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 center, to learn about a centuries-old industry and shop for handcrafted pieces. Head south of the center 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 center. 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 center. 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
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 historic sites are some highlights of Digbeth. Make a stop by Hurst Street or Birmingham Central Mosque while you're exploring.
Jewellery Quarter
Shopping, restaurants, and theaters are just a few things travelers 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 May 10, 2024
Reviewed on May 5, 2024
Reviewed on May 7, 2024
Reviewed on May 5, 2024
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Reviewed on May 3, 2024
Getting around Birmingham
If you’re staying in the city center of Birmingham, take advantage of the extensive pedestrianized zones and explore on foot – the best way to experience the city’s famous architecture up close. There is also an extensive bus network across the city, and local trains connect the city to the surrounding area. One trolley line, the Midland Metro, runs between the historic Jewellery Quarter and outlying towns. Visit the Transport for West Midlands website.Browse Birmingham rental cars.
Best time to visit
Birmingham has a temperate climate, with warm summers, cool winters and moderate rainfall throughout the year. To have the best chance of warm, sunny weather, you should visit between June and August, when average temperatures peak in the low 70s F (low 20s C). Spring and fall can variously be lovely and warm or rather cold, but prices are cheaper at this time of year. Winter is often gray, cold and wet.
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 search for that perfect souvenir at Broad Street. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this romantic area.
University of Birmingham
Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Birmingham, during your trip to 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
Reviews of Birmingham
4/5 - Good
Birmingham is a pleasant change from London. Worth a visit.
5/5 - Excellent
Very lively atmosphere. Great restaurants and plenty to do
5/5 - Excellent
Loved the city!
3/5 - Okay
Nothing much to say about Birmingham, large multi-cultural city. Has its good points and its bad.
4/5 - Good
Very diverse, with great food. Easy to commute with old but interesting buildings . The people are very friendly and polite
4/5 - Good
Very sad to see how much rubbish, broken glass, graffiti, and homeless were on the streets. We haven’t been in Brum for 19 years and it has changed. BUT, it is still our cherished family city
Other places like Birmingham
- National Exhibition Centre
- Bullring & Grand Central
- Utilita Arena Birmingham
- Cadbury World
- Broad Street
- University of Birmingham
- The Mailbox
- Resorts World Birmingham
- International Convention Centre
- Coventry Building Society Arena
- Villa Park
- University of Warwick
- O2 Academy Birmingham
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- Black Country Living Museum
- Symphony Hall
- Aston University
- Edgbaston Stadium
- Victoria Square
- Coventry University
- Belfry Golf Club
- Coombe Abbey Country Park
- Brindleyplace
- Hagley Road
- Molineux Stadium
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- David Austin Roses
- StarCity
- Coventry Cathedral
- Merry Hill