Liverpool: Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour & Free Bubbly Ticket

Summary

Royal Albert Dock to Chinatown by open-top bus with stories and laughs

You’ll ride Liverpool’s open-top bus past iconic sights like Royal Albert Dock and both cathedrals, hopping off wherever curiosity takes you. With local guides or audio commentary in 10 languages, plus a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, there’s room for spontaneous detours and real moments—like laughter echoing through Chinatown or music drifting from hidden corners.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the sound — that low hum of the city mixed with gulls and a bit of drizzle on the open-top bus roof. We’d just hopped on near the Beatles Statue, and our guide (I think his name was Dave?) started off with a story about John Lennon’s school days. Not sure if he made some of it up, but everyone laughed anyway. The Royal Albert Dock slid past us, red brick shining even in the grey light. Smelled faintly of salt and coffee from somewhere below. I hadn’t expected to feel so awake this early in Liverpool.

We got off at the Cavern Club stop because, well, you sort of have to. There was this older couple from Spain trying out their English on the bartender — he taught them “cheers” and they taught him something back in Spanish. After that we wandered through Liverpool One (didn’t buy anything, just people-watched), then caught another bus — easy with this hop on hop off ticket, honestly. The main keyword here is freedom; you can stay as long or as little as you want at each spot.

I nearly missed the Philharmonic Dining Rooms because I was distracted by a street musician playing “Hey Jude.” But our guide waved us over for the free glass of bubbly (yes, included). The place is all stained glass and brass railings — fancier than I expected for a pub. Even just holding that cold glass felt special after walking around in Liverpool’s unpredictable weather. We finished by rolling through Chinatown — bright gates and steam rising from kitchens into the rain. I still think about how lively it felt, even midweek.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Liverpool City Hop On Hop Off Tour

• Board the hop on hop off bus
• Visit Royal Albert Dock
• See The Beatles Statue
• Stop at Western Approaches WWII Museum
• Explore Liverpool One Shopping Center and The Cavern Club
• Visit World Museum, Central Library, Walker Art Gallery
• Pass Lime Street Station
• View The Adelphi Hotel
• Visit The Metropolitan Cathedral Of Christ The King
• Enjoy The Philharmonic Dining Rooms with free bubbly
• Visit The Liverpool Cathedral
• See St Luke's Church
• Explore Chinatown
• Visit The Baltic Triangle and Cains Brewery Village

Top questions

Is the Liverpool hop on hop off tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How long is my hop on hop off ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 24 hours from first use.

Are guided tours available or only audio commentary?

You can choose between lively local guides or multilingual audio commentary in 10 languages.

Where does the Liverpool city tour start?

The main stop is by the Yellow American School Bus Cafe near the Beatles Statue.

Does the tour include entry to attractions?

No entry tickets are included; your ticket covers transport and commentary only.

Is there a free drink included?

Yes, you get a free glass of bubbly at Philharmonic Dining Rooms.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring my stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited hop-on hop-off bus travel around Liverpool for 24 hours, your choice of live local guide or multilingual audio commentary in ten languages, exclusive discounts along certain stops, and a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms—all with mobile tickets sent straight to your device before departure.