Birmingham city centre, or Central Birmingham, is a business and transport hub in the United Kingdom.
It’s a great place to explore Birmingham’s rich culture and heritage, and a good spot to begin your West Midland tour.
Let’s see what it has to offer.
| Read more: Fancy a serving of cake and cookies? Check out these Elegant Venues For Afternoon Tea in Birmingham. Add these 15 Broad Street Attractions to your Birmingham itinerary too! |
This Article Contains:
- 10 Interesting Highlights In The Birmingham City Centre
- 5 Exceptional Restaurants In The Birmingham City Centre
- 5 Hotels For A Comfortable Stay In The Birmingham City Centre
- 5 Must-Visit Attractions Outside The Birmingham City Centre
- Developments In The Birmingham City Centre
10 Interesting Highlights In The Birmingham City Centre
Here are must-visit attractions within the city centre:
1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery tops this list as one of the best attractions to see in Birmingham city. It offers a peek into the city’s rich history and stunning art and culture scene.
Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH, UK
Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/
Phone No.: +44 121 348 8000
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Art Gallery Stop Es1 (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (51 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Theatrix Birmingham, Paradise Birmingham
2. Bullring & Grand Central
Bullring & Grand Central has over 200 stores, including Selfridges and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games official store. Interestingly, John Lewis had its largest department store in the Bullring shopping centre before it shut down due to financial challenges.
Address: Moor Street, Birmingham B5 4BU, West Midlands, UK
Website: https://www.bullring.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 632 1526
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday 9 am – 8 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: New Street Station Stop Ns1 (1 min walk)
Train: Bordesley (16 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Tilt Birmingham, BOM (Birmingham Open Media)
3. West Midlands Police Museum
West Midlands Police Museum offers an opportunity to spend time on both sides of the law. A visitor can explore the Victorian lock-up, take mugshots, and learn about two centuries of policing history.
Address: The Lock-up, 40 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6BJ, UK
Website: https://museum.west-midlands.police.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 609 1700
Entry Fee: Child (under age 3) – free, Child ( age 3–15) – £5.50, Adult – £9
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Avondale Road (2 min walk)
Train: Tyseley (20 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Victoria Law Courts, Colmore Gate
4. Library Of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham has an enviable collection of archives and rare books. It also has a panoramic viewing gallery with a bird’s eye view of Centenary Square and Birmingham city.
Address: Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA, UK
Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham
Phone No.: +44 121 242 4242
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday and Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Great Charles Street Queensway Stop Nh1 (2 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (23 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Paradise Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre
5. Back To Backs
Back to Backs or Court 15 is a historic structure that unveils the lives of the 19th and 20th-century working classes. It lets guests explore thousands of back-to-back houses built around shared courtyards.
Address: 50-54, 55-63 Inge Street, Birmingham B5 4TE, West Midlands, UK (reopening in June 2022)
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs
Phone No.: +44 121 622 2442
Entry Fee: Child – £4.75, Adult – £9.50 (guided tours)
Opening Times: Tuesday and Wednesday 1 pm – 3 pm, Thursday to Saturday 10 am – 3 pm, Sunday 10:30 am – 3 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: O2 Academy Stop Hf1 (4 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (10 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Birmingham Hippodrome, Bullring Shopping Centre
6. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Thinktank is the relocated Museum of Science and Industry on Newhall Street. This award-winning Birmingham Museum was previously managed by the Birmingham City Council but is now governed by the Birmingham Museums Trust.
Address: Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG, UK
Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
Phone No.: +44 0121 348 8000
Entry Fee: Child (under age 3) – free, Child (age 3-15) – £10.25, Adult (age 16-64) – £14, Senior (over age 65) – £12
Opening Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Coleshill Street (2 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (10 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Millennium Point, Birmingham City University
7. Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is a top-tier concert hall. Its resident orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, is the centre of music culture in Birmingham.
Address: Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA, UK
Website: https://bmusic.co.uk/your-visit/symphony-hall
Phone No.: +44 121 780 3333
Entry Fee: As per show price
Opening Times: As per events
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Art Gallery (Stop Es1) (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (7 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Reflex Birmingham, Library of Birmingham
8. National SEA LIFE Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is a popular West Midland attraction. It houses over 2,000 marvellous animals, including Gentoo penguins, sea otters, and giant green sea turtles.
Address: Eleven Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham B1 2HL, UK
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/
Phone No.: +44 121 634 2610
Entry Fee: £27.95 (anytime entry), free for children below age 3
(Pre-booking tickets is essential)
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 4 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 6 pm, Sunday 9:30 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Crescent Theatre (4 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (24 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Legoland Discovery Centre, The Garrison (Peaky Blinders Edition)
9. Victoria Square
Victoria Square is a public square situated adjacent to Chamberlain Square – accessible via Hill Street and New Street. It’s bordered by famous buildings, like the Birmingham City Council House and Town Hall, and replete with sculptural masterpieces.
Address: Birmingham B1 1BB, UK
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 7 am – 4 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Alexandra Theatre Stop Sf1 (4 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (48 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Chamberlain Square, Council House
10. Birmingham Hippodrome
The Birmingham Hippodrome offers unforgettable theatrical performances, including musicals, comedy, ballet, opera, and pantomime.
Address: Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB, UK
Website: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
Phone No.: +44 844 338 5000
Entry Fee: As per shows
Opening Times: As per events
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: O2 Academy Stop Hf1 (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (3 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Back to Backs, O2 Academy Birmingham
But what else can you do within the city centre?
5 Exceptional Restaurants In The Birmingham City Centre
Here are five city centre restaurants that offer a unique tasting experience:
1. Fazenda Birmingham
Fazenda offers a unique Rodízio (Brazilian all-you-can-eat style service) dining experience in Birmingham’s premier destination for businesses and offices – Colmore Row. The restaurant offers the finest grilled meats, and visitors can even rent private dining rooms for special functions.
Address: 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2AA, UK
Website: https://fazenda.co.uk/birmingham/
Phone No.: +44 121 728 5656
Opening Times: Tuesday and Wednesday 5 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 12 pm – 3 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm, Friday 12 pm – 3 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 3 pm and 4:30 pm – 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm
Price Range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Grill, Steakhouse, Brazilian
2. Boston Tea Party Birmingham
The Boston Tea Party offers everything from delicious breakfast items to burgers and baked goods – all made with sustainable ingredients.
Address: 190 Corporation Street, Birmingham B4 6QD, UK
Website: https://bostonteaparty.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 716 5222
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 5 pm, Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
Price Range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Cafe, British
3. Adam’s Restaurant
Adam’s is a contemporary fine dining and Michelin star restaurant. It’s an upscale choice for acclaimed British tastings, gastronomical delights, and world-class wine.
Address: 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5UG, UK
Website: https://www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 643 3745
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm and 7 pm – 9 pm
Price Range: ££££
Cuisine: European, British
4. Purecraft Bar and Kitchen
A delightful and modern pub, Purecraft has great ales on tap and over 75 bottled beers. You can even rent the tasting room or cellar bar for private events.
Address: 30 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5TJ, UK
Website: https://www.purecraftbars.com/
Phone No.: +44 121 237 5666
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 11 pm, Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Price Range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Bar, British, Pub, Contemporary
5. Asha’s Birmingham
Asha’s serves contemporary Indian cuisine and is one of the few places recommended in the United Kingdom Michelin Guide.
Address: Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3LX, UK
Website: https://ashasbirmingham.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 200 2767
Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday 5 pm – 10:30 pm, Thursday 5 pm – 11 pm, Friday 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Sat 4 pm – 11 pm, Sunday 4 pm – 10 pm
Price Range: ££ – £££
Cuisine: Indian, Asian
And where should you stay in Central Birmingham?
5 Hotels For A Comfortable Stay In The Birmingham City Centre
Here are five conveniently located hotels in the city centre:
1. Hyatt Regency Birmingham
Hyatt Regency is a luxury hotel with spacious rooms and several amenities, like a fitness centre, indoor pool, and spa. It’s a 10 to 15-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station.
Address: 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JZ, UK
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/england-united-kingdom/hyatt-regency-birmingham/birmi
Phone No.: +44 121 643 1234
Hotel Star Rating: 4-star hotel
Price Starts From: £243
2. The Grand Hotel Birmingham
The Grand Hotel is a landmark and historic hotel that’s just a five-minute walk from Birmingham New Street station. It has air-conditioned rooms, a bar, and a fitness centre.
Address: Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BS, UK
Website: https://www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 827 9600
Hotel Star Rating: 4-star hotel
Price Starts From: £153
3. Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter
Hampton by Hilton is perfect for business and leisure travellers – offering air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and an on-site fitness centre.
Address: 98-104 Constitution Hill, Birmingham B19 3JT, UK
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bhxbnhx-hampton-birmingham-jewellery-quarter
Phone No.: +44 121 227 1888
Hotel Star Rating: 3-star hotel
Price Starts From: £69
4. Holiday Inn Express Birmingham – City Centre, An IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express is a comfortable hotel that provides air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and an included buffet breakfast!
Address: 19 Holliday Street, Birmingham B1 1HH, UK
Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/birmingham/bhxcc/hoteldetail
Phone No.: +44 121 516 1990
Hotel Star Rating: 3.5-star hotel
Price Starts From: £80
5. Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Bridge Street Hotel
Premier Inn overlooks the city’s waterways – providing a taste of Venice in Birmingham. It has accessible facilities and free WiFi.
Address: 20 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JR, UK
Website: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/west-midlands/birmingham/birmingham-city-centre-bridge-street.html
Phone No.: +44 333 777 3906
Hotel Star Rating: 3-star hotel
Price Starts From: £87
Now, let’s look at other amazing attractions in Birmingham city.
5 Must-Visit Attractions Outside The Birmingham City Centre
Here are other attractions to see outside of the Birmingham city centre:
1. Cannon Hill Park
One of the premier parks in Birmingham city, Cannon Hill Park in Moseley and Kings Heath has beautiful flower beds, boating lakes, cycling routes, and more.
Address: Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD, UK
Website: http://www.cannonhillpark.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 121 303 1111
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am – 9 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Cannon Hill Park (6 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (14 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Edgbaston Stadium
2. St Pauls Square
Named after the 18th-Century St Pauls Church located in its centre, St Pauls Square is a one-of-a-kind square in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham city.
Address: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1QU, UK
Entry Fee: None
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 12 am – 12:59 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Water Street Stop Cn2 (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (26 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: St. Paul’s Church, RBSA Gallery
3. Sutton Park National Nature Reserve
Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, encompassing a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve.
Address: Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham B74 2YT, UK
Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark
Phone No.: +44 121 355 6370
Entry Fee: None, but there may be a charge for parking
Opening Times: Sunday to Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday 5:30 am – 5 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus/Train: Sutton Coldfield (36 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Gracechurch Shopping Centre, Sutton Arts Theatre
4. Cadbury World
Cadbury World offers every visitor a peek into the history of chocolate and Cadbury’s business, putting its chocolate-making and manufacturing processes on display.
Address: Linden Road, Birmingham B30 1JR, UK
Website: https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en
Phone No.: +44 121 393 6004
Entry Fee: Child (under age 4) – free, Child (age 4-15) – £14.73, Adult – £19.95
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Acacia Road (2 min walk)
Train: Bournville (5 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Selly Manor, Bournville Parish Church Saint Francis of Assisi
Note: Pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment.
5. Villa Park
Situated north of Birmingham City University, Villa Park is the home of Aston Villa Football Club. The Football Club offers stadium tours for visitors to walk in the footsteps of their Aston Villa heroes.
Address: Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE, UK
Website: https://www.avfc.co.uk/
Phone No.: +44 800 612 0970
Entry Fee: Weekday Tour – £17, Weekend Tour – £20
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Jardine Road (6 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Snow Hill (6 min walk)
Nearby Attractions: Aston Park, Aston Hall
Note: Stadium tours will reopen in August 2022 due to maintenance work.
Here are other recent developments in Birmingham’s city centre.
Developments In The Birmingham City Centre
City Centre is Birmingham’s central business district.
The region is currently undergoing a massive transformation called the Big City Plan.
The Big City Plan is a 20-year master plan that’ll expand the city centre to encompass nine districts, including:
- City Centre Core
- Eastside
- Westside
- Southside
- Gun Quarter
- Jewellery Quarter
- Highgate
- Ladywood
- Digbeth
This redevelopment plan will transform the area into a world-class city centre, helping increase spaces for offices, enable connectivity, and create better public spaces.
The city centre is also well-serviced by various modes of transport:
- It has plenty of buses and coaches run by operators like National Express West Midlands. They ferry passengers from Bull Street and Corporation Street in the city centre to other suburbs like Kings Heath and Selly Oak.
- The metro/tram system extends over Grand Central, Centenary Square, Bull Street, Five Ways, and the Great Charles Street Queensway.
- The Birmingham Airport outside the city centre is a gateway to international transport. The AirRail link connects the Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International – which offers routes into the city centre.
Fun Fact: The Birmingham Coach station is the headquarters of the National Express bus service.