If you’re thinking of going to Birmingham, England, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. When mentioning we planned to visit Birmingham, there wasn’t the typical enthusiastic responses and passionate suggestions.
Despite playing a key role in the Industrial Revolution – and being home of both the (fictitious) Peaky Blinders and (real-life) author JRR Tolkien – it has yet to gain traction as an international travel destination.
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That said, the city is well known for its spectacular festivals, and the Birmingham German Christmas Market is what prompted our visit.
So, when we made plans to be in London for Christmas, we tacked it on! Having already visited the actual Frankfurt Christmas Market, we were eager to join the festivities in a different locale.
It came as a bit of a surprise when we discovered an astounding number of fun things to do in Birmingham, UK beyond the holiday fair. In the end, we spent 4 days sightseeing in Birmingham!
Best Things To Do in Birmingham, UK
Our list features fantastic attractions, fun activities and top places to eat and drink. As budget-conscious travelers, many of our recommendations are also free things to do in Birmingham!
#1 Admire Victoria Square
Marking the city center, Victoria Square is one of the top things to see in Birmingham.
Ringed by ornate architecture – including both the historic Council House and Town Hall – it is a vast, pedestrian-only public space. At the center is a tiered fountain, called The River.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the adjacent Chamberlain Square. Once a marvel of Victorian architecture, it’s now a mishmash of architectural styles, statues and monuments – including the 1880 Chamberlain Memorial Fountain.
#2 Appreciate Art at the Birmingham Museum
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – or BM&AG – is housed in part of the Council House building.
The entrance is situated on Chamberlain Square beneath the soaring Big Brum clocktower. Inside, the exhibition space features an impressive collection of artworks and historic displays.
Paintings in the art gallery include pieces by well-known artists, such as Edgar Degas, John Constable and Francis Bacon.
Meanwhile, the museum exhibits are dedicated to history, stretching from ancient times to the modern history of Birmingham.
#3 Attend a Live Performance
Music and live performances are a big part of Birmingham culture – and there are a multitude of venues in the city center.
Two of the best places to catch a show are Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall. Check out the full lineup of events – featuring both paid and free entertainment – on the B:Music website.
Utilita Arena and O2 Academy are two other concert halls in central Birmingham that host musical acts – along with a slew of other smaller, more intimate venues.
Foodie Tip: The B:Eats restaurant at Symphony Hall churns out tasty and classic Birmingham food! We share more tips on what and where to eat in Birmingham later in the article.
#4 Gawk at the Birmingham Library
It may sound strange, but visiting the library is one of the coolest things to do in Birmingham, England.
It has earned a barrage of accolades – for the building itself to the collections it contains to the rooftop garden – and it’s absolutely free to visit.
Located on Centenary Square, the library’s contemporary architecture is unusual and evocative. Inside, the space feels as much as a museum as a public library.
Of the many collected works, the most impressive is the Shakespeare Memorial Room, housing one of the most significant Shakespeare collections in the world.
Not to be missed are the two rooftop terraces. The 3rd floor balcony offers benches for reading and overlooks the square below. The 7th floor ‘Secret Garden’ boasts green space and panoramic views.
Trip Tip: Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the City Center Gardens for a quiet escape – or pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the Hall of Memory on Centenary Square.
#5 Stroll along Gas Street Basin Canal
The Canals of Birmingham are a remnant of it’s industrial past – a time when these waterways were essential for transporting goods.
Today, however, the tow paths are pedestrianized – and walking the canals ranks as one of the top Birmingham things to do.
The city boasts 35 miles of these channels, which tops the total length of canals in Venice, Italy. The most picturesque is the Gas Street Basin Canal (which is called the Birmingham Canal Old Line).
The revitalized route passes by old brick warehouses which have been converted into restaurants and bars, as well as the retail and entertainment areas, Brindley Place and Mailbox.
Tip for Your Trip: Hop aboard a canal cruise with Brindley Cruises for history lesson on the extensive network of canals!
#6 See the Exhibits at Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery is a Birmingham must-see for contemporary art fans. The museum displays rotating works by local and international artists in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, sculpture, film and mixed media.
Fun Fact: Ikon Gallery is housed in a beautiful neo-gothic brick building that was designed in 1877 as a school.
#7 Sit and Relax with Rock Stars
Since the middle of the 20th century, Birmingham has churned out a number of chart-topping bands. Musical acts like The Moody Blues, Duran Duran and Fine Young Cannibals all hail from here.
But here’s an interesting fact: The heavy metal music genre was born here. It happened in 1968 when locals – Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill – formed Black Sabbath.
As a tribute to the heavy metal band, the city erected the Black Sabbath Bench on the Broad Street Bridge above the Old Line Canal.
Photo Tip: Use the QR code on the bench to access a live stream while sitting with the lads on Black Sabbath Bridge!
#8 Eat, Drink and Shop at The Mailbox
Once a sorting facility for the Royal Mail, the space has been refurbished into a fashionable entertainment district.
It features a luxury movie theater, boutique shops, trendy canal-side restaurants and hip bars.
Top Tip: Watching a flick at the upscale Everyman theater at Birmingham Mailbox promises a personalized cinema experience.
#9 Walk through a Historic Arcade
Arcades – covered walkways lined with high-end shops – were fashionable in the 19th century and a few have survived to this day.
Walking through these elegant and stylish spaces is one of the fun things to do in Central Birmingham.
The Piccadilly Arcade dates to 1926 and features a beautiful, hand-painted ceiling mural. Plus, it’s a fantastic place for window shopping or picking up a special souvenir.
Great Western Arcade is even more charming. The Victorian-style passageway was built in the late 1800s for the railway and many of the original elements (like the elaborate entryway) remain.
Pro Tip: Those who like seeking out hidden gems can find two more covered shopping lanes in the city: Burlington Arcade and City Arcade.
#10 Listen to the Roar of Ozzy the Bull
A mighty bull might seem an unlikely mascot for a British city, but Ozzy is a symbol of Birmingham.
When the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022, a 33-foot-tall mechanical bull – then called Raging Bull – became an icon of the event.
The head-moving, tail-swishing, roaring bull, which is made of factory machine parts, is a nod to Birmingham’s industrial past. Named after the late Ozzy Osbourne, it now resides at New Street Station.
#11 Go Shopping at Bullring
Shopping has long been one of the top activities to do in Birmingham. The city evolved from a simple market town in the 1100s into a thriving marketplace by the Middle Ages.
The Bull Ring – a 16th century bullpen next to St. Martin’s Church – was the epicenter of trade. When a modern mall opened on the site in 2003, they kept with tradition and named it the Bullring Shopping Center.
Here you will find all of the popular name-brand retailers – including flagship stores for H&M, Victoria’s Secret and London-based River Island and Selfridge’s.
While the interior offers a sensational dose of creativity, it’s the silver-dotted exterior that truly makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Birmingham, UK.
#12 Meander through the Birmingham Markets
Shopping in Birmingham isn’t limited to malls and department stores. On the south side of the Bullring & Grand Central Shopping Centre are the Bullring Markets: Open Market, Rag Market and Indoor Market.
The Open Market, a produce bazaar under a canopy, is vibrant and full of color. It’s a great place to pick up fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables.
The building next door houses the Rag Market, which boasts an astounding 350 vendor stalls hawking an abundance of household goods.
Next to the Rag Market is the Indoor Market, a mecca of fresh seafood, butchered meats and pungent scents!
Sightseeing Tip: Take a moment to step inside St. Martin’s Church. It dates to the mid-1800s and the stained-glass windows are gorgeous.
#13 Check Out the Chinese Quarter
During the 1950s, the city saw in influx of Asian immigrants – and by the 1980s, Birmingham had its own Chinatown. Today, the district is awash with Asian eateries, red lanterns and a towering pagoda.
Stop in one of the stores – like Day In Supermarket – to shop for an array of Asian goods, grab a bubble tea at Xing Fu Tang or settle in for a feast at the Ming Moon Buffet.
While in the Chinese Quarter, pop into the Birmingham Back to Backs Museum (ticket required) to see how people lived here in the 1800s.
Travel Tip: Just south of the Chinese Quarter is Gay Village, the heart of Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community and an exuberant nightlife destination.
#14 Step Back in Time at The Old Crown Pub
This pub is as classic as they come. It ranks as the oldest secular building in Birmingham – dating to the year 1368 – and it’s a fine spot for a pint and traditional pub food.
The cozy interior features an ancient brick fireplace and old wooden beams across the ceiling. The beer garden exudes a fun vibe in the summertime, and they even have accommodation available upstairs.
#15 Explore Red Brick Market in Digbeth District
Artistic and offbeat, Digbeth is Birmingham’s bohemian district – and it is flush with all things fun and funky!
By day, the Red Brick Market is the top attraction in Digbeth. A shopping extravaganza of independent retailers, it boasts more than 50 traders under a single roof.
From second-hand threads to creative handmade goods, Red Brick is one of the most unique places in Birmingham.
After dark, Digbeth bars are the hip place to hang out. Roxy Lanes has games (like bowling, shuffleboard and beer pong), Golf Fang has glow-in-the-dark indoor putt-putt (along with cracking cocktails) and NQ64 at Custard Factory has nostalgic arcade games.
Top Tip: Watching an independent film at Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth Custard Factory is another one of the fun things to do in Birmingham at night!
#16 Seek Out Amazing Street Art
Those looking for interesting things to do in Birmingham can spend a couple of hours seeking out the best street art murals in the city.
Floodgate Street – and the train arches that span it – is one of the best places for the artistic expressions, but impressive murals are found all over Digbeth.
Travelers who want to make the most of their time can join a Street Art Tour led by a local guide.
#17 Go inside the Gorgeous Birmingham Cathedral
The Birmingham Cathedral Church of St. Phillip was built in 1715 – and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Although rather small, it’s well worth a visit.
The highlight of the church are the four stained-glass windows, which were created by artist Edward Burne-Jones in the late-1800s. They add a punch of color to the otherwise stark interior.
#18 Discover the Jewellery Quarter
This unique enclave attracts all types of visitors. Architecture aficionados will appreciate the buildings – more than 200 of them are listed on the conservation register.
History buffs can enjoy the JW Evans Silver Factory – a factory-turned-museum where time stands still. Foodies might indulge at the Hockley Social Club.
But, of course, the main draw of the district is the independent jewelry workshops and sparkling showrooms.
Discover the JQ on your own or join a fun walking tour that features a few hidden gems, pardon the pun!
#19 Creep into the Brookfields Cemetery
Founded in 1847, some of Birmingham’s most notable citizens are interred here. A stroll through the burial grounds reveals headstones that are leaning, broken or covered in moss (which definitely adds to the eerie factor).
At the center of the graveyard is an unusual and beguiling attraction: Catacombs. The burial chambers were built into the side of an old quarry, but unfortunately, there is no way to enter them.
Top Tip: The nearby Key Hill Cemetery, which more resembles a park, is also worth checking out.
#20 Step out on St. Paul’s Square
Built in the 1770s, this area was designed to attract the upper classes. Standing at the center of the lush square is St. Paul’s Church – and gorgeous Georgian residences encircle the green space.
After marveling at the beauty, saunter into the award-winning 40 St Paul’s or the bar at Saint Paul’s House for a cheeky gin cocktail or a cup of tea. Does it get any more British than that?!
More Birmingham, UK Things To Do
We have shared our top picks for what to do in Birmingham, UK, but there are a few more attractions to mention!
Go to a Quirky Museum
Those who are intrigued by odd attractions might want to take a tour of The Coffin Works Museum, which details how they are made.
See Penguins at National Sea Life Center
Rated as one of the top things to do with kids in Birmingham, the National Sea Life Centre offers a chance to see penguins, otters and seals. The real highlight, however, is walking through a 360-degree Ocean Tunnel.
Learn at ThinkTank Birmingham
The ThinkTank Science Museum appeals to guests of all ages. From the Planetarium to the mini-city to the Science Garden, you could easily spend an entire day discovering the exhibits.
Follow in the Footsteps of the Peaky Blinders
Fans of the television series can set off to find filming locations and places of inspiration for the show.
On this tour, ‘Edward Shelby’ leads participants to the must-visit places in Birmingham while telling enthralling stories of the city’s gangs.
Embark on the Birmingham Tolkien Trail
JRR Tolkien – author of The Lord of the Rings – lived in Birmingham and used many of his real-life experiences as inspiration for his fantasy novels.
While most of the sights are outside of the city center, those with a car can use this free guide to find the top places to visit in Birmingham relating to him.
Join One of the City Walking Tours
Our best things to do in Birmingham, England is arranged so that it can be used as a self-guided walking tour.
For those who would rather someone lead the way can join a local guide on this highly-rated tour.
Fun Things To Do around Birmingham, UK
After you’ve seen the sights and enjoyed the activities in the city center, there are several things to see near Birmingham that are just a short drive, train or bus ride away.
Aston Vila
Aston, on the north side of Birmingham, hosts a Premier League soccer team, Aston Villa Football Club.
Established in 1874, it is one of the oldest clubs in England. Villa Park is a fantastic place to watch a match – but you can also take a tour of the facilities.
University of Birmingham
The Birmingham University sits to the south of the city center – and it can be reached on foot (via a canal walk) in just 30 minutes. You can use this self-guided tour to discover the area on your own.
Additionally, there are museums (like The Barber Institute of Fine Arts) and parks (like Cannon Hill Park) on and near campus.
Cadbury World Chocolate Factory
Cadbury Chocolate – one of the world’s most recognizable brands of the confection – is a Birmingham original, dating to 1824.
You can learn the history of the brand and about how the chocolate is made at Cadbury World.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
These lush grounds feature more than 7000 plants, multiple Victorian glasshouses and numerous themed gardens.
Warwick Castle
Often touted as one of the best things to do near Birmingham, the Medieval Warwick Castle is a fascinating place to visit.
The stunning 1,100-year-old stronghold sits on the Avon River – about a 30 minute train ride from Birmingham.
Stratford Upon Avon
This bucolic village is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is a lovely place to see. Good public transit lines make it one of the easy things to do near Birmingham, England!
Best Things To Eat in Birmingham, UK
One of the great things about Birmingham is the food! We are highlighting a few of the must-eat dishes along with a few fun spots for beverages.
Balti
A spicy Indian dish, Balti was invented here in the 1970s. A congregation of restaurants – known as The Birmingham Balti Triangle – sits to the southeast of the city center. We recommend Manzil, a longtime favorite.
Brummie Bacon Cakes and Birmingham Soup
Made with beef and vegetables, this soup is hearty and satisfying, although no one could tell us exactly what makes it ‘Birmingham’!
It is sometimes served with a Brummie Bacon Cake. Similar to scone, the savory and tangy cakes are made with Worcestershire sauce and ketchup – with cheese and bacon are added into the batter. Yum!
Pork Scratchings
Pork Scratchings – a dense, calorie-laden snack similar to pork rinds – are a West Midlands specialty.
They go particularly well with beer – and as such, many pubs offer them as a bar snack…but you can also pick them up in the grocery store.
Full English Breakfast
A Full English is a great way to start a day in any British city, and Birmingham is no exception. The prime place for this meal is Grand Central Kitchen, where they serve the complete fry up at a fair price.
Street Food: Falafel and Kebabs
A fresh and tasty falafel wrap is a fantastic midday meal. In Birmingham, Top Falafel food truck churns out the best in town.
Kebabs, on the other hand, are a sensational late-night treat. We suggest the inconspicuous and highly rated Yummy Meal.
British Restaurants: Rudy’s Pizza, The Ivy, Dishoom
Birmingham is home to quite a few restaurants that are popular British chains, but don’t let that be a deterrent, as the food is fabulous!
Rudy’s Pizza (which hails from Manchester) makes outstanding woodfired pizzas. The Ivy is a chic eatery featuring classic British fare with a contemporary twist.
Dishoom is a wildly popular Indian restaurant modeled after the raucous 1960s cafes of Bombay (Mumbai).
PureCraft Bar and Kitchen
Featuring beer from Purity Brewing Company – as well as other UK and international breweries – PureCraft pours fresh suds from 16 keg taps and 8 cask, plus more than 50 in bottles and cans.
Indian Brewery
The Indian Brewery Company is a Birmingham based establishment that combines two of their passions: Craft beer and Indian food.
The colorful taproom-and-restaurant is located in the arches in the Snow Hill district – just northwest of the city center.
Kilder
A cool craft beer bar in the train arches beneath Moor Street Station on the edge of Digbeth, Kilder offers an ever-changing rotation of some of the best craft beers in the UK and beyond.
They share the space with Original Patty Men, a top-rated burger spot in Birmingham, if you’re feeling peckish!
Map of Things To Do in Birmingham, UK
To make it simple to find the best places to go in Birmingham, England, we created this map with all of our recommended spots.
Birmingham, UK Travel Tips
Use our advice below to help organize all the specifics of your vacation to England. If your trip is part of a broader visit, be sure to also read our guide to Planning Travel in Europe.
How To Get to Birmingham
Birmingham can be reached by plane, train, bus or car from destinations around the UK and globe.
The Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is located east of the city – and offers non-stop flights to more than 140 destinations. Travel to and from the airport is made easy and affordable with direct trains and buses.
Where To Stay in Birmingham
We feel the best place to stay is in the City Centre so that sightseeing is right outside your door.
The 5-star Grand Hotel offers exquisite accommodation, and is well-located on the north side of Cathedral Square. The posh hotel is a bit pricey, but the service is second to none.
The Briar Rose is a JD Wetherspoon property that offers affordable rooms that are comfortable and clean. It is well positioned in the city center on a popular dining street.
What To Pack for your UK Trip
How to pack for Birmingham will depend on what time of year you visit. However, there are a few essentials you will want in your suitcase (or backpack). So, grab your FREE Checklist!
Walking Shoes
As you navigate your way around, you will want comfortable travel shoes. I like to wear these versatile trainers and Kris prefers trail shoes.
Travel Camera
Whether snapping photos of the unique architecture, vibrant street art or your food, you will take the best pictures with a real travel camera.
We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. It is easy to use and comes at an affordable price, making it one of the best cameras on a budget.
UK Weather Gear
Rain is always a possibility in Birmingham and throughout the UK. Regardless of season, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella.
Day Bag
Be sure to bring a good day pack for your sightseeing adventures. We use these zippered backpacks – but read our reviews for the best day bags to choose the right one for you!
UK Travel Insurance
Plans can go awry, which is when trip insurance may help. If your vacation isn’t already covered, check the rates at World Nomads.
Organize Your Birmingham Trip
As you make plans for which tourist attractions in Birmingham to see, you will need to be organized. We recommend using our Travel Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top UK Destinations
- 3 Days in London
- London Budget Tips
- Famous London Food – and Classic London Pubs
- Best Things in Bath, what to see in Cardiff, Wales and Top Sights in Bristol
- 3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary – and What and Where To Eat
- What To Do in Glasgow, Scotland
- Things To See in Inverness, Scottish Highlands
- Guide to the Isle of Skye
- Hiking the West Highland Way
- Plan a Trip to Belfast (plus Where To Eat and Drink)
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