Liverpool’s nightlife is packed with all manner of thrills to enjoy after dark. This city is renowned for its fun-loving and, at times, raucous nightlife options. From side-splitting comedy to avant-garde musical venues, Liverpool boasts an eclectic range of evening events for visitors of all types to enjoy. Thanks to a large student population, the streets of Liverpool stay busy late into the night on weekends.

In this article, we will take a look at the best nightlife experiences in Liverpool, with something to satisfy groups, couples, and even families.

  • 1

    Royal Albert Dock

    This complex of former dock buildings pulsates with energy

    Royal Albert Dock
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Royal Albert Dock is a collection of imposing 19th-century brick buildings that form the heart of the city’s waterfront. Home to a collection of restaurants, bars and cafes, this iconic Liverpool location is filled with nightlife opportunities.

    From comedy clubs to cocktail bars to fine dining restaurants, Royal Albert Dock has everything it takes to form an unforgettable night out in Liverpool. In recent years, several exciting independent eateries have taken over the dock area, with taquerias, Thai cafés and Catalan-style tapas bars making for a delicious start to the evening.

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    Location: 3-4 The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA, UK

    Map
  • 2

    Camp and Furnace

    A restored warehouse that’s home to diverse events

    Camp and Furnace
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Camp and Furnace is a sprawling former warehouse located at the heart of Liverpool’s thriving Baltic Triangle area. Hosting a wide variety of events both day and night, locals flock here for Friday night raves, Saturday evening football games and Sunday morning alternative markets.

    Camp and Furnace hosts some of the biggest DJs in the UK and lists a huge selection of music events on its website. For those who come for a more relaxed experience, the food here is notoriously indulgent – think gourmet burgers and cookie dough trays. The cocktails are also renowned as some of the best in town.

    Location: 67 Greenland St, Liverpool L1 0BY, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 082890

    Map

    photo by Rebecca Boardman (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Constellations & The Observatory

    A unique events space, garden, bar and restaurant

    Constellations & The Observatory
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Constellations & The Observatory is one of the many exciting venues that have defined Liverpool’s resurgence in recent times. Located in a former warehouse and recycling yard, this jewel of a space acknowledges both the city’s past and its future.

    Home to musical events, art installations and a quality café/restaurant space, Constellations & The Observatory is a thoroughly modern place to gather and relax in Liverpool. The home-baked cakes and selection of craft beers are the stuff of local legend and should not be missed.

    Location: 35 - 39 Greenland St, Liverpool L1 0BS, UK

    Open: Wednesday–Friday from 5 pm to midnight, Saturday from midday to midnight, Sunday from midday to 9 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1513 456302

    Map

    photo by James Zaremba (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    Hot Water Comedy Club

    Laughs aplenty at this city centre venue

    Hot Water Comedy Club
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    Hot Water Comedy Club has quickly grown to be one of the nation’s most recognisable names in comedy. The brainchild of 2 local brothers, Hot Water is now among Liverpool’s finest comedy clubs, and it’s open every night.

    Featuring both local and international acts, Hot Water Comedy Club offers a true taste of the famous Scouse sense of humour. Most acts are local comedians but there are regular appearances by national and international comedians of considerable fame. On most nights you can turn up and find seats, although for visiting acts you may need to book in advance.

    Location: 45 Hardman St, Liverpool L1 9AS, UK

    Open: Daily from 6 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)7478 699007

    Map
  • 5

    The Arts Club

    This chilled bar doubles as a vibrant music venue

    The Arts Club
    • Nightlife

    The Arts Club is one of Liverpool’s premier venues for live music. Housed in an iconic building that has played host to some of the world’s biggest bands and DJs down the years, the current iteration of the Arts Club is still going strong. 

    Upstairs visitors will find a trendy, relaxed bar area that serves delicious cocktails and craft beers as well as tasty snacks. In the basement, things get altogether edgier in a theatre-like space that showcases artists both established and up and coming. Expect anything from rock to blues to grime at this vibrant city centre venue.

    Location: 90 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BH, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1515 394110

    Map
  • 6

    Invisible Wind Factory

    Culture, music and art in a formerly abandoned factory

    Invisible Wind Factory
    • Nightlife

    Invisible Wind Factory is a self-described ‘cultural theme park of the future’, a place where art, music and just about everything else finds a place to truly flourish in Liverpool. Hosting some of the most cutting-edge musical acts in the world today, Invisible Wind Factory is a must for hip visitors to Liverpool.

    Whether you’re into punk, electro or minimal, there’s bound to be something to satisfy your ears at this eclectic venue. Invisible Wind Factory is a project from the team behind The Kazimier, a legendary city centre venue that closed its doors some years ago yet whose spirit lives on at this unique spot.

    Location: 3 Regent Rd, Liverpool L3 7DS, UK

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +44 (0)1512 363160

    Map
  • 7

    The Empire Theatre

    The grand old dame of Liverpool’s theatre scene

    The Empire Theatre
    • History
    • Nightlife

    Liverpool Empire Theatre is a sight to behold. Since 1925, this huge venue with a capacity of over 2,300 has played host to some of the most iconic bands, plays, shows and comedians of all time. The stunning interior of the theatre is bedecked in classical Louis XVI style and features the largest two-tier auditorium in Britain. 

    A wonderful way to experience Liverpool’s famous nightlife, catching a show at the Empire is not to be missed for visitors to the city. Musicals, plays and tribute acts are all a regular occurrence at this cultural institution – just check their website for listings.

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    Location: Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE

    Phone: +44 844 871 3017

    Map

    photo by Smith & Brown (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    The Pogue Mahone

    Liverpool’s best Irish bar is as authentic as they come

    The Pogue Mahone
    • Nightlife

    The Pogue Mahone has served as a kind of Irish cultural centre in Liverpool for decades, a home away from home for the city’s many Hibernian inhabitants. In fact, you’re just as likely to hear a Cork or Dublin accent in here as you are a Scouse one.

    The Guinness at The Pogue Mahone is rumoured to be the best in the city while the Irish stew is made to a traditional family recipe. With a warm and convivial atmosphere, there is a cosy fireplace, friendly staff and even delicious sourdough pizza on offer. All in all, The Pogue Mahone has everything you could want from a real Irish pub in the centre of Liverpool.

    Location: 77 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BB, UK

    Open: Daily from noon until late

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 085735

    Map

    photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 9

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

    A sparkling venue hosting both classical and modern musical acts

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
    • Nightlife

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic has been at the centre of the city’s cultural identity for over 8 decades. Located in the beautiful Georgian Quarter of Liverpool, the Philharmonic is a must-visit cultural centre for music lovers visiting the city.

    Home to the UK's oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic also plays host to a wide variety of premium comic talent as well as world music acts. The cinema screenings at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic make for an atmospheric start to a cultured evening out in the city’s most refined district, which is home to an array of fine dining establishments.

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    Location: Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 093789

    Map

    photo by Liverpool Philharmonic (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 10

    Mathew Street

    A historic stretch of bars famous for showcasing emerging local bands

    Mathew Street
    • Nightlife

    Mathew Street is famously home to the Cavern Club, where The Beatles and a host of other Liverpudlian acts got their start in the industry. Although undoubtedly a local institution, there is much more to Mathew Street than this. A tourist hotspot in the city, Mathew Street is home to an array of pubs and bars serving cheap drinks that make this part of town ideal for bar-hopping. 

    Head to Rubber Soul for nonstop Beatles tunes and a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, the best Irish pub on Mathew Street is Flanagan’s Apple, perfect for those who like a singalong. Make sure to check out the iconic sculpture by Arthur Dooley on Mathew Street. Called Four Lads Who Shook the World, it’s one of the city’s most photographed sites yet remains easily missed as it's set back against a wall.

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    Location: Mathew Street, Liverpool L2, UK

    Map

    photo by Superchilum (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

James Connolly | Guest Writer