A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Liverpool for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Liverpool?

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

Should I visit York or Liverpool? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater.

York and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Liverpool?

Both Liverpool and York have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Liverpool attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and shopping. York is more touristy than Liverpool and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is York different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a well-known place for theatre. However, York is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

York is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Liverpool are excellent when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Liverpool has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Liverpool Better for Music?

Liverpool is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Liverpool is a world class music destination. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Liverpool Better for its Old Town?

York is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Liverpool?

Liverpool is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Liverpool is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Liverpool Better for Families?

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

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Liverpool Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Liverpool is a good 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 York or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is York or Liverpool Better for Students?

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

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Liverpool offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Liverpool is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Liverpool is very walkable.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or York?

How long in York or Liverpool?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Liverpool. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Liverpool. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Liverpool.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.

One day in York or Liverpool?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Liverpool. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Liverpool?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Liverpool is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Liverpool?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Liverpool?

York is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The historic port city of Liverpool offers museums and theater. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Liverpool, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Liverpool?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Liverpool, 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 York or Liverpool?

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 York or Liverpool in the Summer?

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

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Liverpool. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Liverpool averages at about 15°C (60°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Liverpool during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Liverpool. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Liverpool in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Liverpool. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Liverpool. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Liverpool. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 97 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Liverpool. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Liverpool in the Winter?

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

The weather in York can be very cold. York is cooler than Liverpool in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Liverpool fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Liverpool during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Liverpool. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Liverpool in the Spring?

Both Liverpool and York during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Liverpool. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Liverpool averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Liverpool. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Liverpool and York