Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom. It is an important hub for cultural, social, commercial, and financial activities in the West Midland region.
It’s full of cultural diversity, fine art, lively music, unusual bars, exquisite dining spots, great shopping zones, and fun activities!
Whether you’re making a day trip, stopping by for a weekend, or a more extended stay, there are many exciting things to do in Birmingham. Get ready to book your tickets!
| Read More: Tap your feet to some incredible Live Music in Birmingham! Fancy an afternoon cup of tea? Check out these charming High Tea Venues in Birmingham. |
This Article Will Explore:
A. Day Trip (Itinerary For 1 Day in Birmingham)
B. The Weekender (Itinerary For A Weekend in Birmingham)
C. The Long Haul (Itinerary For Four Days or More)
5 Fun Facts About Birmingham
A. Day Trip (Itinerary For 1 Day in Birmingham)
Take in everything Birmingham has to offer with a day trip. Here are the best things to do:
1. Walk Around Gas Street Basin
2. Check out An Iconic Cathedral or Church
3. Visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
4. Have Lunch In The Birmingham City Centre
5. Visit Victoria Square
6. Grab A Sundowner At One of Birmingham’s Coolest Bars
1. Walk Around Gas Street Basin
Explore the Gas Street Basin, a vibrant network of canals in downtown Birmingham that’s a hub for cafes, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, apartments, and offices.
Once you arrive in Birmingham, grab some refreshments before setting off to explore. Check out cafes like:
- Canalside Cafe
- Chai and Crumbs
- Coffee & Cocktails
2. Check out An Iconic Cathedral or Church
Birmingham has incredible churches and cathedrals rich in history and beautiful architecture. Many of them are within the Birmingham City Centre itself, while a few are located in the suburbs.
Check out one or more of these iconic cathedrals and churches:
- Birmingham Cathedral – St Philips
- St Mary’s RC Church
- St Chad’s Cathedral
- St Martin in the Bullring Church
3. Visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, located next to the Town Hall.
Keep an eye out for:
- A vast collection of Pre-Raphaelites paintings from the 14th century onwards
- Artefacts and antiquities from Ancient India, Ancient Egypt, Central Asia, the Middle Ages, and the Roman Empire
4. Have Lunch In The Birmingham City Centre
The Birmingham City Centre is home to a range of bars and restaurants. Here are a few recommendations to grab a bite to eat:
- Comptoir Libanais: Comptoir Libanais, located in Brum Shopping Centre, is part of a Lebanese chain serving vibrant Middle Eastern food.
- The Distillery: Located on the canal, close to Brindley Place and The Arena Birmingham, The Distillery focuses on gin drinks and has wood-fired pizza, rotisserie, and robata grilled items.
- The Lobby On Hill Street: This restaurant and bar, part of the Cairn Group, is a great place to enjoy fun cocktails and hearty British food like steaks, pies, burgers, and more. Find this spot close to Birmingham New Street Station.
5. Visit Victoria Square
Victoria Square is a public spot right in the heart of the city that’s also home to the Council House and Town Hall.
The beautiful square is a popular destination for picnics, walks on sunny days, and fantastic photo ops! It has magnificent fountains and artwork and is the venue for many public events.
6. Grab A Sundowner At One of Birmingham’s Coolest Bars
Grab your family, friends, or partner and unwind (and snap a photo for the ‘gram) at a swanky bar in the Birmingham City Centre before heading back to London.
Here are a few options:
- The Lost & Found Birmingham
- The Botanist
- Dirty Martini
B. The Weekender (Itinerary For A Weekend in Birmingham)
Got only a weekend to explore? Not to worry, you can still fit in a lot of things to do in Birmingham:
1. Take a Tour of The Historic Jewellery Quarter
2. Dine At A Michelin-Starred Restaurant
3. Check out Birmingham Cathedral – St Philip’s
4. Explore these Family Activities
5. Explore The Shopping Scene
6. Party Through The Night
7. Sleep In Comfort
1. Take a Tour of The Historic Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter, situated at the edge of the Birmingham City Centre, is Europe’s biggest consolidation of businesses (over 500!) in the jewellery industry. Over 40% of the UK’s handmade jewellery is produced in the Jewellery Quarter.
There are so many things to do in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. This area is brimming with historic architecture, shops, galleries, factories, and museums.
Book one of these tours to explore the Jewellery Quarter:
- Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours: This tour starts and finishes at St Paul’s Square and will cover 20 locations.
- Friends of Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemeteries: Explore the two cemeteries and catacombs for £5 each.
If you’d much rather explore on your own, check out a self-guided tour:
- Walk Run Cycle app: Walk Run Cycle offers a 4.5km circular tour of the Jewellery Quarter.
- The JQ Pavement Trails: The Jewellery Quarter has two famous pavement trails — the Charm Bracelet Trail (a visual tour of the core of the JQ) and the Findings Trail (which showcases the many achievements and stories of the people of the JQ).
2. Dine At A Michelin-Starred Restaurant
No trip to Birmingham is complete without sampling the city’s delicious food.
Today, Birmingham has a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of the Michelin-starred ones include Purnell’s (British gourmet), Simpsons (European), Adam’s (contemporary British cuisine), and Carters (seasonal, British cuisine.)
3. Check out Birmingham Cathedral – St Philip’s
The Birmingham Cathedral Church of Saint Philip, in Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, is a beautiful English Baroque parish church. It’s famous for its four Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows.
Visit the Birmingham Cathedral on:
- Weekdays: From 7.30 AM to 6.30 PM
- Weekends: From 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM
4. Explore these Family Activities
Birmingham is a great spot for groups and families, particularly if you have kids. Even if you have only time to do one fun thing, you’re bound to find something everyone will enjoy from the list below:
a. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
b. Cadbury World
c. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
d. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
a. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is great for kids between 3 and 10 years old. It has six exciting zones that include a 4D cinema, a race track you can design and build and test your own functional LEGO car, daily workshops, and more! Pre-book LEGOLAND Discovery Centre tickets to avoid disappointment.
b. Cadbury World
When in Birmingham you have to visit Cadbury World. Cadbury is the heart of English chocolate production and is ideal for chocolate lovers. Make all your Charlie and The Chocolate Factory dreams come true with a fun-filled chocolate-themed day (or at least 3-4 hours) that includes a tour of Cadbury World, a 4D cinema, and a visit to the world’s biggest Cadbury shop and the Cadbury World Cafe.
c. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park was formerly the Birmingham Nature Centre and Birmingham Zoo. It’s a small zoo situated at the edge of Cannon Hill Park and is owned and managed by the Birmingham City Council.
The Birmingham Zoo that opened in 1964 was once a part of a fulling mill called Pebble Mill.
Today, the Park is a great place to observe various animals, including lemurs, reptiles, otters, meerkats, birds, monkeys, wallabies, and more.
d. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
The award-winning Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum has over 200 displays on science and technology, including talking robots, steam engines, a chocolate wrapping machine, and more.
5. Explore The Shopping Scene
If you’re looking for a little retail therapy or things to do in Birmingham’s malls, check out these options:
- Bullring and Grand Central: The Bullring is located in central Birmingham and is a major shopping destination.
- Mailbox Shopping Centre Birmingham: For a premier luxury shopping and lifestyle experience, head to Mailbox.
- Great Western Arcade: The Great Western Arcade is a shopping mall located right in the heart of Birmingham. Enjoy the salons, food and drink spots, and fantastic fashion boutiques.
6. Party Through The Night
Step out for a night on the town at some of the best clubs in the city. Whether you love retro, techno, house, or pop music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bust a move at:
- Jam House: Groove to smooth jazz and blues tunes.
- The Night Owl: Enjoy music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
- Lab11: Lab11 is a warehouse known for its good house music.
- O2 Institute: O2 is a former 1900s chapel that’s now a popular place for UK’s rave scene.
7. Sleep In Comfort
A good night’s sleep is essential to feel rested and ready for a new day of exploration and adventures.
Check-in at one of these charming hotels for a comfortable stay:
- Park Regis Birmingham: Park Regis Birmingham is a 4-star luxury hotel right in the city centre.
- Rates: £129 upwards per night for each person
- Address: 160 Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1DT
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre: The Holiday Inn is a modern hotel in the city.
- Rates: £120.28 upwards per night for a double room
- Address: Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EW
- Malmaison Birmingham: Malmaison is an ecclectic boutique hotel located in Mailbox
- Rates: £119 upwards per night for a double room
- Address: 1 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RD
C. The Long Haul (Itinerary For Four Days or More)
If time permits, dedicate a few days to explore Birmingham and everything it offers.
Here are a few of the best things to consider when planning your itinerary:
1. Enjoy Fun & Adventure Activities
2. Explore A Picturesque Park Or Garden
3. Immerse Yourself In More Art And Culture
4. Check Out The Food and Drink Scene
5. Stay The Night
1. Enjoy Fun & Adventure Activities
Here are a few fun things to do whether you’re on your own, with a partner, friends, or family:
- Hop Aboard The Shakespeare Express: The Shakespeare Express runs from Birmingham to Stratford Upon Avon, giving you an exciting glimpse into the industrial past of Birmingham and the breathtaking views of the Warwickshire countryside.
Tickets: £30 upwards - Rush Birmingham Trampoline Park: Book an open jump session for 60 or 120 minutes where you can try trampoline-sprung basketball lanes, a dodgeball court, giant foam pits, and so much more. Book your Rush Birmingham Trampoline Park open jump online.
- Drayton Manor Theme Park: Head to the award-winning Drayton Manor Theme Park and experience over 100 rides and attractions. Pre-book your tickets and enjoy a discount.
2. Explore A Picturesque Park Or Garden
Birmingham has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for exploring, relaxing, walking, and playing. Here are our must-visits:
- Birmingham Botanical Garden: Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for the tropical birds, plants, and butterflies. The Botanical Gardens’ glasshouses have a strange and interesting flora and beautiful lawns to stroll in.
- Aston Hall and Lady Holte’s Garden: Aston Hall is a Jacobean house built in the 17th century located within a public park in Birmingham. Aston Hall has many trails and events to enjoy, including Lady Holte’s breathtakingly serene garden.
- Cannon Hill Park: Cannon Hill Park is a beautifully structured recreation destination with parkland, conservation and woodland areas, a lovely lake, and tea rooms.
- Sutton Park: Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in the UK (an incredible 2,400 acres) and a national nature reserve.
3. Immerse Yourself In More Art And Culture
Birmingham is rich in culture, historic architecture, and heritage and is an integral part of experiencing all that Birmingham offers.
Check out these must-visit spots:
- Museum of the Jewellery Quarter: Take the museum’s guided tour and discover jewellery-making techniques and even buy a piece or two at the museum’s shop.
- Birmingham Hippodrome: The Birmingham Hippodrome is a famous pantomime location that’s great for watching family pantomimes, comedies, ballets, and operas.
- Symphony Hall: The Birmingham Symphony Hall is UK’s finest concert hall with different music programmes, standup comedy nights, and international orchestras.
- Lapworth Museum of Geology: Visit the Lapworth Museum of Geology for its extensive collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils in West Midland.
- Warwick Castle: This medieval castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Today, Warwick Castle features interactive activities and exhibits and entertainment shows.
- Black Country Living Museum: The open-air museum, award-winning Black Country Living Museum is about 10 miles away from Birmingham city. It’s the best place to discover 300 years of history in the Black Country.
4. Check Out The Food and Drink Scene
If you want an unforgettable dining experience, check out some of these independent restaurants and bars:
- Damascena Coffee House, Birmingham City Centre
- Tonight Josephine
- Ikigai at 1000 Trades
- Vagabond Wines
- The Pineapple Club
5. Stay The Night
If you’re staying in Birmingham for a few days, check out these serviced apartments and hostels:
Serviced Apartments
- Premier Suites Birmingham: These fully equipped serviced apartment suites (with 1-2 bedrooms) in Upper Dean Street are a great alternative to traditional hotel stays. Rates: £135 upwards
- Staybridge Suites: A 5-minute walk from Bullring and Grand Central, Staybridge Suites has beautiful serviced apartments in the Birmingham City Centre. Rates: £100 upwards
Hostels
- Selina Birmingham (formerly Hatters Hostel): Selina is located in a historic building in Livery St. with beautiful murals and experimental art. Rates: £41 upwards
- Birmingham Backpackers: You can find this hostel in the Birmingham City Centre. It has great amenities, including a games section for guests to use, featuring an Xbox, Wii, and Playstation 3. Rates: £16 upwards per bed for each night
5 Fun Facts About Birmingham
Birmingham has many fun and unusual facts about the city and the people. Here are five of them:
1. There are two cities named Birmingham
There is also a Birmingham in Alabama, USA! Alabama’s Birmingham was named after its United Kingdom counterpart. It’s also easy to confuse some Birmingham, Alabama attractions with what Birmingham, UK offers.
For example, these iconic places are in Alabama:
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a cultural research centre focused on the importance of civil rights developments in the city.
- Kelly Ingram Park: The Kelly Ingram Park has incredible sculptures of the 1960s civil rights struggle.
- Railroad Park: This park has 19 acres of greenery, a lovely lake, bio-filtration wetlands, etc.
- Red Mountain Park: Birmingham, Alabama, began in Red Mountain Park and today it’s an urban space for young people.
- Vulcan Park and Museum: The Vulcan Park features the world’s biggest cast-iron statue and one of the most memorable works of civic art in the US.
- Rickwood Field: Rickwood Field is Birmingham, Alabama’s oldest professional baseball field in the US.
McWane Science Center: McWane Science Center is a science museum and research archive in Alabama.
2. Birmingham, England, is often referred to as “Brum”
Birmingham, England, is frequently called “Brum”, and the locals are called “Brummies”.
Since Alabama’s Birmingham grew rapidly, it became known as the “Magic City” and later as the “Pittsburgh of the South.”
3. Birmingham, England, Is The Youngest City in Europe
Officially, Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, with about 40% of the population under 25 years old.
4. The Postage Stamp Was Born In Birmingham
The postage stamp used in modern mail was invented in 1839 in Birmingham, England, by school teacher Sir Rowland Hill.
5. Birmingham Has The Second Highest Number of Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Birmingham UK has five Michelin-starred restaurants. Apart from London, there’s nowhere else in the UK you can find so many.