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Industrial charm, canalside culture, bold reinvention — Birmingham is Britain’s second city, a compact metropolis known for its canals, Victorian architecture, and a thriving food and cultural scene. Visitors come for world-class museums, diverse dining from Balti to Michelin, and easy access to green spaces and historic towns nearby.
A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.
Home to the Staffordshire Hoard Anglo-Saxon treasure and an extensive Pre-Raphaelite collection in a grand Victorian building on Chamberlain Square.
A regenerated canalside district with restaurants, bars, theaters and water vistas—great for evening strolls and nightlife.
A historic district of ateliers, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, and independent shops, where you can see craftsmen at work and buy bespoke pieces.
Chocolate-themed attraction in the model village created by the Cadbury family, offering interactive exhibits and tasting experiences.
Hands-on science and industry exhibits including a Spitfire, planetarium shows, and displays on Birmingham’s manufacturing heritage.
Large aquarium near Brindleyplace featuring a glass tunnel, rescued turtles, and interactive rock pools.
Iconic shopping complex with flagship stores including Selfridges’ striking architecture and hundreds of high-street and designer brands.
Four acres of Victorian glasshouses and 15 acres of formal gardens and woodland in Edgbaston—ideal for a peaceful escape.
A striking modern landmark on Centenary Square with panoramic city views from its roof garden and free exhibitions.
Britain’s busiest single theatre, hosting West End musicals, ballet and popular touring shows in a grand Edwardian building.
Creative quarter in a converted industrial complex with street art, indie shops, bars, and weekend markets like Digbeth Dining Club.
Charming watermill and woodland that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, offering riverside walks in historic countryside close to the city.
An elegant Baroque cathedral near the Jewellery Quarter, known for its stained glass by Burne-Jones.
Picturesque meeting point of Birmingham’s waterways lined with narrowboats, waterside pubs, and historic locks.
Restored 19th-century courtyard of small houses that tells the story of working-class life in the city.
Explore Birmingham’s surprisingly extensive canal network on foot or by guided narrowboat to see industrial heritage up close.
Sample street food from rotating vendors in Digbeth’s lively weekend food market.
Catch a West End touring musical, ballet or family show in this major regional theatre.
Book a guided tour or workshop to learn about jewellery-making and browse independent makers.
Experience bars, late-night eateries and live music along the city’s entertainment corridor.
Relax by the boating lake, visit the mac birmingham arts centre, or rent a bike for park trails.
Best for first-time visitors—central hotels, major museums, shopping, and direct rail links.
Historic, boutique atmosphere with artisan shops and quieter streets while still near the centre.
Creative and lively nightlife with street art, independent bars and weekend food markets—great for younger travelers.
Leafy residential areas ideal for families and those wanting tranquil green spaces and the Botanical Gardens.
Spicy curry style developed in Birmingham’s Bangladeshi community—try it in the Balti Triangle (Sparkbrook/Alcester Road area).
A proper British bacon sarnie from a greasy spoon or cafe—simple but beloved for breakfast.
Traditional Midlands dish found in local pubs—flavorful meatballs made from pork offal and herbs.
Indulge in Cadbury Dairy Milk and specialty confections at Cadbury World and local shops in Bournville.
Find diverse offerings from Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Southeast Asian vendors across the city, especially in Chinatown and food markets.
Experience chef-led contemporary cuisine at restaurants such as Purnell’s (or similarly acclaimed local spots).
Shakespeare’s birthplace (about 40 minutes by train) with Tudor houses, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and riverside walks.
Historic cathedral city roughly 50 minutes away, with a pretty riverside, cathedral and fine museums.
Quintessential English villages, rolling hills and tea rooms reachable by car or organized tours in under 90 minutes.
Great weekend — brilliant canal walks around Gas Street and the ICC area, and the Balti Triangle has some of the best curry I've had outside of home.
Loved the mix of industrial history and modern art at Ikon Gallery, plus the jewellery quarter was unexpectedly charming for wandering and buying small souvenirs.
Friendly locals and great value — ate fantastically at a tapas-style restaurant near Chinatown and public transport was cheap and easy to navigate.
Lovely vibe with lots of redevelopment and nice cafes, though parts of the city center felt a bit hectic; great museums like Thinktank if you have kids.
Unexpectedly stylish — food halls at Bullring are excellent, and walking the canals at dusk made the city feel relaxed and photogenic.
Top food, cafés, nightlife and sights in any city — all free in the Tripmi app.
