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
Travel Guide
Visit 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
Visitors often come to Edgbaston for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Hagley Road and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Edgbaston Village Station.
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.
Marston Green
Well-liked for its restaurants and museums, Marston Green is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like The Bear Grylls Adventure and Resorts World Arena, and jump on the metro at Air Rail Link Tram Stop to get around the city.
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 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 Apr. 17, 2025
Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2025
Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2025
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Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025
Reviewed on Jan. 28, 2025
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
International Convention Centre
Remarkably elegant and extremely well-equipped, Birmingham’s most ambitious venue hosts more than 350 different events every year.
Villa Park
Catch an event at Villa Park during your trip to Birmingham. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its entertainment choices.
Things to do
From Birmingham Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour
Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby
Discover Birmingham Self Guided Walking Tour
Reviews of Birmingham
3/5 - Okay
Birmingham is a lot of big city issues with few of the perks. There are other, better places in the UK
4/5 - Good
Overall a good experience. Will be returning soon for business and will stay again for sure
5/5 - Excellent
We attended the British Winter Beer Festival in Feb 2020, which is walking distance from the St Pauls House. No regrets!
5/5 - Excellent
Great city with lots to offer for families and single people alike.
3/5 - Okay
Busy and quite big city
4/5 - Good
No problem with Birmingham, only hotel stay was not that pleasant
