Liverpool's Best Hidden Gems For Students
low-angle photography o buildings
Photo by Atanas Paskalev on Unsplash

Liverpool's Best Hidden Gems For Students

Kate Reilly James April 23, 2022

From coffee to car boot sales, discos to desk spaces, Liverpool is a city treasured by students. It’s difficult then to imagine there are still some hidden gems to be explored, but we’ve got you covered. How many of these top ten Liverpool hidden gems for students have you ticked off?

Coffi 

Located in a Grade II listed coach house on Pilgrim Street, this little indie coffee shop is a belter for fresh bakes and great tasting blends of magic beans to get you through the day. It has lovely staff and a little bench outside with cracking views of the cathedral. Open 7 days a week. More info here.

Central Library Rooftop

Did you know there is a rooftop seating area at Liverpool’s central library? And it’s free to find a space and sit and enjoy the views over the city? Simply head inside, find the lifts, press the fourth floor and enjoy. Maybe check out the stunning Picton Reading Rooms, Hornby Library and get yourself a library card. There are always events and stuff happening too. More info here

Hafla Hafla

Fancy a change from Iceland frozen pizza and want to experience a taste sensation? Get yourself down to Lark Lane (right by Sefton Park) and nab a table at Hafla Hafla. Specialising in dishes from the Middle East with added street food vibes, expect Persian chicken, hummus, Baba ganoush, calamari, shredded roast lamb shoulder croquettes and lots more. Full menus and opening times here

The Bluecoat Garden 

Nestled in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling city centre is the free art gallery, indie shop emporium and secluded city garden, The Bluecoat. Head into the main entrance, go through the coffee shop (grabbing a drink and a slice of cake while you’re there) and soak up some rays in the courtyard garden. Lots of seating and a real sun trap too. More info here. 

Jenny’s

The disco den awaits! Hidden down a flight of stairs off a back street in Liverpool’s business district is the coolest of all disco spots. You’ll find Jenny’s on Fenwick Street (a stones throw from The Alchemist). The cocktail menu, the fringed booth seats, the funky mirrored ceiling, the old school disco classics, the fact there is no designated dance floor but everyone is always up dancing! Get involved. More info here

Sudley House

Not going home for summer? You need to know about this perfect sunny day spot for a bit of free culture and a picnic with friends. Sudley House, on Mossley Hill Road is a gallery and museum with lovely gardens and a newly reopened cafe. Escape the crowds at Sefton Park and enjoy wandering the preserved rooms of the former Holt residence and while away the hours on the lawns. More info here. 

Tempest on Tithebarn

The perfect study/chill/gathering place if you’re a student near Marybone in Liverpool. Tempest on Tithebarn offers a bolt hole to study, dine and dance. It may sound a bit of a mash up but with multiple floors, a roof terrace, a library/study space and an affordable menu, Tempest has you sorted morning through til night. Find out more here.  

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building

Not many people know that the beautiful Dr Martin Luther King Jr building at the Royal Albert Dock is a free to enter gallery space. Located opposite The Pump House pub, the tall columns outside the building make for an iconic meeting place. Run by National Museums Liverpool there are free to view exhibitions taking place all year round. Check out what’s on now, here. 

Crazy Pedro’s

Liverpool’s best hidden gems for students has to include a happy hour deal! Cheap slice and a beer plus a roof terrace during the summer? Sounds like the perfect equation to us. Crazy Pedro’s is where it’s at for drool-worthy alternative toppings. Head to Parr Street and follow your nose up the steps for £2 slices, 2 for £10 cocktails and ludicrous nachos served in trash can lids. Swill it down with frozen margs and Hooch. Opening hours and menus here. 

Bootle Car Boot Sale 

Bit of a curve ball here because it involves getting out of bed on a Sunday before 8am. BUT! Bootle car boot sale takes place every Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays on Stanley Road, just opposite Hugh Baird College. It kicks off letting sellers in from 4am and usually covers two big car parks. If you want to do your student flat up, if you need fancy dress stuff, if you’re just looking for new kicks, sportswear, clubwear or a bit of a mooch, it’s worth getting up for. More info here. 

Have something to tell us about this article?
Let us know
Kate is a Journalism and creative writing lecturer and sports journalist. From the BBC red carpet to Premier League PR via creative copy for Greggs, she is a modern April O’Neil with a passion for all things Comic Con.