10 of the best places to people watch in Liverpool City Centre

We don’t want to jinx it, but we hear Liverpool is due for some sun and warmer temperatures very soon, so in case it actually happens, we’ve scoped out a few city centre spots to sit and chill.

Alright, so we’re not quite dusting off our kaftans and flip flops just yet, but you might want to dig out your shades as the sun is set to make a very welcome return to the North West.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to eat your lunch in peace, take five from the daily grind, people watch, or have a good gossip with your mates, Liverpool city centre is teaming with benches and quiet spots to rock up and chill out. With the promise of warmer, drier weather just around the corner, check out these 10 outdoor spaces that are just perfect for watching the world go by.

1 – Liverpool One Steps, Thomas Steers Way

The steps leading from John Lewis to Chavasse Park at Liverpool One have been covered in lush Astro turf this Spring. Its a busy corner spot, that usually has a brilliant street artist banging out some sing-along tunes and it’s perfect for people watching (or totty spotting) while tucking into a Tesco meal deal in the sun.

2 – Central Library Roof Terrace, William Brown Street

Central Library – Free Wifi Hot-spots

This hidden gem of a roof terrace at Central Library is our Kate’s favourite spot to chill in the city centre. With phenomenal views over St George’s Hall, St John’s Gardens and the city roof tops, there’s benches to plonk down on, and its free to access. Just mind the seagulls don’t rob your Panini, they’re ruthless little gets.

3 – Pier Head

We love hanging around the Pier Head in the sun and who doesn’t love a little kick about on the grass…you know that patch of grass right in front of the Three Graces, the one with the horse statue on it? Absolute winner when it comes to sun bathing for 30 mins on your dinner.

4 – Otterspool

Okay so not strictly city centre, but just a ten minute drive along Sefton Street is Otterspool, and to be fair there’s benches to chill on all along the riverside path from Albert Dock to Otterspool itself. Get lost in a good book to the sound of the Mersey gently lapping the sandbanks, or grab a portion of chips from the Lobster Pot and pretend you’re on holiday!

5 – St Johns Gardens

St Johns Gardens is such a beautiful place to take five and chill during your working day. With stunning flower beds, architecture and monuments to Liverpool’s gone but not forgotten, its a quiet place where tourists and locals alike can grab a patch of grass and contemplate.

6 – World Museum Steps, William Brown Street

We might be secretly trying to recreate Gossip Girl scenes here, but we think the steps at World Museum are totally under used as a great meeting place! First up its a total suntrap, catch those rays all day long! Secondly it’s a huge space, so arrange an outdoor study-group or lunchtime natter/gossip without everyone gegging into your conversation!XOXO

7 -St Georges Hall Steps, St George’s Plateau

Photo Credit: Ant Clausen

What we love most about St George’s Hall and Plateau is the opportunity to swoon at people’s wedding day celebrations! From stunning brides, posh cars, cute groomsmen and of course spot the Aunty with her bottle bag ‘gift’ that you know she’s stashing under the table at the reception. We all know one! A great spot to watch the big screen, tourists spilling out of Lime Street and all manner of parades.

8 – Bombed Out Church – St Luke’s, Berry Street

If you’ve never sat on the steps at our city’s beloved St Luke’s Church (The Bombed Out Church) and watched the world go by, you’re seriously missing out on an important part of scouse culture. A popular meeting point for students, this spot looks right down bohemian Bold Street and makes a great sit-off with your pizza, kebab, whatever.

9 – The Suitcases, Hope Street

The John King Hope Street Suitcases art installation was completed in 1998 (as if it’s been that long) and feature the names of a number of famous people who are either scouse or have contributed something important to the city. With a huge bench running alongside, why not take the time to see how many famous names you can spot? We also love the view from one cathedral to the other in the stunning Georgian Quarter.

10 – Paddy’s Wigwam, Hope Street

From one end of Hope Street to the other! Paddy’s Wigwam, or Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral is fronted by a HUGE set of steps that face directly towards the west of the city. A great vantage point to see the Georgian Quarter from a different view, check out the Everyman Bistro, Fredericks and the Philharmonic Pub lunch menu’s while you’re there.

Where is your favourite spot to chill out in the sunshine? Tweet us your suggestions @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the love on our socials.