Liverpool has always been a city that punches above its weight. From its musical legacy to its architectural treasures, this UNESCO City of Music offers students a wealth of experiences that won’t drain your maintenance loan.
In 2025, Liverpool continues to welcome students with its unique blend of culture, character and free attractions. Home to world-class galleries, breathtaking views, and vibrant social spaces, the city proves that enjoying student life doesn’t require deep pockets. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned local, we’re here to help you get the most out of Liverpool’s cultural highlights without spending a pretty penny.
Crosby Beach: Iron Men By The Sea
Location: Crosby Beach, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 6QQ
Hours: Accessible 24/7, but tide times affect visibility of sculptures
Transportation: Take Merseyrail from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands & Crosby station (10-15 minute walk to beach) or Route 53 bus from Queens Square bus station
What makes it special: Standing tall until September of this year, Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation features 100 cast iron figures spread across 2 miles of beach, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography, especially at sunset. The figures have recently received maintenance with stronger plinths to prevent sinking into the sand. This permanent installation continues to be one of Liverpool’s most distinctive outdoor art experiences.
Victoria Gallery & Museum: The Original ‘Red Brick’ University
Location: University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Transportation: 10-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special: Housed in the distinctive red-brick Victorian building that gave ‘redbrick universities’ their name, this free museum houses significant art collections alongside scientific and medical exhibits. The building itself is an architectural marvel with a beautiful tiled entrance hall and Gothic features. The Waterhouse Café offers a pleasant study spot on campus, and regular free guided tours reveal the building’s fascinating history.
FACT: Cutting-Edge Art & Cinema
Location: 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ
Hours: 11:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Liverpool Central Station
What makes it special: The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology offers free entry to galleries showcasing contemporary and digital art. The centre’s 2025 programme features collaborative projects and immersive experiences, including hosting Liverpool Biennial 2025 from June to September. While exhibitions are free, the cinema also offers student discounts (£9.00, or £7.00 for members) for those wanting to catch independent and international films.
Free Liverpool Walking Tours: See The City With Locals
Location: Start at Steble Fountain (near the Walker Art Gallery)
Hours: Multiple tours daily: 10:30am-1pm and 2:30pm-5pm (schedule varies by day)
Transportation: Starting point in city centre, easily accessible by all public transport
What makes it special: These donation-based tours (pay what you feel is appropriate) are run by knowledgeable local guides in multiple languages. Perfect for new students wanting to get their bearings, these tours cover Liverpool’s fascinating history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Read: 5 IDEAL things for music lovers to do in Liverpool
Walker Art Gallery: National Gallery Of The North
Location: William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special: This impressive gallery houses one of the UK’s most important art collections outside London, including works by Turner, Rembrandt, and Freud. Completely free to enter, it offers regular student events and workshops. From September 2025 to March 2026, the gallery will host the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize, showcasing the best in contemporary painting.
Everton Park: Liverpool’s Finest Viewpoint
Location: North Liverpool, accessed via Heyworth Street, Northumberland Terrace, and several other entrances
Hours: Open 24/7, year-round
Transportation: Bus routes from city centre to Everton/Anfield area; approximately 15-20 minutes from central Liverpool
What makes it special: Featuring what is quite possibly the greatest view in Liverpool from the Brow, Everton Park offers panoramic vistas of the city skyline, the Mersey River and even the Welsh mountains on clear days. The nature garden includes two small lakes for pond dipping and bird watching, while outdoor fitness equipment and a 3k walking/running route appeal to active students. It’s a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the city skyline.
Liverpool Central Library: Beautiful Space To Work & Explore
Location: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
Transportation: 2-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station
What makes it special: The Liverpool Central Library is a beautiful historic building with modern facilities, offering free Wi-Fi, computers, and quiet study spaces—perfect during exam periods. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views across the city, while regular events including ‘Open Minds’ discussion groups and workshops offer cultural enrichment. The Game Room hosts regular community events that are free to attend, making this much more than just a library.
The Jacaranda: Historic Music Venue With Beatles Heritage
Location: 21-23 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BW
Hours: Open daily, with live music primarily Thursday through Sunday
Transportation: 10-minute walk from Liverpool Central Station
What makes it special: This historic venue with connections to The Beatles offers free entry for open mic nights on Sundays. Spread across three floors with a bar, café, record store, and gig room, it’s a hub for Liverpool’s music scene. The unique tables with built-in vinyl record players let you listen to albums while you chat, and emerging artist showcases provide a glimpse of tomorrow’s musical talent.
Open Eye Gallery: Liverpool’s Photographic Hub
Location: 19 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Closed Mondays)
Transportation: 15-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station; James Street station 4-minute walk; multiple bus routes stop at Liverpool ONE Bus Station nearby
What makes it special: As the only gallery dedicated to photography in Northwest England, Open Eye Gallery offers free entry to all its exhibitions. Located on Liverpool’s waterfront, the gallery hosts rotating displays of contemporary photography from both local and international artists.
Photography students will appreciate the gallery’s focus on socially engaged projects, while all visitors can enjoy free workshops and talks that regularly take place here. Its prime location makes it easy to combine with other waterfront attractions for a full day of cultural exploration.
Rice Lane City Farm: Urban Oasis Away From The Bustle
Location: Rice Lane City Farm, Rawcliffe Road, Liverpool, L9 1AW
Hours: Open daily, 10am – 3:30pm, 365 days a year
Transportation: Bus routes 21 and 345 stop near the farm entrance; 15-minute walk from Rice Lane train station; free parking available on site
What makes it special: This 24-acre urban farm and woodland offers a surprising rural experience within the city. Completely free to enter, the farm is home to various friendly animals including rare breeds like Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs.
The woodland walks provide a chance to experience wildlife not typically found elsewhere in Liverpool, making it a perfect stress-relief setting away from academic pressures. All paths are accessible for wheelchairs, and students interested in farming, conservation or community work can take advantage of volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
The Bottom Line
Liverpool remains one of the UK’s best cities for students on a budget. Its unique combination of cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and natural beauty means you can enjoy a rich student experience without emptying your bank account.
Popular student areas in Liverpool—from Smithdown Road to the Georgian Quarter, from the Baltic Triangle to Sefton Park—all offer spaces to socialise, study and explore without spending a fortune. The city’s free museums, libraries, beaches and parks provide the perfect backdrop to student life, delivering experiences that will shape your university years more than any expensive night out.
So take this list and discover why Liverpool continues to be one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities. With its blend of history, culture and community spirit, Liverpool shows that the best student experiences often come without a price tag attached.
Whilst we’re on the subject, the city is amazingly kid-friendly too. Check out our guide for the best things to do with the littles on Liverpool, while you’re with us.
