Birmingham has lots to offer: from bustling shopping areas to excellent live-music venues, art galleries to a chocolate factory! Much of the city’s most interesting history originates during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, when numerous technological advances were made in the many factories and workshops operating here.Many canals remain from those long-gone days, when they were crucial transport links with other parts of the country. Now, they add numerous pleasant waterside hangouts and opportunities for boat tours to the city. In fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice!Victoria Square is at the heart of many of the city’s favourite attractions. Check out the wonderfully romanticised pre-Raphaelite masterworks in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or admire Baroque Birmingham Cathedral. If fashion’s more your thing, the most exclusive chic clothing can be found at The Mailbox, while big brands and the hottest styles can be found at the Bullring Shopping Centre.Children will love tracing incredible scientific advances at the interactive Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. Browse around the Jewellery Quarter to appreciate the handiwork of these master craftsmen, and maybe pick up something for that special someone.The city’s musical scene really comes alive during the summer months. The Birmingham Jazz Festival gets the city moving to a different beat during the summer, and there are lots of free performances. For a more refined experience, soak in the melodic tones of outstanding orchestras and classical musicians at the Symphony Hall.When you need a break from the concrete jungle, Sutton Park offers wide open green spaces, along with golf courses and boating lakes. At the opposite side of the city, to the south, you can walk in the shadow of J.R.R. Tolkien at beautiful Sarehole Mill. Both parks are a short hop on the train from the city centre, and are just two examples of the 3,237 hectares of green spaces on offer here.Younger members of the family will love the sweetness of Cadbury World. Later on, as evening comes around and you start to get hungry, there’s a lot to choose from. Birmingham’s dining scene is heavily influenced by African, Chinese, Caribbean and Indian cuisine, with the “Curry Mile” in the south of the city particularly popular with diners.
Birmingham
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.
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.
Meriden
Restaurants, forests and golf courses are some highlights of Meriden. You might stop by Heart of England Events Centre or National Motorcycle Museum while you're in the area.
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Popular places to visit
Bullring Shopping Centre
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 lively bars.
Cadbury World
Savour sweet delights and learn about the history of one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world.
The Mailbox
This upmarket shopping centre is the perfect place for some retail therapy or an atmospheric canal-side meal.
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 walkable 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.
Things to do
Dive with Sharks Experience at The Bear Grylls Adventure
Learn To Cook Vietnamese - Native SE Asian Instructor
Iconic Birmingham: A Journey Through Heart & Heritage
The Jigsaw of History Tour
Private Birmingham City Walking Tour
Godiva's Cathedral Quarter Walk
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