A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Liverpool vs. Dover for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Liverpool or Dover?

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 Dover 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.

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Liverpool and Dover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Dover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Liverpool. Although Liverpool and Dover are both popular with visitors, Liverpool has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Dover is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also home to The Liverpool Cathedral. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Liverpool different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dover 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 Dover?

Liverpool
Dover

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Liverpool and Dover.

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Dover is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Dover is not a theatre destination.

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

Liverpool
Dover

Dover is a town with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

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 Dover Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Liverpool offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.


Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Music?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Dover is not a live music destination.

In Liverpool you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Dover is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Hiking?

Liverpool
Dover

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Dover?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Families?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Liverpool is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dover is a family-friendly port city. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Dover

Dover is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool and Dover 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 Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.


Is Liverpool or Dover Better for Students?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Liverpool is very popular with students. 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Liverpool has a few public transit options. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Liverpool or Dover a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Dover

Liverpool is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Liverpool is a very walkable destination.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.


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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Liverpool or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dover due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Liverpool than Dover 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 Liverpool.


  • How many days in Liverpool or Dover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Dover 2-4

One day in Liverpool or Dover?

In Liverpool, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this fun-filled destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Dover?

Liverpool is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the destination of Liverpool. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural town of Dover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Liverpool or Dover?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dover or Liverpool?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Dover is £124. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Liverpool and Dover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Dover £62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Dover £124
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Dover

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Dover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Liverpool


Hotels in Dover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Dover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Dover £39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Liverpool Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Accommodation: $41
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Airport Transfer 1 to 10 Passengers One Way Transfer : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Liverpool Airport LPL in Business Car: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $252
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover and Liverpool change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Liverpool £59
    Dover £38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Dover £20

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Liverpool Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Liverpool History and Culture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the River Mersey: $6.99
  • Liverpool’s Hidden Histories: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.56
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.59
  • Albert Docks Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Dover £7.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $176


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Dover, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Dover.

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Dover?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool and Dover, 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 Dover?

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 Dover in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Dover. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Liverpool is cooler than Dover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liverpool in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Dover averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dover this time of the year. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Dover during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Dover. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Dover 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Dover in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Dover. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Liverpool is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 12°C (53°F), and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Dover. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in October than Dover. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Dover 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Dover in the Winter?

Both Dover and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. Liverpool is a little warmer than Dover in the winter. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Dover fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dover during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Dover. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Dover 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Dover in the Spring?

Both Dover and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Dover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liverpool in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Dover averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Dover. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in April than Dover. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Dover 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dover and Liverpool

Liverpool Dover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)