Liverpool is known for its rich musical history being home to absolutely legendary artists like The Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Even well into the modern era, this city is still turning out incredible artists that put on thrilling performances.

Because of this history, Liverpool is home to an extensive array of live music venues. You'll never have to go far to find a live show, but if you want to enjoy the best experience, you'll need to find the best venues. Take a look at the 10 best live music venues in Liverpool.

  • 1

    The Jacaranda

    Visit the home of Merseybeat

    The Jacaranda
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    • History
    • Nightlife

    The Jacaranda is a historic venue in town that is largely responsible for the rise of Merseybeat showcasing popular artists like Rory Storm and The Hurricanes. It was started by Allan Williams, who was the first manager of the Beatles back in their early years.

    When you visit this venue, you'll find a performance here nightly. In the decades since its founding, it has evolved quite a bit, so you won't strictly find Merseybeat sounds on stage. Additionally, this venue functions as a record store and bar. You'll find it a short walk south of Liverpool Central Station.

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    Location: 21-23 Slater St, Liverpool L1 4BW, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 082942

    Map

    photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 2

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

    See a magnificent classical music performance

    Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
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    The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is home to a professional orchestra that's so critically acclaimed and talented that they're one of the few with their own concert hall. Plus, you can also see performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and the Youth Orchestra, among others.

    Every year, you'll find more than 60 concerts, which is more than 1 a week on average. If you're visiting with kids, you may be especially interested in the family concerts held on Sunday afternoons. You'll find this concert hall in between the Knowledge Quarter and the Georgian Quarter.

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

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 093789

    Map

    photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Echo Arena

    See a show in a sports arena

    Echo Arena
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    The M&S Bank Arena is a popular multi-purpose venue that hosts a variety of performances of popular artists that have enough fans to pack the 11,000 seats. It's among the largest venues in the city, so this is where you'll have to go if you want to see big-name artists on tour.

    When you visit this venue, you'll find an experience unlike anything else with easy access to food and drinks. This arena even offers a VIP gin lounge if you're looking to treat yourself before the performance. You'll find the arena right on the waterfront just south of Albert Dock.

    Location: King's Dock, Port of Liverpool, 16 Monarchs Quay, Liverpool L3 4FP, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)3448 000400

    Map
  • 4

    The Cavern

    Explore the cradle of British pop music

    The Cavern
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    • History
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    The Cavern is a popular nightclub that has a long history of hosting local musical legends and still showcases upcoming artists. The Beatles were an essential part of this club's history and you'll even find a statue of John Lennon outside. You'll find it a short walk south of the Moorfields Station.

    Before you visit, there are a few factors you may want to keep in mind. While you'll generally find tables and seating here, there's no way to reserve them in advance. To be safe, expect to be standing the entire event. If you have children with you under the age of 18, you'll need to visit before 8 pm when it turns into an adults-only venue.

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    Location: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE, UK

    Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 11 am to 11 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 11 am to midnight

    Phone: +44 (0)1512 369091

    Map
  • 5

    The Arts Club

    Enjoy a variety of late-night performances

    The Arts Club
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    • Nightlife

    The Arts Club is home to several different types of performances you can enjoy most nights whether you're looking for music, comedy or a nightclub atmosphere. Local and international artists frequent the stage here, so even among a specific kind of show, you'll still find plenty of variety.

    You'll find the club just a short walk south of Liverpool Central Station, so it's easy to get to no matter how you're travelling. You can even find parking at Q Park on Hannover by the Liverpool One shopping centre.

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

    Phone: +44 (0)1515 394110

    Map
  • 6

    24 Kitchen Street

    Discover a venue with something for everyone

    24 Kitchen Street
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    24 Kitchen Street is an independent venue that offers a variety of musical performances in addition to club nights and poetry workshops perfect for creatives. Quite a few musical genres are played here, so you'll find electronic music alongside rock, pop and more.

    Be sure to check out what's on before you visit, as different nights offer notably unique experiences. Sometimes, you won't find any live music at all, and instead you'll be met with exhibitions of local artists and illustrators. You'll find this venue in the Baltic Triangle just south of the city centre.

    Location: 4 Kitchen St, Liverpool L1 0AN, UK

    Open: Friday–Saturday from 9 pm to 4 am (closed Sunday–Thursday)

    Phone: +44 (0)7801 982583

    Map
  • 7

    Zanzibar

    See a rock show

    Zanzibar
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    • Nightlife

    Zanzibar is a popular venue with club nights, but it uniquely focuses on rock and alternative music in contrast with many of the other venues in town. When you visit, you'll be able to see unsigned bands for the most part, but there are exceptions with artists like Noel Gallagher and The Libertines having played there.

    Inside this venue, you'll find room for about 300 people in total along with a dance floor in front of the stage with raised seating sections on either side. You'll find Zanzibar in Ropewalks just south of Liverpool Central Station.

    Location: 43 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4AZ, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 070633

    Map

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  • 8

    O2 Academy

    Visit 2 venues in 1

    O2 Academy
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    O2 Academy is a venue on Hotham Street that features 2 distinct performance areas set up within an old 19th-century warehouse. The first stage holds 1,200 people while the second stage is set up for audiences of up to 500.

    You'll find a wide variety of artists here from local talents to touring international legends. Artists like Paul McCartney and The Killers have graced the stage here among many others. You can see it all for yourself just north of the Lime Street Station.

    Location: 11-13 Hotham St, Liverpool L3 5UF, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 073200

    Map

    photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 9

    The Olympia

    Check out a historic century-old venue

    The Olympia
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    • History
    • Nightlife

    The Olympia is an impressive venue that hosts live music in addition to dance showcases, sports, and comedic performances all within a building dating back to 1905. When you visit, you can enjoy a concert hall experience with regal decor and a massive auditorium area.

    Thanks to the wide variety of shows played here, you'll find several family-friendly events on their calendar. Just keep in mind that anyone under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, all events after 11 pm are adults only. You'll find this venue east of the city centre on the north side of Kensington.

    Location: W Derby Rd, Liverpool L6 9BY, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1512 636633

    Map

    photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 10

    Leaf

    Relax at a laid back venue

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    • Nightlife

    Leaf is a teahouse and cafe that comes complete with a stage that lets you enjoy more easy-going music, though you'll still find popular genres among the artists. The main stage here can feel a little different from a standard live concert venue, but you'll also find an acoustic stage in a more intimate setting.

    You'll find Leaf in the Ropewalks area, so it's close to much of the other prominent venues in the city. You can easily walk to it by heading southeast from the Liverpool Central Station.

    Location: 65-67 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EZ, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 10.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to midnight, Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1517 077747

    Map