Anfield is one of those grounds you feel before you see it. The walk from Anfield Road, past the Shankly Gates, past the eternal flame — it does something to you even if you're not a Liverpool fan. Then you get into the away end and spend 90 minutes wishing you were somewhere else, because the noise in that stadium is genuinely oppressive and Liverpool tend to score a lot at home.
Go anyway. It's worth it.
The Away End
Away supporters are allocated the lower tier of the Anfield Road End — the south end of the ground. Allocation is typically around 2,000 but has increased since the Anfield Road Stand expansion. You'll be behind the goal, in a compact section that the away fans usually pack well.
The famous "This Is Anfield" sign is above the tunnel at the opposite end — you'll see it when the teams come out, which is the one moment where even away fans tend to find it impressive. Then the Kop starts and you concentrate on making noise yourself.
Practical notes:
- The Anfield Road End has improved significantly post-expansion but the concourses remain tight.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. The area gets congested and queues at the turnstiles can be slow.
- The away section roof is partially covered — bring a layer if the weather's uncertain.
- Mobile ticketing only. Have your phone charged.
Getting There
Liverpool city centre is about 2 miles from Anfield. There's no station directly at the ground, which catches people out.
Train + walk: Liverpool Lime Street is your arrival point for most national rail routes. From there it's either a bus (the 17 from Queens Square, about 25 minutes) or a 35-40 minute walk — manageable if you're early enough and want to see the approach to the ground.
Merseyrail: Kirkdale station (Northern Line) is a 20-minute walk from Anfield and significantly less busy than the city centre options post-match. Worth knowing for the return journey.
Taxi/Uber: Fine before the game but expect to queue post-match or walk away from the immediate area first.
Driving: Possible but parking is residential. Several local residents offer match parking — agree a price before you commit. Head for Walton Breck Road to find options, or use JustPark to book in advance.
Pre-Match Pubs
The Sandon — Oakfield Road. The most historically significant pub in English football — Liverpool FC was effectively founded in its back room in 1892. It's a legitimate football pub, not a tourist trap, and it's genuinely mixed support. Get there early; it fills up completely.
The Albert — Walton Breck Road. The traditional pre-match away pub. Closest to the ground, the police and stewards know it, and it's managed well. Can feel contained if there's any tension in the fixture.
The Arkles — Anfield Road. Another local classic, right next to the ground. Home and away fans tend to mix here without incident in most fixtures.
City centre option: If you're eating before the match, Liverpool city centre — particularly the Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks areas — is excellent. Baltic Triangle has some of the best independent restaurants in the north of England. Leave plenty of time for the bus or taxi up to the ground.
Food
The concourse food at Anfield has improved. Scouse (the stew, obviously) is available and the pies are decent. The surrounding area has chippy shops and takeaways if you want something on the walk in.
Atmosphere
This is the whole point. The Kop is extraordinary — not just loud, but coordinated in a way most home ends aren't. The YNWA before kick-off is the one moment in English football that genuinely gives you pause regardless of allegiance. Then it's 90 minutes of trying to be louder than 45,000 people who've been doing this longer than you.
The away end holds its own when the allocation is full and the mood is right. After a goal it's one of the most rewarding moments in away-day football — the combination of disbelief, release, and the wall of noise you're suddenly punching through.
Security are firm but fair. Post-match can be tense if there's a controversial result — get stewarded out and follow the designated route rather than dispersing independently until you're away from the immediate area.
Hotels
Liverpool is an excellent city to stay in. The city centre is compact and the hotel stock is strong for the price compared to London or Manchester. Albert Dock puts you by the waterfront for the evening; the Baltic Triangle has the better independent bars and restaurants.
Book early for high-profile fixtures — Liverpool's Champions League campaigns fill the city.