Birmingham Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Birmingham with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Birmingham

Birmingham is a city in the West Midlands region of England, which has a population of over one million people. Considered to be the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Birmingham is now a bustling city with plenty to see and do. Birmingham has something for everyone, from history buffs and culture lovers to nature enthusiasts and foodies.

List of Places to Visit in Birmingham

Birmingham has numerous must-visit attractions, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: This museum has an impressive collection of art, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also features exhibitions on local history and culture.
  • The Coffin Works: A preserved factory of the Newman Brothers, The Coffin Works is a museum about the funerary industry.
  • The Birmingham Back to Backs: The last surviving courtyards of homes that were popular in the Victorian era.

Natural Attractions of Birmingham: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens: This 15-acre garden is home to more than 7,000 plants, including a collection of tropical and subtropical flora.
  • Sutton Park: Sutton Park is the largest urban park in the UK, and offers many great spots for a picnic with scenic views.
  • Canal and River Tours: Birmingham is known as the ‘Venice of the North’ and the city has over 100 miles of canals, you can take a tour for a unique perspective on the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Birmingham

  • Clent Hills: This is a popular spot for hiking and offers great panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Gosta Green: A 1.5 mile loop, Perfect for a bike ride, a run and it’s also dog-friendly.
  • Bournville Village Trust: A cycling trail for people who want to look at historic architecture, great for family time.

Best Things to Do in Birmingham: Activities and Tours

  • Cadbury World: Cadbury chocolate was invented in Birmingham and Cadbury World is a museum that celebrates the history and making of Cadbury chocolate.
  • Escape Live: Escape rooms, puzzles and challenges for groups of friends/family.
  • National Sea Life Centre Birmingham: A great place for families, you can get up close and personal with marine life, and learn about how important ocean conservation is.

Week-Long Itinerary for Birmingham

Day 1: Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and then head to the Jewellery Quarter for a tour of the Coffin Works museum.

Day 2: Explore the city’s history through the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Day 3: Take a walk-through the country’s largest urban park, Sutton Park then embark on a canal tour for a unique look at the history of the city.

Day 4: Enjoy a bike ride or a hike along the Clent Hills Trail.

Day 5: Learn about the history and making of Cadbury Chocolate through a visit to Cadbury World.

Day 6: Enjoy a family day at the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham.

Day 7: Explore the local food scene by visiting the local farmer’s market and taking a food tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Birmingham

Birmingham has made a great reputation for serving delicious dishes from all over the world, some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Balti: This dish is a local Birmingham speciality. It is a curry dish made with meat and spices and served in a steel bowl.
  • Pakora: Deep-fried vegetable or meat snack that has its origins in South India and West Pakistan.
  • Fish and Chips: Crunchy fish and chips are a staple of British cuisine and well-loved in Birmingham.

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale: Birmingham has a great number of pubs for beer lovers, serving locally brewed real ale.
  • Sweat Pea and Cornflower Tea: This is a locally grown herbal tea that is very popular and can be found in tea shops around the city.

Where to Stay in Birmingham: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Birmingham has multiple options for accommodations, including:

  • Hyatt Regency Birmingham: This hotel has a luxury spa and is set in the heart of the city, offering great views.
  • YHA Hostel: The Youth Hostel Association provides a budget-friendly option for travelers with a central location.
  • Staying Cool: Luxury apartments with great views of the city and premium amenities.

What to Buy in Birmingham: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Birmingham has many products that are unique to the city, including:

  • Jewellery: Birmingham is famous for its jewellery and there are plenty of stores to buy original pieces from.
  • Birmingham Chocolate: Cadbury Chocolate was invented in Birmingham and it is still produced in the city, making it an ideal gift.
  • Birmingham Gin: A locally distilled gin, that is made in small batches and perfect for a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Birmingham

Birmingham has a unique and diverse culture that is shaped by its history and local communities. The city emanates pride with a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions and nationalities that are all celebrated.

Best Time to Visit Birmingham

The best time to visit Birmingham is during the summer season, from June to September. During this time, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and many events take place throughout the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Birmingham

Do:

  • Visit the local markets: Birmingham has plenty of markets that offer a unique shopping and dining experience.
  • Respect local customs: British customs, such as queuing politely and covering-up in religious places, is always important to respect.
  • Take in the cultural experience: Birmingham is a culturally rich city and it’s worth spending time to truly experience it.

Don’t:

  • Misuse the local language: Swearing or using slurs are seen as disrespectful in Birmingham.
  • Be Littering: Littering in public spaces is frowned upon.

Safety and Health

Safety in Birmingham

Birmingham is a safe city, however, it’s always important to take precautions like protecting your valuables in public places, being aware of your surroundings, and only taking registered taxis.

Health in Birmingham

Birmingham has excellent healthcare facilities with several hospitals and clinics around the city, but it’s still important to bring any necessary medication or prescriptions with you.

Getting to Birmingham: Transportation Options and Logistics

Birmingham is well-connected to transportation options including:

Airports Near Birmingham

  • Birmingham Airport: The closest airport to the city centre, offering flights to and from destinations all around the world.

Bus Stations Near Birmingham

  • Birmingham Coach Station: The coach station is located in the city centre.

Other Options

  • Train: Birmingham is well-connected on the national rail network with many services in and out of the city.

How to Get Around in Birmingham

Getting around Birmingham is easy with the following transportation options:

  • Walking: For short distances, walking is a great way to see the city.
  • Bus: Birmingham has an extensive bus network that connects the entire city.
  • Taxi: Registered taxi companies are available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Birmingham: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare, is only a 40-minute drive from Birmingham.
  • Warwick Castle: Visit this medieval castle just a half-hour drive from Birmingham.
  • Cotswolds: A road trip to the Cotswolds, in less than two hours you can visit charming country villages and embrace the English countryside.

Conclusion

Birmingham is a bustling city with a rich culture and history. There are many must-visit attractions, unique food dishes, and different accommodation options. Plan your trip and make sure to include a few of the above suggestions to make it a memorable one.

The northern part of Birmingham's city centre The northern part of Birmingham's city centre Birmingham is known for its canals Birmingham is known for its canals Colmore Row in the core city centre Colmore Row in the core city centre Digbeth High Street Digbeth High Street Jewellery Quarter Jewellery Quarter Map of Birmingham and vicinity Map of Birmingham and vicinity The Gravelly Hill Interchange in Birmingham, England - the original Spaghetti Junction The Gravelly Hill Interchange in Birmingham, England - the original Spaghetti Junction The start of the Birmingham Canal at Gas Street Basin, central Birmingham The start of the Birmingham Canal at Gas Street Basin, central Birmingham Selfridges building at The Bullring Selfridges building at The Bullring The Chamberlain Clock in the Jewellery Quarter, commemorating Joseph Chamberlain's visit to South Africa in 1903. The Chamberlain Clock in the Jewellery Quarter, commemorating Joseph Chamberlain's visit to South Africa in 1903. Canal trail passing by New Smethwick Pumping Station Canal trail passing by New Smethwick Pumping Station Map of major bus routes Map of major bus routes Rail map Rail map The Jewellery Quarter station with the rail and Metro lines. The Jewellery Quarter station with the rail and Metro lines. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery IKON Gallery in Brindleyplace IKON Gallery in Brindleyplace Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Back to Back houses Back to Back houses Stamp room of the Newman Brothers' Coffin Works Stamp room of the Newman Brothers' Coffin Works Entrance gate to Jaguar Castle Bromwich Assembly Entrance gate to Jaguar Castle Bromwich Assembly St Philip's Cathedral St Philip's Cathedral St. Martin's, surrounded by the Bullring St. Martin's, surrounded by the Bullring The Library of Birmingham The Library of Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall A pool in the Eastside City Park A pool in the Eastside City Park Arena Birmingham seen from the Sealife Centre in 2014 Arena Birmingham seen from the Sealife Centre in 2014 Inside the Symphony Hall Inside the Symphony Hall The Institute The Institute The Birmingham Hippodrome The Birmingham Hippodrome The Rep - Birmingham Repertory Theatre The Rep - Birmingham Repertory Theatre The Electric Cinema in Station Street The Electric Cinema in Station Street The Bull Ring area The Bull Ring area Inside the Great Western Arcade Inside the Great Western Arcade Corporation Street from New Street Corporation Street from New Street The Bull Ring outdoor market The Bull Ring outdoor market Restaurants at the canal side of The Mailbox Restaurants at the canal side of The Mailbox Statue of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch in Broad Street Statue of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch in Broad Street The Birmingham Canal The Birmingham Canal The Mailbox viewed from the front, across The Queensway inner ring road The Mailbox viewed from the front, across The Queensway inner ring road The Birmingham Council House at night, during the Frankfurt Christmas Market The Birmingham Council House at night, during the Frankfurt Christmas Market Broad Street is regarded as the centre of nightlife in Birmingham Broad Street is regarded as the centre of nightlife in Birmingham Late night swans on a Birmingham canal Late night swans on a Birmingham canal The Missing Bar The Missing Bar Canal in Brindleyplace on New Year's Eve Canal in Brindleyplace on New Year's Eve A line of geese swim across a pool of reflected lights from the Mailbox restaurants. A line of geese swim across a pool of reflected lights from the Mailbox restaurants. The Paragon hotel was the only Rowton House, or a long-stay hotel for working men of low means, built outside of London. Designed by an architect specializing in army barracks, it retains its original ambiance. The Paragon hotel was the only Rowton House, or a long-stay hotel for working men of low means, built outside of London. Designed by an architect specializing in army barracks, it retains its original ambiance. A brutalist monument, the Leonardo is Birmingham's largest hotel A brutalist monument, the Leonardo is Birmingham's largest hotel The Radisson is inside Birmingham's tallest building The Radisson is inside Birmingham's tallest building M6 M6