A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Liverpool or Chicago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Chicago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Liverpool and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Liverpool, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more touristy than Liverpool and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Liverpool different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Liverpool. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shows and theatre.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Liverpool offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Many people head to Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Liverpool or Chicago.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a city with good options for the beache. However, Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Liverpool does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Liverpool does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Liverpool does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Liverpool does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Liverpool. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Chicago are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Chicago is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool and Chicago are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Many students visit Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Is Liverpool or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Chicago can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Chicago a more walkable city?

Liverpool and Chicago both are superb when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Chicago?

In either Liverpool or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Liverpool because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Liverpool. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Liverpool. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Liverpool if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chicago.

One day in Liverpool or Chicago?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Chicago?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Chicago?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Chicago because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Liverpool or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Liverpool. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Liverpool much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liverpool is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Liverpool would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Liverpool and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Liverpool.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liverpool Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool and Chicago, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Liverpool or Chicago?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Liverpool or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Liverpool is much colder than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liverpool in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In July, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Chicago. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Liverpool during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Liverpool is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 12°C (53°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Chicago. The winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. Liverpool is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Chicago. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Chicago. Additionally, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Liverpool is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liverpool in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Liverpool usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Liverpool