Located in central England, Birmingham attracts visitors with its concert venues and shopping districts, art exhibitions, curry restaurants and chocolate factory. The city was at the heart of the industrial revolution in the 1700s and 1800s, with many advancements in technology and science developed in the city’s factories. Today, Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom. Getting around is made easy by an efficient public transport system of trains and buses. Explore the city’s canals – left over from the Industrial Revolution – by boat tour.
Victoria Square is the focal point of the city many major attractions are within walking distance. Find Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Shop for high-end clothing at The Mailbox, and admire the 18th-century architecture of Birmingham Cathedral.
Learn about the impact of the Industrial Revolution at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. There are interactive activities for younger visitors, including a giant hamster wheel and square-wheeled wagon.
Go to the Jewellery Quarter, just west of the city centre, to learn about a centuries-old industry and shop for handcrafted pieces. Head south of the centre to find chains stores and independent boutiques at the Bullring Shopping Centre.
Birmingham’s music scene comes to life during the summer months. Enjoy free concerts during the Birmingham Jazz Festival. Listen to orchestras and world-famous musicians at Symphony Hall, a venue that hosts hundreds of events throughout the year.
Take time to explore around 8,000 acres (3,237 hectares) of public green spaces. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the golf courses and boating lakes at Sutton Park, north of the city centre. To the south, at Sarehole Mill, you can walk in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien. Both are a short train ride from the city centre.
Don’t miss out on Birmingham’s culinary scene, influenced by African, Caribbean, Chinese and Indian cultures. Visit the Curry Mile in the south of the city, so called for its large concentration of Indian restaurants, and get a chocolate hit during the tasting sessions at Cadbury World.
Birmingham Travel Guide
Where to stay in Birmingham
Birmingham City Centre
Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Birmingham City Centre. Check out top attractions like Birmingham Cathedral and Victoria Square, and jump on the metro at Grand Central Tram Stop or Corporation Street Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Edgbaston
Edgbaston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Hagley Road and Birmingham Botanical Gardens while you're in town.
Coventry City Centre
Coventry City Centre is noteworthy for its museums, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Coventry Cathedral and Coventry Transport Museum.
Westside
Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Westside. Check out top attractions like Broad Street and National SEA LIFE Centre, and jump on the metro at Five Ways Tram Stop or Brindley Place Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Digbeth
Bars, shopping and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Digbeth. Check out Hurst Street or Birmingham Central Mosque while you're exploring the area.
Jewellery Quarter
Shopping, restaurants and theatres are just a few things travellers like about Jewellery Quarter. Sights like Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Royal Birmingham Society of Artists are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Birmingham area at Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop.
Reviewed on 7 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 10 May 2024
Reviewed on 12 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024
Popular places to visit
Bullring & Grand Central
An ultra-modern complex, this shopping destination is built on the site of a centuries-old marketplace, continuing Birmingham’s tradition of commerce and ambition.
Utilita Arena Birmingham
Catch an event at Utilita Arena Birmingham during your trip to Birmingham. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Cadbury World
Learn about the history of one of the world’s biggest chocolate manufacturers and sample various products at this interactive chocolate and entertainment center.
Broad Street
During your visit to Birmingham, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Broad Street. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this romantic area.
University of Birmingham
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Birmingham during your travels in Birmingham. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.
The Mailbox
Shop for designer clothes, sample international cuisine at waterside restaurants and watch a television show broadcast, all at this multipurpose retail center.
Things to do
Dive with Sharks Experience at The Bear Grylls Adventure
Iconic Birmingham: A Journey Through Heart & Heritage
Unique Corners of Birmingham – Walking Tour for Couples
Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
Birmingham Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
Reviews of Birmingham
5/5 - Excellent
Friendly people and the best city in the UK
5/5 - Excellent
I applaud the cleanliness of the area I visited
3/5 - Okay
Loads of developments and upgrading of buildings and road infrastructure etc. Road diversion routes confusing but will eventually result in the city center being a pleasant place to visit
4/5 - Good
We were in Birmingham for a gig just out of town but had a wander around the centre and were very impressed.
5/5 - Excellent
love it
5/5 - Excellent
Great city
