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11 Best Liverpool Walking Tours (2024 Guide)

• September 19, 2023

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Whether it’s your first time in Liverpool, or you’ve lived here all your life, you’ll be surprised by just how much you’ll learn when you join one of the many wonderful Liverpool walking tours.

I have been on a Liverpool walking tour , as well as countless walking tours in other cities all over the world, so I know a thing or two about what makes one worth booking!

In a hurry, and just want to know what my top overall pick is? No worries – it’s this one:

Top Pick: Liverpool Walking Tour > A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour 5/5 Rating, 1 hour 50 minutes. BOOK HERE!

Want your walking tour to have more of a Beatles focus? Then this is my top pick:

Top Pick: Liverpool Beatles Walking Tour > Liverpool Beatles Famous Walking Tour of Liverpool 5/5 Rating, 2 hours 15. BOOK HERE!

During one of my first trips to Liverpool as a teenager I joined a Liverpool history walking tour and it was the best introduction I could ask for to the city.

Not only did it help me orientate myself in Liverpool, but I also got a great overview of all the many things Liverpool is famous for, and what makes the city so great.

Yeah… If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a big fan of Liverpool guided walks!

I’ve split this post out into general Liverpool walking tours, Beatles walking tours, private walking tours, and ghost walking tours, so that you can easily skip to the section you’re most interested in.

Not able to walk, or would prefer to see more attractions in the same amount of time? Then head over to my post on the best Liverpool bus tours !

Okay, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Best Liverpool Walking Tours

1. a walk through time: history of liverpool walking tour.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 50  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

This is one of the top-rated walking tours of Liverpool , and with over 490 5-star reviews, I can’t argue with that!

Meeting at the dazzling Pier Head, you’ll take a stroll along Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront and docks system before winding into the city centre, learning all about Liverpool’s long history with every step.

This is the perfect tour for you if you want to know about the history of the city in, like, real history terms. No Beatles, no football – just traditional city history and Liverpool facts . 

Along the way, you’ll check off bucket list destinations like the Royal Liver Building, Royal Albert Dock, and a few hidden gems like the very first wet dock on the planet – a place few tourists know about.

This tour is ideal whether you’re visiting Liverpool for the first time or already know a bit about the city but want to learn more. You’ll definitely learn a thing or two!

Click here to book your place!

2. Liverpool Guided Walking History & Culture Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 15  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Want to go beyond the guidebook and learn about Liverpool through the eyes of local stories? Then you won’t want to miss this Liverpool history and culture tour . 

Sure, it covers everything you’d want to see on a Liverpool walking tour – the Royal Albert Dock, the Beatles Statue , and the Cavern Club, to name just a few, but you’ll also get to hear personal stories that you’d only hear on the ground in Liverpool. 

Your guide’s perspective will really bring the city to life – including a few rarely-heard stories about the Beatles’ time in Liverpool ! 

Oh, and you’ll also get their top recommendations for the best photo spots in the city – perfect for Instagrammers, or just those of us who want a few awesome mementos to take home from our trips to Liverpool (and who doesn’t?).

3. Liverpool Music Icons Tour with 90s Band “The Farm”

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

We all know that Liverpool is world-famous for its live music scene, so why not go all-in and explore Liverpool guided by somebody who has seen and lived that scene first-hand?

On this guided music tour of Liverpool , you’ll explore the city through the eyes of your guide – one of the members of the hit 90s Liverpool band The Farm.

Okay, okay… if you’re a Gen Zer like me you may never have heard of them, but I’ve heard from people who should know that they were a big deal back in the day!

On the tour, you’ll visit little-known places firmly off the tourist trail and hear stories not available anywhere else. You’ll also check out some of the most iconic gig venues, recording studios and musician hangout spots in the world!

The tour, which lasts a whopping 2.5 hours (so you can be sure you’re covering all of the good stuff) is also limited to 12 guests, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask your host questions throughout.

Oh, and the tour wraps up with a drink (included in your ticket) at one of your guide’s favourite pubs so that you can ask them as many questions as you like!

4. Liverpool Guided City Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Is there anything quite like wandering the historic streets of Liverpool? Especially when you’re following in the footsteps of a true local!

This tour is the perfect one for first-timers to Liverpool since you’ll cover a bit of everything – the city’s mind-boggling history, the origins of the Beatles , and some of the most impressive landmarks .

Of course, you’ll take a breather to admire the gorgeous views from Liverpool’s waterfront.

Your guide is a genuine scouser who will lead the way, guaranteeing that unmistakable Liverpool wit and an insider’s glimpse into what life in Liverpool is really like.

5. Liverpool City & Cavern Quarter Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Want to go in-depth? Of course you do – what’s the point in only scratching the surface, right? Then look no further than this City and Cavern Quarter walking tour . 

Lasting two hours, this is one of the longest Liverpool city tours on the market, so you’ll get to cover even more history and landmarks than on other tours.

Unlike many Liverpool walking tours that spend the majority of the time near the Albert Dock, this tour focuses on the famous streets of Liverpool city centre and the Cavern Quarter – the boisterous area where you’ll find the majority of Liverpool’s live music scene.

This is also one of the best walking tours of Liverpool if you’re on a budget. That’s because your ticket includes a whole host of self guided walking tours you can access via your phone to continue exploring Liverpool once the tour is over.

6. Half-Day Welcome to Liverpool Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

This two-hour walking tour of Liverpool is the full-monty when it comes to exploring the city. With two hours to spend exploring its top hits, by the end you’ll know your way around Liverpool’s most famous streets like a pro.

Taking in both iconic and lesser-known sights, you’ll wander along Hope Street, home to Liverpool’s two cathedrals, before stopping at a few Peaky Blinders filming locations (that’ll make you feel like it’s still the early 20th century).

Then, you’ll check out the Bombed-Out Church, before heading to the place where two of The Beatles went to school. 

You’ll get to see a little bit of everything!

Best Private Liverpool Walking Tours

7. liverpool private city highlights walking tour.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Want to explore the best that Liverpool has to offer without having to join a bunch of strangers? Then this private walking tour of the city’s highlights will tick all of your boxes!

On this exclusive private tour, your local scouser guide is yours for a full three hours, so you can ask all the questions you want, and tailor the route to the sights and topics you’re most interested in.

Another perk of taking a private tour? You can go at whatever pace works best for you – whether that be lightning-speed or slow and steady.

From the iconic Royal Liver Building to the Cavern Club, the Royal Albert Dock and a few hidden landmarks created by the Blitz, you’ll check out some of the most epic places in Liverpool, accompanied by scouse humour, local anecdotes, and a whole host of insider secrets.

Best Liverpool Beatles Walking Tours

8. liverpool beatles famous walking tour of liverpool.

If your main reason for visiting Liverpool is the Fab Four, or even if you’re just a casual fan, you’re going to love this comprehensive Beatles walking tour of Liverpool. 

After all, there are so many Beatles sights in the city that you’ll need a dedicated Beatles walking tour just to scratch the surface!

On this Beatles extravaganza, you’ll cover all of the city centre highlights in Beatles history, including the Cavern Club, the first Beatles-themed hotel in the world (and one of my top picks if you’re looking for a hotel room with a balcony in the city, the Beatles statue, and the Eleanor Rigby statue.

And, of course, the whole journey will be accompanied by insider stories about the boys’ years in Liverpool, their impact on the city, and the mischievous antics they used to get up to.

9. Liverpool Beatles and Cavern Quarter Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

On this Beatles-influenced walking tour , you’ll learn all about Liverpool’s working-class roots, and how these influenced the greatest band that ever lived. This walking tour is ideal for Beatlemaniacs.

You’ll pass St George’s Hall, where the opening scene of Nowhere Boy, the John Lennon biopic, was filmed, as well as Mathew Street, home to numerous venues the Beatles played at, the Eleanor Rigby Statue.

Then, you’ll head to The Beatles Story museum , and the Museum of Liverpool, where you can find all manner of Beatles artefacts and memorabilia on display. The Museum of Liverpool is free , and you won’t want to miss it!

Oh, and dogs are allowed (and even welcome) on this tour, so if your four-legged friend also loves The Beatles, this walking tour is the obvious choice.

10. Liverpool Beatles Highlights Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Are you ready to travel back in time to 1960s Liverpool on a whirlwind Beatles adventure? Then lace up your trainers and join this 90-minute Beatles walking tour of Liverpool – perfect if you’re in a time crunch.

On this short but sweet tour, you’ll wander through Liverpool to check out the very best Beatles attractions in the city, from the Beatles Statue, where you’ll have time to pose for a photo, to the iconic Cavern Club.

Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by fascinating local stories of the Fab Four, including tales of the band’s time performing almost nightly at the Cavern Club.

This is the perfect Liverpool Beatles walking tour if you want to get a quick overview of the city and the Beatles’ history but don’t have a lot of time to spare.

11. Liverpool Ghosts Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30  | 🎸 BOOK NOW!

Ready to be spooked? Then I have a Liverpool walking tour that’s slightly different – this ghost walking tour!

Taking in some of Liverpool’s spookiest and most haunted locations, this comedy ghost tour will take you on a hilarious yet terrifying journey. You’ll be thankful to make it out alive!

Walking along the most haunted street in Northern England, learning about Liverpool’s grisly history of body snatching, and visiting the grave of over 58,000 souls are just a few of the thrills in store for you on this tour.

Whether you’re visiting Liverpool at Halloween, or just enjoy a good scare, you’re bound to love this ghostly walking tour!

Curious about more Liverpool ghost tours? No worries – you can check out my full list of recommendations here !

FAQs About the Best Liverpool Walking Tours

Can you walk around liverpool city centre.

Yes, you can walk around Liverpool city centre. It is a compact city that is easy to navigate by foot. There are many pedestrianised streets and walkways, and the majority of the city’s top attractions are all within a 15-minute walk from one another.

What to do in Liverpool walking?

When walking in Liverpool, there are several must-visit attractions. Take a stroll along the historic Albert Dock, explore the buzzing streets of the city centre, and check out the stunning architecture of the iconic Liver Building. Enjoy the beautiful parks, and waterfront views that Liverpool has to offer.

How to find a free walking tour?

To find a free walking tour of any city, the best place to start is online. By searching for the name of the city you’re visiting and the words “free walking tour” you’ll almost always come across a few suggestions for free walking tours you can join. Some require you to sign up in advance, and others allow you to just turn up on the day.

Is Liverpool a walkable city?

Yes, Liverpool is a very walkable city. With its compact city centre and numerous pedestrian-friendly streets, exploring Liverpool on foot is a great option. Many of the city’s popular attractions, such as the Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, and the iconic waterfront, are within walking distance of each other.

Is one day enough for Liverpool?

While one day in Liverpool will provide a glimpse of the city’s highlights, it won’t be enough to fully explore everything it has to offer. To make the most of your visit, prioritise must-see attractions like the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story, and the historic waterfront. However, if you have the flexibility, consider extending your stay.

Do any Liverpool walking tours visit Penny Lane?

Unfortunately, since Penny Lane, arguably the most famous Beatles street in Liverpool , is outside of the city centre, there are no Liverpool walking tours that currently include a trip there in their itineraries. To visit Penny Lane on a guided tour, you’ll have to join a Beatles taxi tour or the Magical Mystery Tour .

Final Thoughts: Best Guided Liverpool Walking Tours

There’s no doubt about it – if you haven’t found your perfect walking tour of Liverpool by now, you never will. Liverpool is SO worth visiting , and a walking tour is the best way to get to know the city.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably booked three or four of them by now! 

I get it, it’s hard to choose just one when the options are so good…

Want to expand your knowledge of Liverpool? Then you should head on over to my roundup of the best Liverpool Beatles tours and my in-depth review of one of the most popular tours in the city – the Magical Mystery Tour !

See you next time!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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LIVERPOOL WALKING TOURS

Incl. chester & manchester, highly acclaimed tours & services, local guides who love what they do, walking tours for individuals & groups, support local businesses & artisans, multi-lingual local tourist guides, book cruise shore excursions, award-winning tours, add shore excursions, flexible cancellations, covid-19 safe, multi-lingual tour guides, entry fees included.

FLEXIBLE LIVERPOOL SIGHTSEEING TOUR PASSES

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LIVERPOOL BEATLES WALKING TOUR

• 1.5 - 2.5 HOURS

THE OFFICIAL LIVERPOOL TRUE CRIME TOUR

• 2 HOURS / EVENING TOUR

LIVERPOOL HIGHLIGHTS PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

THE ORIGINAL LIVERPOOL PUB TOUR

SHIVERY LIVERPOOL GHOST WALKING TOUR

• 1.5 HOURS / EVENING TOUR

CITY CENTRE LIVERPOOL CYCLING TOUR

Manchester PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

CITY OF CHESTER PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

A liverpool walking tour is the easiest way to explore the city.

If you are looking for a great introduction to Liverpool then our guided 2 hour Liverpool walking tour is the perfect tour for you!

Gain insight into the city’s history, rich heritage & culture! Our experienced and passionate guides will want to make each tour interesting, memorable and fun!

See landmark building, meet the Fab 4 and hear some fascinating stores about The Beatles and musical history of the city during this Liverpool walking tour.

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Best things to see and do in Liverpool

Known internationally as the home of the musical group the Beatles, Liverpool is a city with a tough, industrial heritage that gives a warm welcome to tourists from all over the world. Located in western England, it is the eighth-largest metropolis and an influential port for the entire country. Since the Industrial Revolution, it has been a cosmopolitan center for trade and cultural exchange and now is your opportunity to visit and discover why it is such a characteristic British city. 

If you would like to learn more about this popular travel destination, you should consider doing a free walking tour with a local guide. This is a new trend that lets travelers connect with tour guides who live there who can orient and inform travelers so they get the most out of their holidays. In Liverpool, you can visit some of the most popular places like the Cathedral, the Anfield Football Stadium, see the views at Radio City Tower. or see the Royal Liver Building which got the city UNESCO World Heritage Status. Along with these emblematic sites, check out the lesser-known gems there like the Cavern Club and The Beatles Story, Sefton Park, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Bluecoat Chambers, or check out the tallest skyscraper, West Tower. 

All of the tours available on the GuruWalk platform, have been evaluated by other users like you. They have left their rating on both the tour route and the guide so you can see which tour is best for you. Apart from having different languages, the tours also take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening so you can find the best one for your schedule. Other cities where you can also do a guided tour are London, Cork or Glasgow.

Free walking tour near Liverpool

Others cities to visit after liverpool, find other guruwalks in liverpool, where are you traveling to.

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Explore The City With These Walking Tours

Get your steps in and explore Liverpool in a whole new light with these walking tours.

1. The Liver Bird Safari

If you’re looking for an alternative way to discover the history of Liverpool and the famous Liver Birds, then look no further than the Liver Bird Safari . Aside from the famous Liver Bird Building there’s over 100 Liver Birds in the city, embedded in the architecture. On this two hour walking tour you’ll discover plenty of the lesser known Liver Birds and their history.

2.  Liverpool Slavery Walking Tour

Historian and writer Laurence Westgaph runs regular walking tours where you can find out about the city’s slavery history. The tours start at St George’s Hall Plateau and will take you across historical city centre locations. Sign up to one of Laurence’s tours here .

3. Reel Tours – Film & TV Location Tour

Liverpool is the most filmed city in Europe, outside London, so you can imagine there’s a plethora of tv and film shooting locations dotted across the city centre. That’s where Gary Lunt of Reel Tours comes in. Gary is the city’s film buff, who will take you on a guided tour of some fascinating film locations, parting with film trivia along the way. Check out Gary’s local film knowledge here .

4. Shiverpool Historic Ghost Walks

The multi-award winning Shiverpool Ghost Tours are one of the best ways to spend an evening exploring Liverpool. Shiverpool’s hilarious street theatre ghost tours are super fun and packed full of history and interesting stories about the city.

5. Mersey Tunnel Tour

Did you know you can tour the Queensway Mersey Tunnel ? You’ll learn about the construction of the tunnel, visit the original control room, see giant ventilation fans in action and go down to watch the traffic in the tunnel, deep below the city streets.​ You will also find out which Hollywood movies the tunnel has featured in.

6. The Old Dock Tour

Discover the origin of Liverpool’s fortune, buried underneath Liverpool ONE with the Old Dock Tour . Revealed during excavations on the site in 2001, the story of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock is explored on this guided tour.

7. Silent Adventures

If you’re looking for something a little bit different then Silent Adventure s offer a unique and unforgettable walking tour around Liverpool city centre. Take a guided walk around the streets, which will soon escalate into a silent disco flash mob, with you at the heart of it. Also, did you know they offer a festive Silent Disco tour around the tinsel-swept streets of Liverpool?  Check it out here!

8. Heritage, History and Culture Guided Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and colourful city of Liverpool with this Heritage, History and Culture Walking Tour ! This tour showcases both historic and contemporary architecture, and brings the history of the city to life through personal stories and anecdotes.

9. The Beatles Fully Guided Walking Tour

The Beatles Walking Tour is perfect for music and Beatles fans alike. The tour showcases the history and musical culture of Liverpool as your tour guide shares fascinating stories that create a fun, interesting and memorable tour.

10. Liverpool Cycling Tour

Enjoy Liverpool in a way only a cycling tour of the city can offer and join us on the award-winning Liverpool Cycle Tours who offer something for everyone, be it their Beatles Tour or their Walking and Drinking Tour, they have it all covered. Not a cyclist? No problem they also have electric motor assisted bikes.

To find out what else you can get up to in Liverpool visit our What’s On section.

Keep in touch

We run daily tours along with limited edition tours throughout the year that depart from the city centre and the cruise terminal.

 In addition we organise private and bespoke tours for groups of any size including for schools and colleges, corporate groups, families and friends celebrating and special interest groups too.

Liverpool History, Heritage and Culture

Walking tour 2+ hours.

If you are looking for a great introduction to Liverpool then this fully guided 2 hour walking tour is the perfect tour for you,

You will learn about the history, rich heritage & culture of this famous city, and see the iconic landmarks. Our experienced and passionate local guides will want to make each tour interesting, memorable and fun and will share many fascinating and personal stories along the way.

No visit to Liverpool is complete without meeting the Fab Four. On this tour you will also hear some fascinating stores about The Beatles and musical history of the city.

Availability: Monday-Sunday

Timings: Tours are between 2 hours &  2 hours 30 mins; 

Start at 10.30am, 2pm *

* please contact us if you require a different start time

£19 Adult/Over 16's

£6 per person (under 16's)

Infants free

Meeting point: The departure point will be outside the front gates of the Bluecoat building (which is now an art centre) 8 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX. Your guide will meet you there and will be wearing purple! 

The Beatles Liverpool Walking Tour

Liverpool is forever entwined in The Beatles story. This walking tour is perfect for music and Beatles fans alike.

Our experienced and expert local guides are passionate about their city, music and of course the Fab Four.

Our guides want to make each tour fun, interesting and memorable for everyone. They will share with you, personal stories and fascinating stories, that will really bring to life the history and musical culture of Liverpool.

Timings: Tours are between 2  hours & 2 hours 30 mins.

£19 Adult/ Over 16's

 Meeting point: The departure point will be outside the front gates of the Bluecoat building (which is now an art centre) 8 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX. Your guide will meet you there and will be wearing purple! 

The Beatles Bespoke & Early Years

Music is entwined with the history and culture of Liverpool with The Beatles being at the heart of any musical story about the city.

We offer a unique The Beatles- early years tour, which will take you back to the start of the journey.. You will walk in their  footsteps, see where they grew and visit some of the inspirational locations that are part of The Beatles story including Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and the childhood homes *   (*entry into the Childhood homes is not included and bookable separately via the National Trust)

Private &

 liverpool tours.

Walking tours are a great way of getting together with friends, getting to know your work team better or celebrating a special occasion, a Hen Night or Stag Party. We can adapt our tours to suit your needs.

Just contact us so we can arrange the ideal tour for you.

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Liverpool Famous Walking Tours Ltd

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Walkie Talkie Tours

Liverpool walking tours.

Dear Visitor,

PROUD and PASSIONATE about LIVERPOOL.

PROUD to announce that we are the holder of TRIPADVISOR’S CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

So welcome to Liverpool – voted one of the top three cities in the world to visit by the Rough Guide 2014 and also the friendliest city in the UK according to a recent YouGov poll. So come on in and make yourself at home!

Liverpool is famous for so much that it will gobsmack you and what better way is there of introducing yourself to our city than to book one of our Walking tours?  Our guides at Walkie Talkie Tours truly love the city and cannot wait to demonstrate their expert local knowledge of the who, where, what and when in Liverpool and all of this can only help you get to know Liverpool as the truly amazing city that it is. Our Walking tours are ideal for individuals, groups and corporate visitors and on them you will see, hear and learn about our history, culture, World famous people and sites.

So, all that remains is for me to welcome you to our home and to say we look forward to seeing you on one of our Walking tours!

Rob and Team. [email protected] 07847471698

PLEASE NOTE: Participation in tours promoted by WalkieTalkieTours Ltd. is strictly on a voluntary basis. WalkieTalkieTours Ltd, or its guides will not be held responsible in any way for injuries to body and/or property incurred during tours and/or using this service. Tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Please come prepared for walking and the weather. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Thank you.

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LIVERPOOL

Free Tour of Liverpool

Book the original Liverpool free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local g ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Liverpool with a passionate local guide

Liverpool is known for its contemporary art scene, its music exports (including the legendary Beatles), and its infamous place in history as the UK’s most bombed city in World World II. We help you see this remarkable city through the eyes of Liverpool’s best local tour guides.

The original gratuity-based Free Tour  covers many of Liverpool’s top attractions, including the Museum of Liverpool, the Town Hall, St John’s Gardens, the Victoria Monument and much more. After you’ve got the overview with the gratuity-based free walking tour, delve deeper with us!

On the  Beatles to the Blitz Tour , you will discover the Liverpool that helped define the 20th Century, from its vital role in WWII, to the home of the Beatles in the Swinging Sixties. Visit the bombed out church, as well as the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals (commonly referred to by locals as “the two cathedrals”), and see Liverpool as the Beatles saw it.

One thing’s for sure; the top things to do and see in Liverpool can all be found on a SANDEMANs tour!

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Liverpool is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English and Spanish, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Liverpool’s best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the gratuity-based Free Tour, in Liverpool you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

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Things to do in Liverpool

Ready to start exploring Liverpool? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Liverpool

The best places to eat in Liverpool

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Liverpool recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from traditional beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Liverpool

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Liverpool

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Liverpool Walking Tours

This post provides details about the best free walking tours in Liverpool which cover notable sites in the city as well as the history of how the Beatles got their start.

• Overview + Schedule
• Beatles History Tours
• Liverpool History Tours
• Movie/Entertainment Tours
• Food Tours + Pub Crawls
• Other Cities in Europe

OVERVIEW + SCHEDULE

There are a lot of tours available in Liverpool, including some that won’t cost you a thing to enjoy.

Since this is the home of the Beatles, you can expect a majority of these outings to focus on this famous rock band.

There are also tours that go into the overarching history of Liverpool, including some that provide details about the most beautiful religious sites and others revealing the most important locations tied to the American Civil War.

The tours listed below is operated through us. The calendar below lists additional options.

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Additional Tour Options

Alternatively, you may also want to consider taking a food tour or pub crawl to find some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

Free guided tours run on a pay-what-you-like basis. There is no set fee per tour, but you can pay the guide what you think the walk was worth at the end. 

This means these walks are very popular and affordable – which tends to attract larger crowds. 

Liverpool was built up as a trading port, thanks to its access to the Irish Sea and the mouth of a major river.

The free tours will keep you within easy walking distance of the docks since the history of the city is based on maritime activity.

Luckily, several of the major Beatles sites are also close to the docks. 

For travelers who want to ensure an experience with smaller groups of people or one that focuses on a specific theme, we recommend paid small-group tours .

TIP : Take the popular hop-on-hop-off bus tour through Liverpool to cover more ground with a narrated audio guide.

BEATLES TOURS

The Beatles are one of the most popular rock bands of all time, and they actually got their start in Liverpool. 

If you’ve ever wanted to see some of the locations that played an important role in the history of this band, there are some free walking tours you can take that cover this subject.

You can expect to see the following sites on these tours:

• John Lennon’s Home
• Paul McCartney’s Home
• Ringo Starr’s Birthplace
• Hard Days Night Hotel
• Eleanor Rigby Statue
• Beatles Statues

For help finding these landmarks and learning more about them, consider taking one of the free walking tours listed below.

KR Liverpool

This tour focuses entirely on the history of the Beatles and the most famous locations tied to the Fab Four.

You'll visit not only historic locations like the Cavern Club and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts but also see statues erected in their honor!

The outing is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long, and it's available daily at 2 pm. This service is pay-what-you-wish, so you only have to pay what you think the tour was worth!

Learn more or book this tour .

Magical Musical Liverpool & Beatles Tour

This is actually two tours in one.

The first part of the tour is more of a historical outing that covers some of the most notable locations in the city, including a few sites related to the Beatles.

The second half of this tour is all about the Fab Four, but it isn’t free – you’ll have to pay for this part of the service.

If you’re interested in learning more about how this historic band got its start, this is an excellent opportunity.

You can take this 2 ½ hour tour on Tuesday and Wednesday at either 10:30 am or 15:00 (3 pm).

Alternatively, this outing is also available on Thursday at 11 am and 15:00 (3 pm) or on Sunday at 14:00 (2 pm).

Book this tour or learn more .

Additional Beatles Tours

Most of the Beatles tours in Liverpool require a ticket.

Depending on which service you choose, you may also have the opportunity to visit the Beatles Story exhibition.

If you’re looking for even more options, make sure to check this list of Beatles tours .

LIVERPOOL HISTORY TOURS

Discover the most historic areas of Liverpool on one of these free walking tours of the city.

Learn about centuries of history stretching from the 17th century to more modern times.

These outings focus primarily on notable buildings, structures, and even world heritage sites, but they may also cover a few famous locations tied to the Beatles.

While on a Liverpool history tour, you can expect to make stops at some of the following landmarks:

• St. George’s Hall
• Royal Albert Dock
• Port of Liverpool
• Cunard Building
• Royal Liver Building
• Liverpool Town Hall
• St. John’s Gardens

If you want to learn more about historic sites such as these, look into one of the free walking tours we have listed below.

If you're looking for a Liverpool history tour that covers more modern subjects as well, this is an excellent alternative to some of the other options on our list.

In addition to sites such as Liverpool Castle and Royal Albert Dock, this outing also covers the Castle Quarter, Royal Albert Dock, and the history of the Titanic.

This tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, and it is available daily at 10:30 am.

Learn more or book the tour .

Sandemans New Europe

This free walking tour of Liverpool begins right in front of St. George’s Hall and runs for approximately 3 hours.

You’ll learn how Liverpool began as a major trade port and how the city recovered after the Blitz during WWII. Of course, the Beatles’ history will be included! 

Tours start daily at 11:00 am, with a second tour on Saturdays at 15:00 (3:00 pm). All tour times offer English and Spanish guides.

Book the tour or learn more .

MOVIE/ENTERTAINMENT TOURS

In addition to all of the historic Beatles sites you can visit in Liverpool, this city has also served as a filming location for several popular movies throughout the years.

There is at least one free walking tour that explores some of these areas, so if you’re interested in learning more about how this city became such a popular place for making movies, this is an excellent opportunity.

Here are a few of the more notable filming locations you can expect to see on this outing:

• Harry Potter
• Peaky Blinders
• Downton Abbey
• Fast and the Furious
• Across the Universe

See the most famous sites where movies have been shot in Liverpool on one of the walking tours listed below.

A majority of tours focusing on former filming locations and the history of entertainment in Liverpool are not free to take, but there are many other services you may want to consider regardless.

These tours tend to focus more on a specific television show or movie rather than providing an overarching look at several notable sites.

If you’re interested in that type of outing, make sure to check this list of Liverpool filming location tours .

FOOD TOURS AND PUB CRAWLS

There are a lot of great places to grab a bite to eat in Liverpool, as well as several wonderful pubs where you can get a drink. 

If you’re looking for help finding the best restaurants and bars, there are at least a few self-guided tours you may want to consider.

These outings won’t cost a thing to enjoy with the exception of however much you decide to spend on food at each of the locations you will visit.

While some include a GPS map to help you get from one site to the next, others are simply written guides that provide information about the best places to enjoy a meal in Liverpool. 

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

LIVERPOOL WALKING TOURS

Discover liverpool with a local guide.

Discover Liverpool through a local’s eyes. ​​From The Beatles to the harbour, come and explore the land of the Scouser’s with us. Don’t miss out on an experience that will show you a brand new side to Liverpool you wouldn’t discover anywhere else. 

Your expert, local guide can’t wait to show you around our wonderful city. You can now book until the end of 2024!

• LIVERPOOL'S MOST POPULAR!

LIVERPOOL WITH A LOCAL: WALKING TOUR

Get your bearings and discover Liverpool through a Scouser’s eyes, with a local, expert guide. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city. Book now!

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• Hour Glass 1 Hour 30 Minutes

PRIVATE TOURS

Explore Liverpool the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our wonderful city. With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximize your time with a private tour (or two)! We don’t just offer your standard history tours, we have unique experiences too! You can book any day from now until the end of 2024.

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PRIVATE LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE WALKING TOUR

Get your bearings and discover Liverpool on an exclusive private tour with your own local, expert sight. On this tour, see the key sights of the city centre, uncovering our rich history and culture.

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

PRIVATE LIVERPOOL CITY 3-HOUR TOUR

On our extended tour route, see everything there is to see in Liverpool. Additions include Liverpool Cathedral, the Bombed Out Church and Chinatown.

PRIVATE LIVERPOOL'S DARK SIDE TOUR

Do something spooktacular in Liverpool on this special Private Dark Side Tour! In the safe hands of guide Dan, walk the spine-tingling streets of Liverpool in the dark, discovering the real gruesome history of our beloved city. Book today!

DISCOVER LIVERPOOL THROUGH A LOCAL'S EYES ★★★★★

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• Destinations

Free tours in Liverpool

• Tours in Liverpool

Tours in Liverpool: Vibrant Beat of Music City with FREETOUR.com

Have you already booked your tickets to Liverpool? That’s a great idea because this old English city won’t leave even the most demanding tourists cold. Being the home to the Beatles, this city will warmly welcome tourists from all over the globe. However, before you arrive, don’t forget to book one of our free Liverpool walking tours! Our friendly guides will help you immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere, learn more about its culture, and experience its vibrant atmosphere! 

Explore the Charming Neighborhoods of Liverpool

When searching online, you can find numerous Liverpool tours, but sometimes, choosing the one that fits your traveling schedule takes a lot of work. A lot depends on how long you stay in this city and what landmarks you want to see. On our website, you can book walking tours in Liverpool and make your journey more engaging. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular Liverpool walking tours.

Free Liverpool Walking Tour - English and Spanish

This tour is available in two languages, English and Spanish. The meeting point is near the Walker Art Gallery. Our friendly guides will tell you more about Liverpool's early history, and you’ll find out how it grew into a big metropolis. After that, we’ll go to the Cavern Quarter, the most bustling part of the city, where you’ll hear many interesting stories about the Beatles. Beyond this, you’ll also see the Pier Head and the Royal Albert Dock.

What’s more, you’ll also discover what is common between Liverpool and the Titanic. We will finish our exciting walk at the place where the First Wet dock was built. This tour starts at 10.30 am every day. Book it immediately if you want to spend quality time in this city because it’s one of the best Liverpool free walking tours available on our website!

Liverpool Beatles Guided Car Tour includes Penny Lane Strawberry Field

Liverpool has many fantastic places, but more often than not, people choose walking tours in Liverpool to find out more about the Beatles. We invite you to visit the heart of Liverpool with our exclusive Private Beatles Experience Tour. You’ll see the city center, Brian Epstein’s birthplace, the Beatles Schools & colleges, and even the pubs where the singers liked to spend time. After that, we’ll go to the south of the city to see the childhood homes of the singers, Strawberry Field Gates, and St Peter’s Church. It’s one of the most exciting Liverpool walking tours that will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting impression!

Liverpool Imperial (Cathedral's Tour)

This city is also famous for its old buildings and beautiful architecture. Moreover, in 2008, it was granted the capital of culture. Our journey begins near the Chinese Arch, where our guides will tell you more about Chinatown, one of the most picturesque districts of the city. You will also see the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. After that, we’ll go to the Bombed Out Church; our local guides will tell you more about this place, so you will immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the past while discovering the architectural gems that define this extraordinary city.

Practical Information: Tour Schedules, Meeting Points, and Booking Details

When you finally choose the ​​Liverpool city tour and plan your vacation there, you must ensure you have all the practical information necessary to make the most of your experience. On our website, you can find a wide array of Liverpool walking tours with varying schedules to accommodate different preferences. You can find the duration, information about meeting points, and other booking details in the descriptions of each tour. 

Our tours in Liverpool have a designated meeting point where you'll start your journey with your knowledgeable guide. It is usually a central and easily accessible location. However, you need to ensure you arrive on time. If your plans are changed and you realize that you can’t join the tour, you should better cancel it in advance on our website. So, wear comfortable shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and get ready for a walk around Liverpool!

Book Your Unforgettable Free Walking Tour in Liverpool Today!

Do you know that Liverpool hosts the most museums in the UK after London? Have you ever heard of Europe's oldest Chinatown, which is also located in Liverpool? It’s the city of legends, music, and history waiting to be explored, and with our Liverpool guided tours, you can experience its vibrant atmosphere. You’ll immerse yourself in its rich history, walk around its lively streets, and taste traditional English cuisine. Our professional guides will do their best to make your experience informative, engaging, and unforgettable. So, book your Liverpool walking tours immediately and prepare for an incredible adventure!

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Masters Rookie Ludvig Åberg Is a Contender Not to Be Overlooked

• Author: Gary Van Sickle

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The back nine. Sunday. The Masters.

That’s all you need to know. No verb necessary.

It’s Saturday evening at the Masters and any number of players can still slip into the green jacket Sunday.

But something important happened Saturday that probably escaped your notice while television, the media and galleries were preoccupied with, in order, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau and, oh yeah ... Tiger Woods (now out of contention after a game 82 ).

The contender voted Most Likely To Be Overlooked is Ludvig Åberg. He’s 24, he’s from Sweden and he has risen faster than the price of a Big Mac combo meal in the last year. In just over 12 months, he went from star amateur golfer at Texas Tech University to, in chronological order: DP World Tour winner; Ryder Cup hero; PGA Tour champion; No. 9-ranked player in the world; and, as of Sunday, serious Masters contender.

This isn’t just Åberg’s first Masters, it’s his first major championship appearance of any kind. (Doesn’t that sound a little like the some of the remarkable things the aforementioned Woods achieved early in his career? Not that anyone is saying he is another Tiger, but …)

Åberg is in fourth place, three shots behind 54-hole leader Scottie Scheffler . He got there by shooting 69 in Friday’s high winds, the day’s low score and only number in the 60s, and by tacking on a 70 in Saturday’s third round. Only Collin Morikawa matched Åberg’s 139 total over the last 36 holes. 

“Yesterday was a normal day in Lubbock,” Aberg joked about Friday’s windswept round. “Obviously, we played in a lot of wind in Lubbock. I’m not sure if that really translates but I’m a little bit more used to it.”

First-timers aren’t supposed to win the Masters. Fuzzy Zoeller was the last to do it 45 years ago in 1979, a bit of Masters lore Åberg learned during a Tuesday pre-tournament press conference. But Åberg is not your average first-timer, obviously. He’s already a seasoned Ryder Cupper with a 2–2 mark. He and Viktor Hovland famously swamped America’s best duo of Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in a foursomes match in Italy by a 9 and 7 score.

Åberg has a little course knowledge at The National. His college team made a visit once and he came back last month for a refresher course. He also has a caddie who knows the course well—Joe Skovron, a former caddie for Rickie Fowler and Tom Kim. Their conservative game plan, in part due to the gusty weather the first two days, has been working. Aberg briefly tied for the lead Saturday, in fact, when he two-putted the 13th hole for birdie. 

“Joe and I have been very disciplined,” Åberg said. “We’re not trying to force anything. We’re not trying to go for pins or make decisions that will cost us. We take calculated risks. We’ve been very disciplined toward our targets and hopefully we’ll do that again tomorrow.”

Åberg will play in the next-to-last twosome Sunday with Max Homa. Scheffler and Morikawa will be in the final pairing. That might help take some pressure off. Although it’s the Masters, so maybe not. Åberg knows how big this moment is and just how big the Masters is.

“I think about it all the time and I’m O.K. thinking about it,” he said. “I don’t think you should shy away from it. I try to embrace it and be O.K. with all that comes with it.”

While average fans may not be familiar with Åberg, golf insiders were. ESPN analyst Andy North declared Åberg as the game’s next superstar in a media conference call before the Masters. Curtis Strange made Åberg his darkhorse pick to win. And ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, after chiding Strange for making the world’s ninth-ranked player a “darkhorse pick,” expressed admiration for Åberg’s ability to seem unflappable. But, Van Pelt reasoned, “I guess you would be if you whacked it 330 down the middle. He can go, man.”

The exact moment Masters fans discovered Åberg was Friday when he birdied 12, 13 and 16 to sprint up the leaderboard. Anybody who missed that surely spotted his front-nine 33 in Saturday’s third round. He bashed a drive almost to the crosswalk at the bottom of the 9th fairway, then dropped an iron shot that landed past the pin and spun back to five feet for birdie.

He stumbled with bogeys at 14 and 15 when he didn’t get up-and-down. At 14, he putted from just over the of the green and left it six feet short then missed the par putt. He putted from off the back fringe at 15, too, and watched his birdie putt slip off to the right, then he lipped out his par putt. 

He finished strong. He dropped an iron shot right over the flagstick at the tough back-right pin location and made par. At 17, he hit another sweet approach past the pin and missed a 20-foot birdie. Ditto for 18, where his approach finished exactly where it was supposed to—pin-high left of the back-right pin. That putt curled away to the right at the cup. They were three solid birdie chances that turned into three solid pars. In other words, no cracks showed in Åberg’s game in a tense finish.

Åberg’s strength is driving it long and relatively straight. He ranks seventh in proximity to the pin in PGA Tour stats, a statistic that often identifies Masters champions. He is eighth in driving distance. His putting is middle of the pack—77th in strokes gained.

After Friday and Saturday’s showings, Åberg doesn’t look like he’s going away.

Part of his unflappable appearance may come from his genial but low-key demeanor. It could be genetic Scandinavian roll-with-the-punches practicality. Or maybe we just don’t know him well enough yet. Nothing about his position after 54 holes seems to bother him. He is enjoying the moment.

“One of the coolest things here are the really long shadows,” Åberg said. “Those are iconic at Augusta. We’re walking down No. 10 and walking up 18 and you see those shadows. It’s really cool to experience first-hand.”

Åberg will get another chance to experience those scenes but this time they will almost certainly feel different—call it a tradition unlike any other he has experienced. 

The back nine. Sunday. The Masters.

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European cities hope jet-setting Taylor Swift fans will splash the cash for Eras tour

The superstar arrives in Europe next month – and Swifties, tourist boards and venues are already preparing

T im Brown, 44, and his wife, Marcella, 34, may not consider themselves bona fide “Swifties”, but when it was announced last June that Taylor Swift would be visiting their corner of the globe this summer they could not resist joining the scramble for a pair of tickets.

A post-pandemic appetite for live music events has fuelled huge worldwide interest in the American singer-songwriter’s Eras tour, which surpassed in $1bn sales in November to become the highest-grossing series of concerts in history.

The pop culture event of the summer will arrive in Europe next month, kicking off in Paris on 9 May and wrapping up in London on 20 August with 49 dates in between in Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The unique nature of the tour’s ticketing system, which was tweaked after a number of hitches last year, means there will be a mass movement of travelling fans who will not only be Swiftie in affiliation but swift-like in their willingness to travel across the continent.

In expectation of intense demand, Ticketmaster introduced a pre-registration system that rewarded some early applicants with access codes to the ticket sale proper, via staggered windows for each city.

Notionally designed to prioritise genuine fans over “scalpers” – people who buy and resell tickets for a quick profit – the pre-sales system also meant many fans registered for tickets in multiple destinations across Europe to increase their chances.

Tim and Marcella, who live in Norwich, registered not just for the nearest concerts – in London and Liverpool – but also in Amsterdam and Lisbon. The pair got lucky with a pair of €91 tickets in the Portuguese capital and have turned the trip into a weekend break. “I used to live in Lisbon so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone,” Tim said. “We booked ourselves flights and four nights’ accommodation the same day.” They are far from alone.

Katie Soo, the chief business officer of DICE, a rival ticketing company, said: “The excitement and uncertainty inherent in the ticket-purchasing process might have inadvertently incentivised fans to apply for tickets in multiple cities, thereby increasing the likelihood of travelling across Europe to attend the concerts.”

Hotel prices

Several European cities have already reported a sharp rise in demand for hotel and short-term rental accommodation over the summer, when the Swift hurricane will arrive. In Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, rooms at the Travelodge chain around Swift’s June dates have been sold out since August 2023, a month after tickets for the shows went on sale.

In Paris, where fans anticipate Swift to debut an updated version of the Eras show with songs from the new Tortured Poets Department album, 80% of hotels and apartments listed on Booking.com are already full up. In Warsaw on 2 August, only 9% of hotels listed on the same site are still available.

Not all of the 18 cities covered by the Eras tour are obvious tourism destinations. From 17-19 July, Swift will play three concerts at the 65,000-capacity home ground of the football club Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen in Ruhr valley, western Germany. The city’s less-than-familiar name prompted one US chatshow host to quip that “the place might not even exist”.

Yet even in Germany’s rust belt the influx of Swift fans is temporarily transforming the hotel market: any two-bedroom apartments that remain available are going for €800-2,000 a night, with cheaper accommodation available only in surrounding cities that are just as off the usual tourist track as Gelsenkirchen, such as Essen, Bochum or Herne.

Cities with stricter rules on allowing Airbnb-style holiday lets and a more limited stock of short-term rental apartments are reporting a particularly marked increase in rates during Swift’s visit, with about 30% year-on-year spikes in rental rates in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Milan, according to AirDNA, a data analytics company specialising in the short-term rentals market.

Of all the tour’s European stops, Vienna is experiencing the most notable impact on its rental market, with booking rates for the nights of Swift’s concerts recorded in February 44% higher than at the same point the previous year. By the end of March the number of nights booked in the Austrian capital for the length of Swift’s stay in the second week of August had risen by 430% compared with the same period in 2023.

When Luke Tilden’s wife, Tatjana, suggested last summer that the couple buy their 13- and 15-year-old daughters, Lena and Maya, tickets to a Taylor Swift gig for Christmas, the 53-year-old Briton initially waved it off. “There’s no chance in hell we’d get a ticket without paying through our noses, I thought,” said Tilden, who works as an interpreter at the European parliament in Brussels.

But after pre-registering for tickets in London, Paris and Munich, the Tildens got unexpectedly lucky for four tickets in southern Germany and have turned the concert visit into a mini-holiday: “We’ll visit the in-laws in Bavaria, enjoy the countryside, do a bit of hiking.”

The hope in cities across Europe is that this will be replicated on a massive scale, with fans’ excitement translating into generous spending sprees on food, shopping and leisure. In Stockholm, for example, where authorities are expecting 159,000 visitors to arrive from 135 countries in mid-May, the chamber of commerce has forecast a spending boost of €50m. “We hope the whole town will buzz from the Eras tour,” said Tomas Andersson, a spokesperson for the Swedish capital’s tourism board.

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Whether fans will necessarily act like ordinary tourists, however, is up for debate. “Pop-culture tourists do not necessarily care about traditional buildings and authentic restaurants,” said Maria Lexhagen, a professor at the European Tourism Research Institute, Mid Sweden University.

“Joining up with other fan communities is stronger motivation, as is the idea that they might get closer to the stars themselves. Many of them will map out where Swift is spending her time in the city – they will seek out seemingly marginal but meaningful places like back alleys or coffee shops.” Venues may be hoping for a repeat of Sydney in February, when Swift swept into an unassuming Italian restaurant in the suburbs and sent its name into global media headlines.

In Stockholm the tourism board said it was expecting bookshops and secondhand clothes stores, rather than museums and royal palaces, to attract most of the arriving visitors. Some venues are being proactive: one restaurant within walking distance of the multipurpose Friends Arena in the Solna municipality is putting on a “Taylor Swift brunch experience” with a karaoke stage; the waterfront nightclub Debaser is hosting a pre-concert party on 16 May, an all-ages all-day party with a Swift-themed quiz on 19 May and an afterparty the day after.

Environment

As the Swift circus rolls across the continent, the transport infrastructure of urban centres will also be put to the test. Around the tour’s three-night stop in Dublin at the end of June, Irish Rail has announced additional late-night services to Cork and Limerick to meet an expected increase in demand. Extra tram and bus services are likely to be announced nearer the time.

Unlike rail operators, most airlines do not have capacity to charter additional flights. Due to yield management – airlines adjusting prices based on expected demand – a scramble for airborne journeys into cities that host the Eras tour is more likely to result in more expensive tickets rather than additional flights.

Officials at Lisbon airport said no additional flights had been chartered around Swift’s concerts on 24 and 25 May but that demand would probably be reflected in slightly higher load factors. A spokesperson for Amsterdam Schiphol said general aviation slots could be requested at short notice but nothing out of the ordinary had been logged so far.

Calculating the environmental impact of the tour with any certainty was difficult, experts said. “We can expect that some Swift fans will travel a long way to see one, if not several, shows across Europe”, said Stefan Gössling, a professor of tourism at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. “But measuring the environmental impact of these trips is extremely difficult – it would involve a lot of guesswork.”

This did not mean the carbon footprint was negligible. “Every flight taken by a person adds to demand and hence influences supply considerations,” Gössling said. “The greater the demand, the more aircrafts are in service.”

The pop star’s carbon footprint is easier to estimate. Swift owns two jets by the French manufacturer Dassault, whose journeys are trackable. During the 2023 leg of the Eras tour, Swift’s planes spent 166 hours crisscrossing the US in about 75 individual journeys, though it is possible they were used by people other than the singer.

According to data available through the open-access aviation tracker ADS-B exchange, Swift’s jets caused carbon emissions of about 2,830 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent over the course of the US Eras tour – about 1,700 times the annual contribution of an average person.

A spokesperson for Swift told US media last year that in advance of the tour’s start in March 2023, the pop star bought more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all tour travel. Carbon offset credits are tradable certificates that allow purchasers to compensate for emissions by investing in environmental projects that claim to reduce carbon emissions, though recent studies have questioned the efficacy of these schemes.

Additional reporting by Ajit Niranjan

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