Georgian Quarter Liverpool: 11 Brilliant Things To See & Do
Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter is one of the city’s most beautiful and underrated neighbourhoods.
Home to two stunning cathedrals, world-class performing arts venues, elegant Georgian architecture and some of Liverpool’s best independent restaurants and pubs, it’s one of the most rewarding areas of the city to explore.
I grew up visiting the Georgian Quarter, watching plays at the Everyman Theatre, attending concerts at the Philharmonic Hall and spending time in many of the area’s historic pubs.
After countless visits and a recent return trip, here’s my guide to the best things to do in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter.
What Is Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter?
Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter is a historic neighbourhood just south of the city centre, built during Liverpool’s rapid expansion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
It’s where the city’s wealthy merchants and professionals settled, and you can still see that history today in the elegant townhouses, leafy squares and grand civic buildings lining the streets.
Today it’s one of the best areas in Liverpool for architecture, culture, food and some seriously good pubs.
Most visitors need at least 3 to 4 hours here. A full afternoon gives you enough time to visit both cathedrals, walk Hope Street, explore the side streets and stop for food or drinks.
Georgian Quarter Liverpool At A Glance
- Famous For: Georgian architecture and cathedrals
- Location: South of Liverpool city centre
- Main Street: Hope Street
- Time Needed: 3–4 hours
- Best For: History, architecture, food and culture
- Free Attractions: Cathedrals, Falkner Square and historic streets
Here are 11 of the best things to see and do in Georgian Quarter Liverpool.
1. Wander Along Hope Street
Start your visit to Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter on Hope Street.
It’s the backbone of the area and one of my favourite streets in Liverpool.
It’s bookended by two stunning cathedrals.
The modern Metropolitan Cathedral to the north on Mount Pleasant, and the Gothic Revival Liverpool Cathedral to the south on Canning Street.
Built in the early 19th century, Hope Street became a hub for Liverpool’s wealthy merchants and industrialists. And you can still see that history and wealth in the elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses lining the street today.
It’s a brilliant spot for dining and entertainment with two outstanding performing arts venues and a ton of excellent restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs. More on those below!
💡 Parking can be a challenge, especially at weekends. If you’re planning to visit by car, plan ahead. There’s pay-and-display street parking meters on and around Hope Street. The meters operate from 7am to 11pm (parking is free between 11pm and 7am). Alternatively, there’s parking at the Anglican Cathedral car park on Upper Duke Street which is a five-minute walk away.
2. Take a Guided Pub Walk of the Georgian Quarter Liverpool
For a great introduction to the Georgian Quarter, I recommend joining this small-group pub walk.
It’s a fantastic way to discover the best pubs in the area, uncover local stories, and get under the skin of the district with a fun and passionate local guide.
The tour starts outside St. Luke’s Bombed Out Church just north of the start of the Georgian Quarter (pictured above).
Tickets from $34 per person and drinks are not included.
3. Catch a Show at the Everyman Theatre
I grew up going to Christmas pantomimes here as a kid and came back for plays as I got older.
What I love about this venue is its size. It’s really intimate with only 405 seats.
It’s so small that at times you feel like you’re practically on stage with the performers, making it a unique theatregoing experience.
The programming is brilliant. Check what’s on before you visit and book ahead.
📍 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH
👉 Check what’s on and book tickets
4. Explore Georgian Quarter Hidden Gems & Famous Filming Locations
The Georgian Quarter isn’t just about cathedrals, theatres and eateries. It’s also a hotspot for film and TV.
That’s because, outside of London, Liverpool has more heritage status buildings than any other city in the UK.
Here are 5 places you shouldn’t miss.
Gambier Terrace: Where John Lennon Lived Before The Beatles Were Famous
First up is Gambier Terrace which has some of the best-preserved Georgian townhouses in the city.
Built in the 1830s, John Lennon shared a first floor flat at number 3 with Stuart Sutcliffe.
Falkner Street: One of Liverpool’s Most Filmed Streets
Voted one of Liverpool’s most beautiful streets, the historic homes on Falkner Street make it a perfect backdrop for BBC period dramas.
It’s often used to depict Victorian London.
There’s also a couple of lovely restaurants here.
I recently ate lunch at The Quarter and enjoyed a number of their appetizers and a delicious Zinfandel rose. They also serve breakfast until noon.
Or try Papillon on the corner of Falkner Street and Hope Street. It’s a great spot for brunch, lunch or evening drinks with pub classics, rotating guest ales and a decent wine list.
The outdoor terrace wrapping around both streets is perfect on a sunny day.
Both Falkner Street and Gambier Terrace have appeared in Peaky Blinders and The Crown.
Liverpool has earned the nickname “Hollywood of the North” and the Georgian Quarter is a big reason why.
Rodney Street: A Street Steeped in Liverpool History
Next is Rodney Street, another Liverpool gem..
Often called the Harley Street of Liverpool, Rodney Street is one of the finest Georgian streets in the city.
The elegant terraced townhouses once belonged to Liverpool’s wealthiest doctors, merchants and politicians.
Look out for the mysterious pyramid tomb in the churchyard of St Andrew’s Church at the top of the street.
Urban legend says that it’s the resting place of a wealthy Victorian gambler who requested to be entombed sitting upright at a card table!
Falkner Square: A Hidden Georgian Garden
One of the prettiest garden squares in Liverpool.
The central gardens have been a public park since 1835 and a lovely spot to sit and soak up the Georgian architecture.
Canning Street: A Favourite With Film & TV Location Scouts
Canning Street is another beautifully preserved Georgian street worth a wander.
The terraced townhouses are some of the finest examples of the period in the city and it’s a favourite with film and TV location scouts.
5. Experience a Concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
As someone who loves Art Deco, I adore this building.
It opened in 1939 and was designed by Liverpool architect Herbert Rowse and it’s packed with period detail.
Check out the etched glass panels in the entrance doors where you’ll find female figures representing musical moods.
And if you explore inside you’ll find gilded Apollo reliefs, sweeping curves and ornamental metalwork typical of the period. Parts of the foyer are said to be inspired by the tomb of Tutankhamun.
I’ve watched many concerts here over the years and the acoustics are outstanding. The tiered seating means there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
The programme covers everything from classical concerts to rock, pop, folk, jazz, comedy, and film screenings. So whatever you’re into, there’s always something on worth catching.
📍 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP
👉 Check listings and book tickets
6. Visit Liverpool Cathedral
The full name is the Cathedral Church of Christ Liverpool. But like most Liverpudlians, I just call it the Anglican Cathedral.
This isn’t just any church. It’s the largest cathedral in England and the fifth largest in the world.
And in my opinion, it stands proudly alongside Europe’s greats.
Its Gothic architecture makes it look centuries old. But building only started in 1904 and finished in 1978.
Giles Gilbert Scott, the same architect who designed the UK’s iconic red telephone boxes, is responsible for its design. It’s packed with remarkable features including:
- The world’s largest working organ with over 10,000 pipes
- The heaviest and highest ringing bells in the world, weighing 16.8 tons and hanging 220 feet high
- Above the main entrance, an illuminated artwork installation by British artist Tracey Emin
Don’t Miss the Cathedral Tower Experience for Panoramic Views
I recommend you don’t skip a visit up the Cathedral tower. The views over Liverpool are breathtaking.
Lifts and ramps take you most of the way. But at the very top you’ll need to climb a few steps, so not accessible to everyone.
📍 St James’ Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ
🎟️ Tower tickets cost £8
7. Explore St. James Mount & Gardens Liverpool
After your visit to the cathedral, head next door to St. James Mount & Gardens.
It’s a sunken green space spread over 10 acres, packed with historical monuments. It became a cemetery in 1829 and is said to be one of the most haunted areas in the UK.
So if you love ghost stories, I recommend joining Tales from the Necropolis — A Ghost Walk Through St. James Cemetery.
Led by lantern light with theatre-trained guides sharing spooky tales from ghostly sightings to vampire lore. Extra fun if you’re visiting around Halloween, especially with teens.
8. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral Liverpool
At the other end of Hope Street sits Liverpool’s other cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.
Known locally as Paddy’s Wigwam, this striking modern cathedral made of concrete and steel is a total contrast to the Anglican Cathedral down the road.
It’s worth stepping inside. The circular design places the altar at the centre of the congregation, and the Lantern Tower above floods the space with the most extraordinary coloured light. It’s actually the largest expanse of coloured glass in the world.
Don’t leave without a look at the Crypt below, which was built over an earlier and far more ambitious design by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
My sister had her university graduation here back in the day and the acoustics were incredible.
📍 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ
9. Have A Pint at The Famous Philharmonic Pub
The Phil, as us locals call it, is one of the most ornate pubs in England.
It was built in 1898 for famous Liverpool brewer Robert Cain and its spectacular interiors are designed in the Art Nouveau style.
The men’s toilets are Grade I listed and famous for their mosaic floors, stained glass, and pink marble urinals. That gives them the same heritage status as Buckingham Palace!
It was a regular hangout for The Beatles. I recommend you stop by for at least a drink.
📍 36 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BX
10. More Georgian Quarter Liverpool Gems Worth Exploring
Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter is bordered to the north by the University of Liverpool and the start of the Knowledge Quarter.
It’s worth heading over that way for a look around while you’re in the area.
I recently explored the Victoria Gallery and Museum for the first time. The collection is on the smaller side but really interesting, spread across about seven galleries focusing on the city’s heritage.
But what strikes you most is the building itself. The architectural details inside are incredible and well worth seeing.
There’s also a decent cafe, the Waterhouse Café, and a museum shop selling some great prints of Liverpool that make a lovely memento of your visit.
📍 Ashton Street, Liverpool L69 3DR Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm) | Free entry
11. Enjoy The Best Places to Eat & Drink in the Georgian Quarter Liverpool
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in the Georgian Quarter, you’re spoiled for choice.
Either side of the Hope Street Hotel are two restaurants I recommend.
The first is The London Carriage House, which offers fine dining with modern British classics made from seasonal produce.
Next door is 1931, an authentic Italian brick oven pizza restaurant with a wide menu including gluten-free and vegan options.
Both restaurants can be accessed from inside the Hope Street Hotel.
For something really special, head to The Art School, named Best Restaurant in Liverpool in 2025. Reservations recommended.
For a cosy drink or pub meal there are plenty of options including The Hope & Anchor on Maryland Street, famous for tasty burgers and local brews, and The Dog & Collar on 60 Hope Street, a traditional cosy pub in a historic building.
But my personal recommendation is The White Hart on Hope Street.
This pub is cosy and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a Charles Dickens novel. It’s crammed with nooks, crannies and rooms. Plus the building is gorgeous.
Where To Stay in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter
If you want to stay in the heart of the Georgian Quarter, I recommend the Hope Street Hotel.
It’s a boutique hotel that’s modern but keeps its historic charm. Right on Hope Street, you have everything on your doorstep – both cathedrals, great restaurants, pubs and theatres all within walking distance.
👉 Check price and availability
For more ideas on where to stay in Liverpool, check out my guide to the best Liverpool hotels.
Getting to Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter is easy to reach.
It’s within walking distance of Liverpool Lime Street Station (25 minutes) and the city centre (15 minutes from Central Station). You can also easily take a bus or taxi to reach the area.
If you’re flying in, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is about a 30 minute drive from the city center.
Final Thoughts: Georgian Quarter Liverpool
The Georgian Quarter is one of those parts of Liverpool that gets better every time you visit.
I’ve been coming here my whole life and I still find something new. If you only have one afternoon in the city, spend it here.
For more Liverpool inspiration, check out:
- Liverpool One Day Itinerary: How To Make The Most of 24 Hours
- Penny Lane Liverpool: Uncover its Secrets, History and Hidden Gems
- Baltic Triangle Liverpool: 7 Best Things to See and Do
Georgian Quarter Liverpool FAQs
Where exactly is the Georgian Quarter in Liverpool?
The Georgian Quarter sits just south of Liverpool city centre, roughly bordered by Hope Street to the west and the University of Liverpool to the north. It’s about a 15 minute walk from Bold Street and easily reachable from Liverpool Lime Street Station.
Is the Georgian Quarter worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful and authentic parts of Liverpool and a world away from the tourist crowds on the waterfront.
How long do you need in the Georgian Quarter?
You could easily spend a full afternoon and evening here. Factor in a cathedral visit, a wander along Hope Street and Falkner Street, and dinner or drinks at one of the local restaurants or pubs.
Is parking available in the Georgian Quarter?
Parking can be tricky, especially at weekends. There are paid parking spots on Knight Street and near Falkner Square. Public transport is a much easier option – Liverpool Central Station is the closest stop but it’s easily accessible from Liverpool Lime Street or by taxi.
Is the Georgian Quarter good for families?
Yes! The cathedrals, gardens, and museums are all family friendly. The St James Cemetery ghost tour is particularly good fun for older kids and teens.
What is Hope Street famous for?
Hope Street is the main thoroughfare through Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter and is famous for connecting Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s also home to the Philharmonic Hall, Everyman Theatre, independent restaurants and historic pubs.
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