Birmingham, United Kingdom: travel guide
England's second city of canals, jewellers and a famous curry district
England's second city boasts more canals than Venice, a booming food scene anchored by the Balti Triangle, and world-class galleries and concert halls. It successfully hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
About Birmingham
Birmingham is a large Midlands city with a working past in metals and manufacturing, and it keeps a network of canals that cut through the centre. A walk along the towpaths near Gas Street Basin shows the old industrial side of the city in a new light.
The Jewellery Quarter preserves workshops and small museums, while the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery holds a strong collection, including Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The Bullring is the main shopping centre, and the Balti Triangle is known for the curry style that took its name from the city. Cadbury World is a family favourite on the south side.
Birmingham suits food lovers, shoppers and families, and works as a base for the Midlands. Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time to visit.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- BHX
Last updated
Top places to visit in Birmingham
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · free entry
One of the UK's finest regional museums with an outstanding Pre-Raphaelite collection, Ancient Egyptian artefacts, and the Staffordshire Hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold. Spectacular Baroque civic architecture.
Cadbury World
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · entry £22 (≈ ₹2,810)
An immersive journey through 200 years of Cadbury chocolate history, from Aztec cacao to the famous purple wrapper. Located in Bournville, the model village built by the Cadbury family for workers.
Birmingham Canals
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. Gas Street Basin, Brindleyplace, and the Mailbox sit at the heart of an 100-km navigable network that powered the Industrial Revolution.
Jewellery Quarter
Cultural · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The world's largest jewellery manufacturing centre, with over 100 independent jewellers, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (in a preserved factory), and some of Birmingham's best independent cafés.
Birmingham Bullring
shopping-centre · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Bullring & Grand Central — Birmingham's spectacular 2003 shopping centre with the iconic Selfridges silver-disc facade, the famous Bull statue, and the UK's second-largest shopping centre.
Birmingham Library Roof
public-library · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Library of Birmingham — Europe's spectacular largest public library (2013), with the iconic gold-and-glass design, the famous Shakespeare Memorial Room, and the panoramic Secret Garden views.
Birmingham National Sea Life
aquarium · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The National Sea Life Centre — Birmingham's spectacular Norman Foster-designed aquarium (1996), with the iconic 360-degree underwater tunnel, the giant sea turtles, and the family experience.
Birmingham Thinktank Science
science-museum · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum — the spectacular Millennium Point science museum, with the iconic Spitfire, the 1779 Smethwick Engine (the world's oldest steam engine), and the planetarium.
Birmingham Custard Factory
creative-quarter · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Custard Factory — Birmingham's spectacular creative quarter in the former Bird's Custard factory, with the iconic indie shops, the famous street art, and the bohemian atmosphere.
Birmingham Back to Backs
victorian-housing · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Birmingham Back to Backs — Britain's spectacular last surviving court of back-to-back houses (1840s-1870s), with the iconic National Trust restoration, and the rich working-class heritage.
Birmingham Symphony Hall
concert-hall · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Symphony Hall Birmingham — the UK's spectacular acoustically-finest concert venue (1991), home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, with the iconic adjustable acoustic canopy.
Birmingham Cathedral St Philip
baroque-cathedral · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
St Philip's Cathedral — Birmingham's spectacular 1715 Baroque cathedral, with the iconic Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows, the famous Birmingham heritage.
Day trips and tours
- Stonehenge & Avebury Stone Circles 7 h · from GBP 43
- Cotswolds Villages from Bath 6 h · from GBP 35
Where to stay in Birmingham
- City Centre about GBP 160 per night
Bath is compact — city centre is the only place to stay. Walking distance to Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, and all attractions.
Hotels
- Hotel du Vin Birmingham 4-star · GBP 130 to GBP 380 per night
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 4-star · GBP 100 to GBP 280 per night
Where to eat
- Original Patty Men American, Burgers, Street Food · about GBP 22 per person
- Lasan Restaurant Indian, North Indian · about GBP 55 per person
- Opheem Indian, Modern · about GBP 95 per person
- Adam's Restaurant Modern British, Fine Dining · about GBP 160 per person
Getting to Birmingham
Airport: Birmingham (BHX)
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions about Birmingham
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Birmingham?
- The highest-rated places in our Birmingham guide are Birmingham Back to Backs, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Library Roof, Birmingham Thinktank Science.
- Where should I stay in Birmingham?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Birmingham: City Centre.
- How do I get around Birmingham?
- Ways to get around Birmingham covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Birmingham?
- The nearest airport to Birmingham has the code BHX.