Things To Do
in Birmingham
Birmingham sits at the heart of the West Midlands as a dynamic, diverse city with a rich industrial heritage. It blends Victorian architecture with modern galleries, parks, and a lively canal network. The city is renowned for its bold culinary scene, especially its Balti curry, which has deep roots in the Balti Triangle.
With world-class museums, shopping, and theatre, Birmingham offers a welcoming, walkable experience for visitors and locals alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where you can admire the Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Victoria Square, soaking in the impressive architecture of the Town Hall and the Council House. Grab a traditional English breakfast at a nearby café to fuel up for the day ahead.
Head over to the iconic Bullring Shopping Centre for some retail therapy, where you can find everything from high street fashion to unique boutiques. After shopping, take a leisurely stroll to St. Martin in the Bull Ring, a striking modern church that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding historical buildings. Wind down with a delicious lunch at one of the many eateries, sampling some local delicacies.
As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant Brindleyplace, a picturesque canal-side development. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, choosing from a range of international cuisines while watching the boats glide by. Conclude your evening with a drink at one of the stylish bars, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this popular area.
Begin your day in Digbeth, Birmingham's creative quarter, by visiting the Custard Factory, a hub for independent shops and artists. Explore the various street art murals that adorn the buildings, capturing the spirit of this artistic neighborhood. Treat yourself to a coffee at a local café, where you can mingle with creatives and soak in the unique vibe.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Digbeth Dining Club, where you can indulge in a variety of street food options from local vendors. After lunch, check out the modern art at the Eastside Projects, a contemporary art space showcasing innovative exhibitions. Take a walk along the Grand Union Canal, enjoying the tranquil surroundings amidst the urban landscape.
As the evening approaches, immerse yourself in the local nightlife by visiting one of the many pubs or bars in Digbeth. Try live music at a local venue, where you can experience Birmingham's vibrant music scene firsthand. Wind down with a late-night snack from a food stall, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this trendy area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant) | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment (city centre, monthly) | $1,000-1,400 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich mix of cultures and cuisines, especially Balti curry
- Excellent canal network and walkable city center
- Strong theatre, music, and nightlife scenes
- Wide range of dining options from casual to Michelin-starred
- Can experience peak-hour traffic and crowded central areas
- Weather can be changeable; plan for rain
- Some neighborhoods require transport to reach from the city center
- Balti Triangle traffic can be busy during peak times
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Visit one of these nice places.
A modern architectural landmark with striking lines and elevated viewpoints for cityscape photography.
Iconic canal junction with colorful houseboats and bridges, ideal for sunset shots and reflections.
Gothic-influenced architecture set against a lively city square; great for exterior detail and ambient light.
Contemporary pedestrian precinct hugging the waterways, perfect for daytime and blue-hour photography.
Historic workshops, brick streets, and vintage storefronts offering atmospheric urban textures.
Food in Birmingham
Birmingham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish of the Balti Triangle, cooked and served in a steel karai skillet; best found in many Balti houses across the city.
Must-Try!
A traditional Birmingham dish of meatballs served with peas and gravy, commonly found in classic pubs and casual eateries.
A toasted flatbread stuffed with spiced minced meat, a popular pairing with curries in many Indian restaurants.
A mix of regional Indian and international street-food bites available at Digbeth Dining Club and Markets Hall Birmingham.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modern indoor market in the city center offering a rotating array of street-food stalls, fresh produce, and casual dining.
A renowned street-food market in Digbeth featuring a rotating lineup of pop-up vendors and open-air dining in a creative, artsy district.
A cluster of iconic Balti restaurants in Sparkhill/Small Heath offering a wide range of curries and vegetarian-friendly options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be punctual for events and bookings; asking people to arrive a few minutes early is common in social settings.
Britons value orderly queues; join the end and wait your turn politely.
Say please and thank you; Britons often appreciate a friendly, respectful tone in conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Birmingham
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a service charge is often included or a gratuity of 10-15% is appreciated if not included. For casual cafes or pubs, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.
Cash is accepted in most places, but contactless cards, Apple/Google Pay, and other digital wallets are widely used and preferred in many venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and lively outdoor dining. Expect occasional showers; carry a light jacket and an umbrella for sporadic rain.
Milder temps with colorful foliage in parks like Sutton Park. Layered clothing is wise as days can swing from warm to cool.
Cool to cold with occasional frost or drizzle. Indoor attractions shine; dress warmly and plan for shorter daylight hours.
Rising temperatures and blooming parks, ideal for canal walks and outdoor café seating. Bring a light rain jacket for showers.
Birmingham at Night
Hiking in Birmingham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Beautiful rolling countryside about 20-30 minutes from central Birmingham, offering scenic walks and panoramic views.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with heathlands, woodlands, and nice hiking trails within a short drive.
A wooded area with gentle and moderate trails, suitable for outdoor day trips close to the city.
Airports
How to reach Birmingham by plane.
Located roughly 6-10 miles southeast of the city center, BHX offers domestic and international flights and easy rail/road connections to central Birmingham.
Approximately 60-90 minutes by road or rail from Birmingham, serving a wide range of European destinations.
A major international hub about 90-120 minutes by rail/car, useful for longer trips or international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population, with a broad mix of subcultures and communities.
A large and vibrant community, particularly represented in the Balti Triangle area with diverse cultural offerings.
A varied community contributing to Birmingham's arts, music, and food scenes.
A mix of residents and visitors from across Europe and beyond, enriching the city’s culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Aston Villa (Villa Park) and Birmingham City (St Andrew's) are historic clubs with passionate local followings.
Edgbaston is renowned for county cricket and hosts international matches and major tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Birmingham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are ubiquitous across Birmingham, especially in Indian and Middle Eastern eateries. Look for dal, paneer, chickpea stews, and vegetable curries; many Balti houses offer meat-free versions and separate vegetarian menus. For vegan dishes, ask about dairy-free curries or vegetable-based curries and sides.