Although Liverpool is known as one of the cheapest cities to live in as a student, it’s still easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Blowing all your student loan on nights out and takeaways is an easy way to break the bank, plus it gets boring eventually. So, if you’re looking to shake things up on a student-friendly budget, then here’s a list of cheap things to do in Liverpool.

Sightseeing

First up on our list of cheap things to do in Liverpool is sightseeing. There is plenty of city scenery to keep you busy, from the Three Graces to the Royal Albert Dock, to both our cathedrals (yes, we have two!). The city certainly has plenty of landmarks that you can enjoy exploring and the best part? Most of them are free to visit! If you’re feeling adventurous you can even go sightseeing through the less touristy areas like the Georgian Quarter and Lark Lane in Sefton.

Source: Wikipedia

St John’s Beacon

Speaking of sightseeing, St John’s Beacon is a great activity to do if you fancy switching up from a pedestrian view. The tower may not look like much from the outside, but it has unrivalled views of Merseyside, the Wirral, and on a clear day, North Wales and even Blackpool. Plus, it’s home to big radio stations such as Radio City and Greatest Hits Radio; you can even get a peek at the radio station studios as you walk around the beacon. At just £6 a student ticket, it is well worth a visit. You can find more information on ticket booking here.

St John’s Beacon
Source: St Johns Beacon Instagram

Picnic on the dock

Okay, so this one is weather permitting! But in the summer months, there really isn’t anything better than a picnic along the River Mersey. With the Three Graces on one side and the Mersey on the other, you’ll struggle to find a better picnic spot in the city. You can either buy something cheap and cheerful for your picnic while you’re out (Tesco meal deal anyone?) or be a super saver and make lunch at home to take with you. Just be careful the seagulls don’t try to pinch your lunch!

Picnic on the dock
Source: Wikipedia

Take advantage of the green spaces

Next up on our list of cheap things to do in Liverpool is explore some of the city’s green spaces! If you need a break from the concrete jungle, visiting one of Liverpool’s many beautiful parks is a must. Sefton Park has a beautiful boating lake that’s full of wildlife. Here, you can see the historic Sefton Palm House and grab a bite to eat by the gothic fountain. All of this is only a 20-minute bus ride from town!

Additionally, Calderstones Park is also a great option for the nature lover, with walled gardens and herbaceous borders galore. But if you needed any more persuasion, it’s a popular dog-walking spot, so you’ll be sure to bump into a few furry friends during your visit. Win, win!

Take advantage of the green spaces
Source: Wikipedia

Museums

Liverpool is home to some of the most renowned museums in the country. For instance, the likes of the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool and the World Museum are frequented by tourists and city dwellers alike. They’re a great place to visit if you’re a student as they are completely free to get into! They have a lot to offer if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Liverpool.

Museums
Source: Merseyside Maritime Museum-Wikimedia

Rent a kayak

Fancy a splash? Why not rent a kayak from Liverpool Watersports Centre? Sit on top kayak hire tickets are just £13 each (more info on tickets here). All you need is a towel, spare trainers and a T-shirt, and the Centre will provide you with the rest. It’s a really fun way to view the city as you coast along the dock. Plus, it’s a really good laugh.

Cheap things to do in Liverpool for students
Source: Canva

Pound Pub

You didn’t think we’d make a list of cheap things to do in Liverpool without including a boozy outing, did you!? The city’s cobbled streets are notorious for their vibrant nightlife. So it just wouldn’t be right to not give one of the cheapest nights out a mention! Pound Pub in Wavertree is a cheap and cheerful way to have a night out without breaking the bank. You’ll pay just £1 for half and £1.50 for a full pint, making their prices some of the lowest in Liverpool. Bottoms up!

Cheap things to do in Liverpool for students
Source: Canva

Art galleries

Last on our list of cheap things to do in Liverpool is to visit one of the many art galleries. The likes of Liverpool Tate, the Walker Art Gallery, the Open Eye Gallery and the Bluecoat are all great places to visit if you’re a fan of art, film and photography. The best part is they are all completely free to visit! So, they are great if you’re looking for fun things to do that won’t break that pesky student budget!

Art galleries
Source: Open Eye Gallery Instagram

Still, stuck for ideas on cheap things to do in Liverpool? Then check out our article ‘Boredom to Fun: 50 activities for a cheap day out’ if you need more inspiration.

Looking for student accommodation in Liverpool in 2022/23? Check out our guide. 

Last Updated on July 3, 2024

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