Manchester and Liverpool

I’ve spent 3 nights in both and Manchester and Liverpool last year. I preferred Liverpool. The highlight for me was the National Trust tour of the Beatles Childhood homes.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/the-beatles-childhood-homes

If you only had 4 to 5 hours, that would take most of your time. I also visited the Beatles Story, the Museum of Liverpool, the British Music Experience, the Western Approaches museum, took the Magical Mystery tour, and saw a play at the Royal Court Theatre.

In Manchester, I visited the Science and Industry Museum, the John Rylands Library, the Central Library, the Art Gallery, and took a walking tour. I also went to two concerts at Bridgewater Hall.

Definitely Liverpool, far more to see. Manchester is more a working city, which, including the surrounding towns, has a much larger population so you will find everything needed to support that in the terms of shopping, recreation, sports etc. However Liverpool is better for tourism IMO. The waterfront is fantastic for strolling along, a compact city centre nearby with many eating options.
How are you arriving in the area?

I'm going to argue the delights of Manchester. Liverpool is an excellent place to visit and if the Beatles are a particular attraction for you then you need to go there. But, otherwise Manchester is at least it's equal.

Some places in Manchester/Salford* to consider are the Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth Gallery, Aviva Studios (Factory International), Bridgewater Hall, Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Centre, John Ryland's Library, Chetham's School of Music, National Football Museum, People's History Museum, two major football stadia and one cricket and the UK's pre-eminent music city.

• Manchester and Salford are two separate cities right next to each other and many sights usually listed as in Manchester are actually in Salford.

If you are Beatles fans, then Liverpool winds hands down. If you aren't then seriously think about Manchester instead. I'd also add the Manchester Science and Industry Museum to John's excellent list.

Article I just read this morning about Manchester and the way it is changing.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/20/manchester-turning-into-london-posh-apartments-playground-rich

Half my family are scousers and I had three very happy years at Manchester Uni so I can see the positives of both.
For a quick visit like this I think Liverpool is the better option. The main sights are closer together and easier to get around for a quick hit visit.
There is a lot more to the city than just the Beatles.

For a better answer let us know what you are interested in, history, music, art? And the advice can be more specific.

Wasleys - I left the Science & Industry Museum out of the list as at the moment it is a shadow of its former self. It's undergoing a long period of restoration and reimagining. It will be great again when it's all finished but right now I would not make a plan to see it. OK if you passing and have an hour to spare but right now it's not a destination site.

https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/about-us/we-are-changing

I'm very surprised no one has mentioned the Cathedrals in either city, especially Liverpool Anglican, the better known one.
I think in Manchester you should also visit the nearby St Ann's Church and St Mary's Roman Catholic (aka the Hidden Gem Church).
And in Liverpool the 'ferry cross the Mersey' should be done - either the river cruise or the commuter cross river service.I
Also in Manchester visit the Radisson Hotel (the former Free Trade Hall, predecessor to the Bridgewater Hall) for the Peterloo Massacre memorial.

As often as I can I also visit Victoria Station for the very powerful memorial to the Manchester Arena bombing, deliberately juxtaposed with a WW1 Memorial.

If you are Beatles fans, then Liverpool winds hands down. If you aren't then seriously think about Manchester instead.

I'd agree with this sentiment. We were in Liverpool this summer and the attractions at Royal Albert Dock were all closed, supposedly for renovations. If they're still shut down next summer, Liverpool will be much less attractive. I'm admittedly not a huge Beatles fan.

Also, I found the huge Anglican cathedral in Liverpool to be a nothingburger. It's big, but it's neither old nor beautiful. And although I feel the Lord's presence in most worship places of varied faiths and vintages, the Liverpool cathedral felt more like a hotel in which church services are occasionally held.