Liverpool’s got character. You can’t walk five minutes without stumbling into a story, whether it’s a Beatles landmark, a Georgian townhouse, or a pub where the locals still remember when the docks were thriving. But here’s the thing about cities with this much personality: not every chapter is one you’ll want to read twice.
Some neighborhoods feel electric, pulling you in with their energy and warmth. Others? Well, they’ve got a different vibe altogether. Maybe it’s the boarded-up shopfronts, the lack of street lighting after dark, or that gut feeling that tells you to keep your bag close and your phone closer.
Before you book that Airbnb or plan your walking route, there are a few spots worth knowing about. Not because Liverpool isn’t worth visiting—it absolutely is—but because being informed helps you enjoy the good bits without the stress of the sketchy ones.
Places to Avoid in Liverpool
Liverpool’s a city of contrasts, and while most areas welcome visitors with open arms, a handful of neighborhoods consistently rank lower for safety, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. Here’s what you should know before you go.
1. Toxteth (Particularly Liverpool 8 Areas)
Toxteth carries a reputation that goes back decades, and while parts of the area have seen regeneration efforts, certain pockets still struggle with crime and social issues. You’ll find higher rates of antisocial behavior here, especially after dark, and the streets can feel noticeably emptier than other parts of the city.
The area saw riots in the 1980s that left a lasting mark on its community fabric. While many residents are working hard to rebuild and improve their neighborhood, you’ll still encounter visible signs of neglect: graffiti-covered walls, broken windows, and properties that have clearly seen better days. Drug-related activity remains a concern in specific streets, particularly around Granby and Upper Parliament areas.
If you’re visiting Liverpool’s cultural landmarks like the Baltic Triangle or the Cathedral Quarter, you might accidentally wander toward Toxteth without realizing it. Keep your bearings, check your route beforehand, and if you do find yourself there, stick to main roads during daylight hours. Locals will tell you that some streets are perfectly fine, but as a visitor, distinguishing between them isn’t always easy. Better safe than sorry.
2. Kirkdale
North of the city center, Kirkdale has consistently appeared on lists of Liverpool’s more challenging neighborhoods. The area struggles with higher unemployment rates compared to the city average, and this economic strain shows itself in various ways. You’ll notice more boarded-up shops, fewer maintained public spaces, and an overall sense that investment has passed this area by.
Crime statistics for Kirkdale reveal elevated levels of burglary and vehicle-related offenses. The residential streets feel cramped, with narrow pavements and limited parking that creates an atmosphere of congestion. After sunset, many locals avoid walking through certain parts altogether, opting for taxis or buses instead.
The shopping areas along County Road have declined significantly over the years. Where you might expect bustling high street activity, you’ll find charity shops, betting offices, and empty units. It’s not the Liverpool you see in tourism brochures, and unless you have a specific reason to be there, your time is better spent elsewhere in the city.
3. Speke
Out near Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Speke feels disconnected from the city center in more ways than geography. This post-war housing estate has battled with reputation issues for years, and while community initiatives have tried to turn things around, progress has been slow and uneven.
The area suffers from visible poverty. You’ll see this in the condition of housing stock, the limited retail options, and the general upkeep of public spaces. Speke Boulevard, the main road through the area, has a handful of shops and takeaways, but it lacks the energy and diversity you’d find in healthier neighborhoods. Crime rates here lean higher than the Liverpool average, with particular concerns around youth-related antisocial behavior and property crime.
For travelers, there’s simply no compelling reason to venture into Speke unless you’re picking up a rental car near the airport. Even then, most car hire companies will advise you to head straight toward the city center or north along the coast. The area doesn’t offer attractions, good dining options, or scenic walks that would justify the detour.
4. Parts of Walton (North Liverpool)
Walton presents a mixed picture. Some sections near Anfield Stadium attract football fans and have decent amenities, but venture further north and the atmosphere shifts noticeably. The residential streets become less maintained, the shops more sparse, and the overall feeling less welcoming.
County Road runs through Walton, and while it was once a thriving shopping destination, it’s now lined with discount stores, fast food outlets, and vacant premises. The pedestrian experience feels uninviting, with litter accumulation in certain spots and a general lack of the cleanliness you’d expect in well-managed areas.
Street crime becomes more of a concern here, particularly muggings and phone thefts. The lighting isn’t great on side streets, and the public transport connections, while present, don’t run as frequently as they do closer to the city center. If you’re visiting Anfield for a match, stick to the main approach roads and leave promptly after the game. Wandering around Walton itself adds risk without reward.
5. Norris Green
Norris Green, positioned in the northeast part of Liverpool, has long struggled with its reputation. This sprawling estate feels isolated from the rest of the city, both physically and socially. The housing consists mainly of semi-detached properties and low-rise flats, many showing signs of poor maintenance and neglect.
The local shopping center on Lower House Lane offers basic necessities but nothing that would attract visitors. More concerning are the crime statistics that consistently place Norris Green among Liverpool’s higher-risk neighborhoods. Gang-related activity has been documented in the area, though this typically affects residents rather than passing visitors. Still, the presence of these issues creates an atmosphere that’s hard to ignore.
Public spaces feel underdeveloped and underutilized. The parks exist but lack the upkeep and safety features that encourage families to use them regularly. For anyone exploring Liverpool, Norris Green sits well outside the natural tourist routes, and there’s no reason to include it in your itinerary. Even locals from other parts of Liverpool will often admit they rarely have cause to visit.
6. Central Areas Late at Night (Concert Square and Surrounding Streets)
This one’s different from the others because it’s about timing rather than a neighborhood to avoid entirely. Concert Square and the surrounding streets in Liverpool’s nightlife district are lively, fun, and generally safe during the evening. But as the night stretches past midnight and alcohol consumption reaches its peak, the atmosphere can turn volatile.
You’ll encounter groups of heavily intoxicated people, aggressive behavior, and occasional violence, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The police presence increases during these hours, which tells you something about the potential for trouble. Street fights aren’t uncommon, and you don’t want to be caught in the wrong place when tensions spill over.
The problem isn’t unique to Liverpool—most cities have nightlife zones that get rowdy—but the concentration of bars and clubs in a relatively small area creates a pressure-cooker effect. If you’re heading out for drinks, plan your evening to avoid the worst of it. Leave before the clubs empty out around 3 AM, take licensed taxis rather than walking back to your accommodation, and stay aware of your surroundings. The fun vibe you enjoyed at 10 PM can feel completely different four hours later.
7. Kensington
Sandwiched between the city center and some of Liverpool’s rougher outer areas, Kensington exists in an uncomfortable middle ground. The neighborhood has pockets of regeneration, but these sit alongside streets that feel genuinely unsafe, particularly for people unfamiliar with the area.
Edge Lane runs along Kensington’s border, and while it’s a major arterial route, the side streets branching off present a different story. Derelict buildings appear frequently, some being used for purposes you probably don’t want to investigate. Drug-related activity has been reported consistently, and the transient nature of some housing contributes to instability in the community.
Kensington Fields, a park that should serve as a community asset, often feels poorly maintained and sometimes attracts antisocial behavior. The retail offerings along Kensington High Street have declined over the years, leaving behind a string of shuttered shops and marginal businesses. Unless you’re visiting someone who lives there, Kensington deserves a wide berth from your Liverpool exploration.
8. Anfield (Away from Stadium on Match Days)
Anfield Stadium itself is iconic, a pilgrimage site for football fans worldwide. But the surrounding residential streets tell a different story, especially when they’re crowded with rival supporters on match days. The area experiences a surge in opportunistic crime during these events—pickpocketing, bag snatching, and vehicle break-ins all increase significantly.
Beyond match days, Anfield, the neighborhood faces similar challenges to other parts of north Liverpool. The housing stock varies from well-maintained to seriously dilapidated, sometimes on the same street. Economic opportunities remain limited, and this shows in the condition of local shops and public spaces.
If you’re attending a match, arrive close to kickoff time, park in official facilities or use public transport, and leave promptly afterward. The club and local authorities do a reasonable job managing the matchday experience, but once you wander off the beaten path, you’re more exposed. The mystique of Anfield is about what happens inside the stadium, not the streets surrounding it.
9. Dingle (Parts Near the Waterfront)
Dingle occupies an odd position in Liverpool’s geography. It’s technically close to some attractive waterfront areas and the city center, but it feels cut off and forgotten. The main road through Dingle, Park Road, has some life during the day, but venture into the residential streets and the atmosphere becomes noticeably less welcoming.
The area has higher crime rates than you’d expect given its proximity to more affluent neighborhoods. Burglary figures remain stubbornly elevated, and antisocial behavior is reported regularly by residents. The housing consists largely of terraced properties, many of which show visible signs of neglect—peeling paint, unkempt gardens, and windows that haven’t been cleaned in months.
Transport links are reasonable, which is perhaps the only reason you might find yourself passing through. But there’s no compelling reason to stop. The waterfront areas nearby—like Otterspool Promenade—offer pleasant walks, but Dingle itself doesn’t add value to your Liverpool experience. Keep moving toward the better parts along the river.
10. Wavertree (Specific Streets, Not the Whole Area)
Wavertree deserves a more nuanced mention because it’s genuinely mixed. The area near Penny Lane and the botanical gardens is pleasant, with nice cafés and a neighborly feel. But certain streets, particularly in the L15 postcode closer to Edge Hill, have persistent issues with crime and deterioration.
Student housing dominates some sections, which brings its own challenges—noise, litter, and the transient nature of the population. Crime statistics show elevated levels of burglary and theft, likely linked to students being perceived as easy targets. The quality of rental properties varies wildly, and you’ll encounter streets where every other house looks rundown or poorly maintained.
If you’re exploring Wavertree for its Beatles connections or the park areas, stick to the main roads and established attractions. The side streets can feel sketchy, particularly after dark, and parking your car in these areas overnight isn’t advisable. The good parts of Wavertree are worth seeing, but you need to know where the boundaries lie.
Wrapping Up
Liverpool offers incredible experiences—world-class museums, stunning architecture, and a music heritage that changed history. But like any major city, it has areas where your safety and comfort become questionable.
Knowing which neighborhoods to skip doesn’t mean living in fear. It means making informed choices that let you enjoy the best of Liverpool without the stress of navigating its rougher edges.
Stick to the well-traveled paths, trust your instincts when something feels off, and you’ll have a brilliant time in this remarkable city.
