Expedia® today released Liverpool Football Club captain Virgil van Dijk’s ultimate Liverpool travel guide. The northwest city is a 2024 trending destination, with searches up 100% year-on-year1.
Travel to the city is booming and whilst fans around the world may visit for the football, they stay for the city, as it is becoming a cultural hub and key UK destination.
Expedia’s Unpack 2024 travel trends data crowned Liverpool one of its ten global trending destinations, as it sees an influx in travellers from the US, Ireland, Canada, Australia and Norway2.
To celebrate this trending city, Expedia has partnered with Liverpool Football Club captain Virgil van Dijk to release his Liverpool travel guide.
Virgil has made Liverpool his home over the past five years and his guide reveals the top 10 things to do in the city, with many attractions sourced from his teammates.
This is the first collaboration between Virgil and Expedia, as the Dutchman has signed a multi-year ambassador deal with the leading travel brand, a perfect partnership given Virgil’s love for travel and adventure.
Virgil said: “Travel is a real passion of mine. We visit so many cities through football, but don’t get to fully immerse ourselves in them, so any time off I get, I am always looking to head out on an adventure with my friends and family.
That’s why I am excited to be partnering with Expedia, as we both believe that we are all made to travel.
“The football calendar is incredibly busy of course but one day in the future I’d love to visit Japan, a country I am fascinated by. I’m a big fan of city breaks too.
I love exploring new cities and cultures with my family. I love many cities including Amsterdam and Paris, but Liverpool of course for me holds such a special place in my heart which is why I’ve been excited to curate my Liverpool travel guide with Expedia. I hope it helps future visitors to this great city!”
Virgil’s Liverpool travel guide includes:
1. The Cavern Club – Virgil is a big music fan and no visit to the city would be complete without checking out the venue that launched one of the world’s most iconic bands – The Beatles.
2. Royal Albert Dock – One of the most picturesque places in the city. When Virgil’s friends and family visit, he always tells them to head to the docks. You can even hire a boat to see the city in all its glory from the water.
3. ArCains at Cains Brewery Village – Virgil loves gaming, so whether it is shooting hoops, playing video games, or beating your friends at foosball, the three-story ArCains is a hidden gem at Cains Brewery Village.
4. The Municipal Hotel & Spa – A new luxury five-star hotel that is steeped in history. Located on Dale Street, one of the original seven streets that make up the city, the hotel building dates back to 1868. Inside you will find a state-of-the-art spa sanctuary, boasting a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and luxurious pool with fantastic views of the city. Perfect for those who love a spa break like Virgil does.
5. Lark Lane – If you are a real foodie like Virgil, he recommends heading down to Lark Lane for some of the best restaurants in the city. From neighbourhood cafes to bistros and wine bars, this bohemian hub has it all.
6. Baltic Triangle – The Baltic Triangle has an industrial and creative vibe. Known for live events, the street food market and cool hangouts, this area of the city is buzzing day and night.
7. Probe Records –Vigil has a real passion for music, everything from Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix to Afrobeat. Probe Records is an iconic independent store in Liverpool, where many a famous face have worked over the years. You will find a great selection of vinyls and music memorabilia.
8. Hub Studios at Cains Brewery Village – Liverpool is a city filled with art. Not just famous for its bigger museums like the Tate but smaller, independent studios like Hub Studios too, where up-and-coming artists can both create and host their great work.
9. Crosby Marina – In the suburbs of north Liverpool you will find Crosby Marina. For a breath of fresh air, take a walk around the gorgeous lake, dunes, marshlands and wildflower meadows. And for those looking for a little more adventure, Crosby lakeside offers sailing, kayaking and all manners of watersports.
10. Anfield Stadium – Virgil’s list would not be complete without including one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world – Anfield. Before making Liverpool his home, he already knew about the fan culture and atmosphere and now he gets to experience that week in, week out as Liverpool FC’s captain.
“Liverpool is synonymous with football but as travel experts we know it is so much more than that; it’s a cultural city on the rise.
It made our 2024 global trending destination list, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Virgil to share his favourite places and things to do in the city.
As an avid traveller, we are thrilled to announce Virgil as our Expedia brand ambassador. We are starting in Liverpool but cannot wait to explore more of the world together.” said Michele Rousseau, senior vice president of global brands at Expedia Group.
Expedia is the official travel partner of Liverpool Football Club and has also released the ‘Finding Liverpool’ content series.
This features Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wataru Endō, Shanice van de Sanden, Missy Bo Kearns, Fūka Nagano and Jürgen Klopp, looking at Liverpool FC’s global fan base and how the club, the city and welcoming multicultural communities make it such a special city to visit.
For more inspiration on what to do and see in Liverpool, check out Expedia Live.