Birmingham Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Victoria Square which includes a city, a square or plaza and flowers
Birmingham
Birmingham
Stratford-upon-Avon which includes a bay or harbour and boating
Birmingham

England’s second city is full of culture and top-quality shopping, with many miles of canals to charm the visitor.

Birmingham has lots to offer: from bustling shopping areas to excellent live-music venues, art galleries to a chocolate factory! Much of the city’s most interesting history originates during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, when numerous technological advances were made in the many factories and workshops operating here.

Many canals remain from those long-gone days, when they were crucial transport links with other parts of the country. Now, they add numerous pleasant waterside hangouts and opportunities for boat tours to the city. In fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice!

Victoria Square is at the heart of many of the city’s favourite attractions. Check out the wonderfully romanticised pre-Raphaelite masterworks in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or admire Baroque Birmingham Cathedral. If fashion’s more your thing, the most exclusive chic clothing can be found at The Mailbox, while big brands and the hottest styles can be found at the Bullring Shopping Centre.

Children will love tracing incredible scientific advances at the interactive Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. Browse around the Jewellery Quarter to appreciate the handiwork of these master craftsmen, and maybe pick up something for that special someone.

The city’s musical scene really comes alive during the summer months. The Birmingham Jazz Festival gets the city moving to a different beat during the summer, and there are lots of free performances. For a more refined experience, soak in the melodic tones of outstanding orchestras and classical musicians at the Symphony Hall.

When you need a break from the concrete jungle, Sutton Park offers wide open green spaces, along with golf courses and boating lakes. At the opposite side of the city, to the south, you can walk in the shadow of J.R.R. Tolkien at beautiful Sarehole Mill. Both parks are a short hop on the train from the city centre, and are just two examples of the 3,237 hectares of green spaces on offer here.

Younger members of the family will love the sweetness of Cadbury World. Later on, as evening comes around and you start to get hungry, there’s a lot to choose from. Birmingham’s dining scene is heavily influenced by African, Chinese, Caribbean and Indian cuisine, with the “Curry Mile” in the south of the city particularly popular with diners.

Where to stay in Birmingham

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Birmingham City Centre

4/5(2,149 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Birmingham City Centre. Check out top attractions like Birmingham Cathedral and Victoria Square, and jump on the metro at Grand Central Tram Stop or Corporation Street Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Birmingham City Centre
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Edgbaston

3.5/5(332 area reviews)

Take time in Edgbaston to visit attractions like Hagley Road and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Edgbaston Village Station to see more of the city.

Edgbaston
Coventry featuring night scenes

Coventry City Centre

3.5/5(40 area reviews)

Coventry City Centre is noteworthy for its museums, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Coventry Cathedral and Coventry Transport Museum.

Coventry City Centre
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Marston Green

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Marston Green is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like The Bear Grylls Adventure and Resorts World Arena, and jump on the metro at Air Rail Link Tram Stop to get around the city.

Marston Green
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Aston

While Aston may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Villa Park and Birmingham Science Park Aston.

Aston
Ikon Gallery showing a square or plaza, a city and night scenes

Westside

4/5(64 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Westside. Check out top attractions like Broad Street and National SEA LIFE Centre, and jump on the metro at Five Ways Tram Stop or Brindley Place Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Westside
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street, Birmingham, England
The price is ₹7,558 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹7,558
₹9,825 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,026 reviews)
"The property was central to the New Street train station and the Utilia Arena and other venues within walking distance."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre by IHG
Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club

4 out of 5
Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Birmingham, Solihull, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,558 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹6,558
₹7,870 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Solihull. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Birthday family trip
"Lovely stay, got there early but room not ready, but had full use of pool and spa which was fantastic. Still got room keys an hour early thanks to lovely staff. Room was immaculate and food in restaurant excellent if expensive. Only quibble no air con so room was very hot"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club
Aparthotel Birmingham

Aparthotel Birmingham

4 out of 5
Saint Chads Queensway, Birmingham, England
The price is ₹8,409 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹8,409
₹10,091 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (494 reviews)
Fantastic room with extra facilities.
"This was truly a proper apartment. Kitchen with hob multi function oven dishwasher and washing machine. Nice bathroom with full rain shower. Comfortable bed. Very good."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Birmingham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre

Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre

3.5 out of 5
88 Charlotte Street, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,081 reviews)
"Great staff walking distance to centre and plenty of choices for food and drinks around nearby"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre

4 out of 5
131 Digbeth, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,232 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
Naps Inn

Naps Inn

3 out of 5
307 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Villa Park and Utilita Arena Birmingham ...
7/10 Good! (89 reviews)
"Property manager and her son were very attentive took care of all my needs"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Naps Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Birmingham

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
702
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
1086
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
463
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
86
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
51
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Friendly people and the best city in the UK

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I applaud the cleanliness of the area I visited

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Loads of developments and upgrading of buildings and road infrastructure etc. Road diversion routes confusing but will eventually result in the city center being a pleasant place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were in Birmingham for a gig just out of town but had a wander around the centre and were very impressed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

love it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city

Cities near Birmingham