steve Price, the show promises a hilarious evening of jokes and mesmerising tricks within Aloft, found in the stunning, Grade II-listed Royal Insurance Building. Tickets start from £19.50 each for this event that takes place every Sunday, so grab yours to witness the magic unravel right before your very eyes. 

Liverpool Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt!

@ Liverpool Lime Street Station on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Seeking fun things to do in Liverpool for kids? Then sign up for the Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt with tickets for two coming in at £19.99. This activity is also perfect for families or alternative work socials with a hint of fun facts thrown in there for good measure. Venture across the glorious city, including the hidden corners or quaint cobbled streets, all while uncovering clues and solving riddles in a bid to locate the X. Once you've located your end destination (which may or may not be a great pub), you'll receive a discount off your bill.

ArCains Liverpool

ArCains is one of the best places to head if you're looking for quirky shindigs in the city, and it's even more appealing once you find out that you only have to pay a tenner off-peak to enter, then access to its hundreds of games is free. This playground in Cains Brewery offers a massive selection of vintage or modern arcade consoles, alongside a strong selection of cocktails and some tasty comfort food to boot. Bust some moves with Dance Stage Fusion or shred some riffs with Guitar Hero, then refuel on pepperoni pizzas and chicken burgers, washed down with an ice-cold slushie.

Escape Hunt Liverpool

If you're after things to do in Liverpool for couples, then why not take on a series of thrilling challenges together with Escape Hunt? Venture over to Albert Dock to get lost in an alternate reality - there are five of them to choose from, including a pirate-themed Blackbeard's Treasure adventure and a Scandinavian affair with The Last Vikings. Shrink down to size in Alice In Puzzleland, master your fighting skills with The Fourth Samurai or buckle up to Escape The Wild West to earn your freedom - there's plenty to choose from with this fun event that's ideal for work socials and family activities too, as well as being a cute date idea.

NQ64 Liverpool

Without a doubt, NQ64 is one of the best things to do in Liverpool with its neon, graffiti-adorned walls and wide range of retro arcade games to play. Get super nostalgic with iconic consoles like original PlayStations and Super Nintendos, then race your mates at Mario Kart, battle it out with Space Invaders and win at Time Crisis II. You'll never want to leave this quirky basement bar, especially when you get your hands on the themed cocktails. Our favourites include the Mad Max Zombie, featuring a house rum blend, and the fruity Kong Island Iced Tea.

YO! Sushi School - Liverpool ONE

@ YO! Liverpool ONE on Wednesday 8th January 2025 and 24 other Wednesdays

Fancy becoming a maki master? Then venture to YO! Sushi School in Liverpool ONE. Learn all about how salmon nigiri and crunchy California rolls are made with the help of experts. On top of that, you'll also get complimentary gyozas and bubbles to help fuel your precision along the way. Tickets are £24.95 each to this super creative class that's ideal for date night - brush up on your knife skills and even purchase your very own kit with a discount so you can continue rolling fresh tuna and avocado in balls of sticky rice at home. 

Coyote Ugly Liverpool

American party bar Coyote Ugly is famous the world over, bringing the party spirit that was first popular in their 1993 New York City opening to different locations around the globe. Liverpool is no different and the lineup of events at the Bold Street venue isn't to be missed - think Nashville hoedown bottomless brunches and even line dancing lessons with the coyotes themselves.

Pins Social Club

Home to boutique bowling and contemporary cocktails, Pins Social Club really puts the fun in funky. The Duke Street haunt is the ideal location for birthday dos or quirky date nights, coming complete with an in-house eatery serving hot dogs and loaded fries, or Goldies slinging out pizza by the slice. Here you can revel in two games of bowling from £13.50 each, as well as high-energy bottomless brunches and Friday night socials packed with live music. And to drink? Think themed delights like the coffee-based Little Lebowski or a spicy, refreshing picante. 

Tonight Josephine Liverpool

When it comes down to the top things to do in Liverpool, Tonight Josephine has it all, starting with brilliant pink, dazzling interiors that make you feel like you've entered the world of Barbie all year round. This wacky venue has a range of cool activities to enjoy across the pop-inspired space, including Mamma Mia-themed bottomless brunches and karaoke nights galore, which are sure to impress. Tickets to the former are around £39 per person and include free-flowing bubbles or beer paired with one scrumptious brunch dish, like a pulled salt beef burger or a patty filled with roast sweet potato and grilled halloumi.

Point Blank Shooting Liverpool

If you're looking for things to do in Liverpool city centre, then Point Blank Shooting has you covered. This super fun range offers exceptional shooting realism with real replica guns like a Glock and an M1911 paired with state-of-the-art laser technology. Visit with your mates for a fantastic day out then dabble in a few tipples after in the speakeasy-style bar (drinks include the likes of Bring Out The Big Guns, made with black vodka and cranberry, or the coconut rum-based Lethal Weapon). Book in and you'll even be able to get your hands on a bottomless brunch every Saturday from £40 per person, which features 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails, pizza and shooting. 

Mersey Ferries

When it comes to things to do, Liverpool isn't short of alternative activities or even iconic sights for that matter, and the best way to check them all out at once is by hopping on board Mersey Ferries. Book yourself in for a 50-minute sightseeing River Explorer package from £12.75 per person, set off from Pier Head and cruise past important landmarks while stopping at Seacombe and Woodside. There's also the opportunity to venture out on an evening cruise, or head to Liverpool Bay. 

Tate Liverpool + RIBA North

When it comes to free things to do in Liverpool, you can't get any classier than checking out some British and modern at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North. The original gallery was constructed in 1988 and has seen several renovations over the years at its Albert Dock location. Venture over to lay your eyes on some thought-provoking pieces, watch some interesting films and catch a glimpse of famous paintings like Mountain Lake by Salvador Dali. All exhibitions are free, and you can catch creative talks, workshops and tours going on throughout the year. 

Crazy Pedro's Liverpool

The clue's in the name when it comes to Crazy Pedro's, as the weird and wonderful joint spices up your average pizza with its signature creations. Along with bright murals, funky colours and a cheerful, sun-soaked rooftop, this Ropewalks spot makes a super refreshing frozen margarita which pairs perfectly with a Mac Daddy slice, topped with mature burgers. Other pizza combinations include sriracha fried chicken or wild mushrooms with garlic ricotta, or opt for nachos served in a trash can lid, smothered in hot cheese.

The Beatles Story

Out of all the things to see and do in Liverpool, you'll have heard The Beatles Story come up multiple times and there's a reason why - it's a fantastic way to spend a day whether you're a fan of the band, who originated from the city to take over the world, or not. The award-winning attraction provides an immersive experience, leading you into the 1960s where you're able to come face-to-face with rooms recreating the iconic Caveman Club, Abbey Road Studios and more. There's also a chance to to lay eyes on George Harrison's first guitar and devour a traditional Liverpudlian lunch in the Fab4 cafe.

Quirky Quarter

Situated in Liverpool, Quirky Quarter is coming in hot with an excellent immersive experience where not everything is as it seems. A visit here means seeing optical illusions, exploring upside-down spaces and solving wacky puzzles. Located in The Art in the heart of the city, this spot offers a great mind-bending activity that also makes for a great photo opportunity around every corner - perfect for confusing your friends. Tickets for adults start from £15 each and for kids between 5 and 15, they're £9. 

Ex-Directory

For those who crave secrecy, Ex-Directory is a firm choice. Head along to this hidden bar for its fabulous selection of cocktails and vibrant concoctions, along with afternoon tea specials come the weekend. It's tucked away in a subterranean den with luminous purple lights, and sparkling glitter balls. You can expect new creative tipples each month, with previous instalments including the Chambord-based Cherry Bomb and drinks centred around birthstones.

The Oracle

More than just your average cocktail bar, The Oracle pairs gorgeous cocktails and an intimate atmosphere with all things magic. We're talking sleight of hand, show-stopping tricks and magicians who'll add something new to your usual after-work drinks. The Victorian-inspired den can be found tucked away in the heart of Liverpool and accessible via a £5 entry fee. Prepare yourselves for an evening where not everything is as it seems while you sip on melon-flavoured June Bugs or rhubarb and custard concoctions, and are utterly enchanted.