Birmingham
Why we love Birmingham
Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham is an industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart. There’s a whole host of quirky adventures waiting to be discovered in the city – from cultural festivals to unique street art tours. Find a funky scene at the Custard Factory, home to up-and-coming designers, artists and independent cafes and bars. Or satisfy your fashion fever at the Bullring, Mailbox Malls and the achingly cool Grand Central complex.
From cruising down the city’s forgotten underground canals with an expert guide to checking out the home of the infamous Peaky Blinders, or celebrating the city’s eclectic cuisine with an unforgettable meal on the Balti Triangle, Birmingham’s blindingly brilliant!
Peaky Blinders
Step back in time at the Black Country Living Museum to discover the inspiration behind the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. Follow in the footsteps Thomas Shelby as you uncover a world of gangs and crime.
Michelin Dining
Boasting the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside of London, Birmingham brings the foodie game to the West Midlands. From decadent local eats to top-class fine dining, you’ll find the city bursting with places to tuck into delicious delights.
Birmingham Pride
Discover dance tents, fabulous cabaret shows and dramatic drag queen performances at Birmingham Pride. See the city’s streets awash with rainbow flags, celebrating unity, equality and love in the West Midlands.
Things to do in Birmingham
Featured things to do
Get your adrenaline pumping
Take to the high ropes, dive deep with the sharks or try your hand at axe throwing at The Bear Grylls Adventure. Tackle the climbing wall to free fall like a parachutist.
Go for a paddle
Test your balancing skills with stand-up paddle boarding on the picturesque Edgbaston Reservoir – escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the surrounding woodlands and wildlife.
Have a right laugh
Get ready for some big laughs in Birmingham – with 40 shows in different venues around the city and some big comedy names this festival will certainly put a smile on your face.
A Christmas in Birmingham
Marvel at a performance of The Nutcracker from Birmingham’s Royal Ballet, to getting a taste of Germany at the annual Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market.
Places to stay in Birmingham
West Side
Here you’ll find streets buzzing with nightclubs, bistros, cocktail bars and Birmingham’s brilliant Gay Village. You’ll also find Chinatown and Cadbury World here. And for those who fancy something more laid-back, there’s The National Sea Life Centre and plenty of parks and woodlands.
Digbeth
From the heart of this industrial centre into what’s transformed into the city’s cultural epicentre for arts and indie sellers. It’s a vibrant and happy place where you’ll find vintage to vegan, music to breweries all around budget-friendly stays.
Jewellery Quarter
A 200-year-old stylish part of the city that’s home to more than 500 jewellery shops, lots of small galleries, bars and swish restaurants. It also houses some decent budget and mid-budget gems - all very close to the city centre.
Explore nearby
Getting to Birmingham
With two major stations – Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International – it’s easy to reach the city by train from destinations across Britain. Chiltern Railways serve Birmingham Moor Street station from London Marylebone.
Located just outside of the city, Birmingham International Airport flies to many European and international destinations. Hop on a West Midlands Train direct to the city centre.
Getting around
An extensive bus, tram and train network means it’s easy to travel around Birmingham 24/7. If you’re a keen cyclist, there’s many traffic free bicycle routes – Birmingham’s beautiful when explored by bike.
By train
Find the best fares and discounts for train travel around Birmingham and the region at West Midlands Railway.
By bike
Fancy sightseeing as a cyclist? Check out the city’s best cycling routes and all the bike hire options at PushBikes.
By tram
Want to travel by tram or bus? Visit Swift and discover the easiest way to pay as you go for single, return and day travel tickets.
Want to know more?
Get top tips on places to visit and things to do from those in the know at Visit Birmingham.