Football in Liverpool is famously a divide between the reds and the blues, namely Liverpool FC and Everton FC. It’s fair to say that life in this football-mad city revolves around match days. Liverpool is, in fact, the most successful footballing city in England, with at least 55 league championships shared between the 2 big clubs. 

If you’re coming to Liverpool to watch football or just fancy watching a game during your stay in the city, this is a dedicated guide covering everything you need to know. We've included the best places to eat and drink, as well as fun activities to enjoy before, during, and after a football match.

  • 1

    Anfield Stadium

    Home of Liverpool FC

    Anfield Stadium
    • Families
    • Group
    • History
    • Photo

    Anfield Stadium is the home of Liverpool FC, one of the world's most famous and successful football teams. The mighty Reds have won every major honour in England and Europe. Their fan base covers almost every country in the world.

    The stadium has a capacity of around 54,000 people. It's renowned for how close the spectators are to the pitch. The Main Stand is best for families looking to enjoy a great view of the pitch. For atmosphere, book a seat in the famous Kop, located behind the goals. This is where the vociferous chants and fervent support is best felt.

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    Location: +44 (0)151 260 6677

    Open: Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH, UK

    Map

    photo by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Goodison Park Stadium

    Home of Everton FC

    Goodison Park Stadium
    • Families
    • Group
    • History
    • Photo

    Goodison Park is both the home of Everton FC and a revered football stadium in Liverpool. Built in 1887, it was the first major stadium built in England. With a capacity of around 39,400, it’s not as big as other Premier League stadiums, but the atmosphere is as charged as any other ground in the country.

    If you’re looking to book tickets to watch a game, the best atmosphere is found in the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street Stand behind the goal. Locally known as The Street End, expect loud chanting throughout the game. The Goodison Park football stadium is easy to reach from the city centre. The 2-mile drive usually takes no more than 10 minutes, though expect heavy traffic on match days.

    Location: Goodison Park, Goodison Rd, Liverpool L4 4EL, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)151 556 1878

    Map
  • 3

    Prenton Park

    Home of Tranmere Rovers FC

    Prenton Park
    • Families
    • Group

    Prenton Park is in Birkenhead on the south bank of the River Mersey, a 30-minute drive from Liverpool City Centre. The stadium holds a capacity of around 16,000, with 3 large stands and 1 single-tier stand behind the players’ dugout. 

    Tranmere Rovers FC is the sometimes forgotten third team in Liverpool, playing their football in England’s lower leagues. They might not have the same history as Liverpool’s other clubs, but Tranmere’s supporters are just as loud and proud. Watching a Tranmere Rovers game is significantly cheaper than watching Premier League football so it’s a good option if you’re a football fan travelling to Liverpool on a budget.

    Location: Prenton Park, Birkenhead CH41 2PY, UK

    Map

    photo by Samslipknot (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 4

    Liverpool ONE

    Where to buy football-related jerseys and memorabilia?

    Liverpool ONE
    • Shoppers

    Liverpool ONE is the city’s flagship retail mall that’s anchored by 2 British department stores, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols. Around 170 smaller shops join them, plus a couple of hotels and food outlets.

    One of the best shops in Liverpool ONE for football fans is the flagship LFC store. You’ll find arguably the world's largest stock of Liverpool-themed merchandise in this 2-floor space. For great prices, check out Sports Direct, which stocks shirts from the Premier League team and Liverpool football clubs.

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    Location: 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1512 323100

    Map

    photo by Alex Liivet (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Best pubs for Liverpool FC fans

    Where to go drinking with The Reds?

    Best pubs for Liverpool FC fans
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    If you’re looking for the best pubs in Liverpool on the red side of the city, you have plenty of choices. The Twelfth Man on Welton Breck Road is a short walk from the Anfield football stadium. The atmosphere is electric but it does get incredibly busy with chanting Liverpool fans on match days.

    The Sandon on Oakfield Road is also close to Anfield. This pub is suitable for larger groups, thanks to ample tables both inside and out. Full of history and character, The Sandon was even used as changing rooms for the Liverpool team many years ago, so you can enjoy a drink along with a sense of heritage.

    photo by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

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    Best pubs for Everton FC fans

    Where to go drinking with The Toffeemen

    Best pubs for Everton FC fans
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    For Everton fans looking for a few drinks before a game, The Black Horse on County Road is a great pub to enjoy the matchday atmosphere and mingle with friendly fans.

    The Brick is home to the Everton Lads Foundation. The pub is decked out in blue and white – the official colours of the football team. Both pubs are within walking distance of the Goodison Park football stadium, so you won’t need to worry about transport.

    photo by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 7

    The Museum of Liverpool

    A museum with a whole section dedicated to football

    The Museum of Liverpool
    • History

    The Museum of Liverpool occupies a striking, jagged, postmodern building by Pier Head. Established in 2011, the museum houses over 6,000 objects that tell the tale of Liverpool, its people, and its global importance.

    Exhibits at the Museum of Liverpool are divided into themed zones, from ancient Neolithic settlements to the industrial revolution. Almost everything is on display at the museum, from costume and decorative art to oral testimonies and archaeological finds.

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    Location: Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)151 478 4545

    Map
  • 8

    Football stadium tours in Liverpool

    Get exclusive access to Liverpool's football heritage

    Football stadium tours in Liverpool
    • History

    Everton and Liverpool offer a range of stadium tours for visiting fans. Everton has 2 options: the Goodison Tour takes you on a 60 minute, behind-the-scenes tour of this legendary stadium. You’ll see the players’ changing rooms, hospitality lounges, and come out of the players’ tunnel to the theme tune of Everton. There’s also a premium tour called the Legends Experience, hosted by an ex-pro who will share stories of his time playing at Goodison Park.

    Liverpool FC has 5 different stadium tours at a range of prices. All tours take you on a detailed walk through Anfield, visiting the players’ changing rooms and the impressive trophy room. Considering Liverpool have won every major honour in England and Europe, that alone takes some time. The Legends Q&A Stadium Tour is hosted by an ex-pro.

    photo by Yurificacion (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 9

    Getting in and out of Liverpool

    Liverpool transport options

    Getting in and out of Liverpool

    Liverpool John Lennon Airport

    Originally known as Speke Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was renamed in 2001 in honour of one of the city’s most famous citizens. The airport sits on the north bank of the River Mersey, 7 miles east of the city centre. A taxi to central Liverpool takes around 30 minutes, while a bus ride takes about 45 minutes. 

    Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station

    Liverpool Lime Street is the main railway station in Liverpool. Established in 1836, it is one of the oldest train stations still in use in the UK. Sitting right in Liverpool city centre, this historical train station hosts a good choice of facilities, coffee shops, ATMs and various shops. From here, you can get to your hotel by bus, local train or taxi.

  • 10

    Where should football fans stay in Liverpool?

    Where to book your Liverpool accommodation

    Where should football fans stay in Liverpool?

    Both of Liverpool’s big football teams – Everton FC and Liverpool FC – are in Anfield, almost 4 miles northeast of the city centre. Anfield is the name of a Liverpool neighbourhood and a world-famous football stadium. It’s also the home of Everton’s Goodison Park football stadium. The 2 stadiums are only a few miles apart, separated by Stanley Park. For football fans, staying in Anfield is convenient and a good value for money.

    If you’re looking to combine a bit of sightseeing with a live football match when in Liverpool, look for accommodation around Royal Albert Docks. Here, you’ll find several family-friendly attractions like Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and The Museum of Liverpool.

Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller