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Beyond the Beatles: 10 of Liverpool’s Best Live Music Venues

Discover the most iconic venues this UNESCO City of Music has to offer.

Travelers enjoy checking out the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Hi, I'm Leyla!

Leyla Rose is a freelance writer and trained journalist based between the UK and Lombok, Indonesia. She has been freelancing since 2019 and specialises in writing about food, travel, and culture. Her work has been published in numerous magazines and online publications such as Fodor’s, Here Magazine, Culture Trip, and Matador Network. She is also an avid and published photographer.

Liverpool is synonymous with music. From creating new genres like Merseybeat to being recognized as the “World Capital of Pop” by the Guinness Book of Records, Liverpool has massively influenced popular music. Could there have been a more fitting host for Eurovision 2023?

It’s no secret that The Beatles are Liverpool’s most famous musical export. But look beyond the Fab Four and you’ll find that the city’s music venues are bursting with talent, offering visitors a night out guaranteed to hit all the right notes.

1. Zanzibar

The colorful entry to Zanzibar live music venue in Liverpool.
Zanzibar is great for alternative music.Bildquelle: MyUserNameWasTaken / Tripadvisor

Best for rock and alternative music.

Located on Seel Street, Zanzibar is a historic grassroots music venue that has been around for over 30 years. With a focus on rock and alternative music, Zanzibar is known for showcasing emerging performers and unsigned bands. Liverpudlian bands like The Coral, The Zutons, and Miles Kane have all played here, as well as high-profile artists like Kate Nash, The 1975, and Noel Gallagher. With room for 300 people plus a dance floor, you’re in for a good time.

2. The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club walls covered in Beatles paraphernalia in Liverpool.
Yes, the Beatles played here. A lot.Bildquelle: chrisdorney / Shutterstock

Best for a historical experience.

It wouldn’t be a list of music venues in Liverpool without The Cavern Club. This legendary venue on Mathew Street was once the center of Liverpool’s rock and roll scene and is best known for being the original stomping ground of The Beatles who played here almost 300 times. The Cavern Club is open every day with live music available from morning until late at night, and you can listen to everything from esteemed musicians to tribute bands and up-and-coming performers.

3. Eric’s Club

Musicians play on the stage at Eric’s Club live music venue in Liverpool.
Joy Division, The Sex Pistols, and more big names have played here.Bildquelle: JohnTripAdviser / Tripadvisor

Best for a lively atmosphere in an old-school venue.

Also on Mathew Street is Eric’s Club, another celebrated venue that was instrumental in the rise of Merseybeat during the 1960s. Many notable bands started their careers at Eric’s, including Buzzcocks, The Clash, Joy Division, Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Visit on any night of the week and you’ll find an act on stage until at least 2am. Not to mention entry is always free—what more could you ask for?

4. The Jacaranda

The entry to The Jacaranda live music venue in Liverpool.
The Jac is still going strong.Bildquelle: Fjodolf1 / Tripadvisor

Best for local music and new artists.

A Liverpool institution, Slater Street’s The Jacaranda has been around since Allan Williams, the first manager of The Beatles, opened it in the late 1950s. The Jacaranda has seen all sorts of genres grace the stage and is still going strong today, offering a space for new performers, open-mic nights, and live bands most evenings. Spread across three floors with a bar, café, record store, and gig room, “The Jac” is a fantastic place for a taste of Liverpool’s nightlife.

5. The Shipping Forecast

A seating area inside The Shipping Forecast live music venue in Liverpool.
The Shipping Forecast is popular with locals.Bildquelle: The Shipping Forecast / Tripadvisor

Best for experiencing Liverpool like a local.

From The Jacaranda, head next door to The Shipping Forecast. A favorite haunt with locals, here you can find good food, cheap drinks, and live music all in one place. From Liverpudlian artists to DJs and noteworthy bands, there is something to suit every taste within The Shipping Forecast’s edgy, industrial interiors. You can also take part in the venue’s themed club nights, quiz nights, or even karaoke sessions if you’re feeling confident enough to take on the Scousers.

6. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

The exterior of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on a sunny day.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is where to see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.Bildquelle: Zigres / Shutterstock

Best for a wide range of genres.

Home of the critically-acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, this concert hall (alongside its smaller venue the Music Room) showcases almost 400 concerts and events a year. It’s not just classical music here—you’ll find a range of shows, including contemporary, rock, pop, folk, roots, and jazz, as well as comedy, film, and spoken word. If you’re visiting with little ones, there’s even a fun-filled calendar of interactive family concerts where the kids can sing, dance, and let off some steam.

7. 24 Kitchen Street

A band plays guitar on the stage at 24 Kitchen Street in Liverpool.
24 Kitchen Street is in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle.Bildquelle: PopTika / Shutterstock

Best for hanging out with the cool crowd.

Located in the trendy Baltic Triangle area, the independent 24 Kitchen Street boasts cool interiors and an even cooler atmosphere. At a capacity of 400 people, it’s one of the more spacious venues on this list, and you can expect to find a whole host of genres, from hip-hop and jazz to afro-beats and house music. As well as live music, there is also a large variety of club nights, poetry workshops, and art exhibitions from local creators.

8. LEAF

Inside a pretty seating area at LEAF in Liverpool.
LEAF transforms at night.Bildquelle: Kay / Tripadvisor

Best for a laid-back vibe.

Wander over to Bold Street, one of Liverpool’s best shopping streets filled with independent shops and eateries. At first glance, you may think you’ve stepped into the wrong shop with its rows of tables, potted plants, and shelves of tea. But, come evening, this stylish tea shop and café turns into a unique live music venue. With open mic nights, live bands, and resident DJs, it’s a great place to enjoy a chilled night out discovering new music.

9. Jimmy’s

A piano player plays to the crowds at Liverpool live music venue in Jimmy’s.
Jimmy’s is known for its open-mic nights.Bildquelle: Jimmy’s / Tripadvisor

Best for amazing cocktails, food, and performances.

Also on Bold Street is Jimmy’s, a 3-story venue where you can grab drinks in a neon-lit bar; enjoy dinner with uninterrupted views of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church (a Liverpool landmark); or make your way down to the basement for a show. Head-bop to a mix of genres from local bands and unsigned musicians, cheer on emerging talents on open-mic nights, or dance into the small hours on one of Jimmy’s regular club nights.

10. M&S Bank Arena

The exterior of M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on a sunny day.
M&S Bank Arena is right on the water.Bildquelle: Elenitsa / Shutterstock

Best for big-name artists and events.

For the most popular events in town, the M&S Bank Arena is the place to be. Set along Liverpool’s renowned waterfront, this multi-purpose venue has hosted everyone from homegrown bands like The Farm to international superstars like Justin Bieber and Beyoncé. As well as live music, you can also catch comedy and sporting shows, as well as notable events including Eurovision. Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to a drink or two at the VIP gin lounge before your show.

More ways to explore Liverpool

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