Victoria Square

Victoria Square which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city
Birmingham's photogenic central square, with its imposing statues and period buildings, plays host to a delightful Christmas market in December.

On January 10 1901, Council House Square was renamed Victoria Square in memory of the beloved British queen, who died just twelve days later. Today, the square is a mecca for locals and visitors, who come to soak up the atmosphere, attend seasonal events, and admire the square's artwork and architecture.

When you arrive in the square your eye is immediately drawn to its impressive centrepiece. "The River" (affectionately nicknamed "The Floozie in the Jacuzzi") is an ornamental fountain designed by the master sculptor Dhruva Mistry and unveiled in 1993. Queen Victoria is immortalised in Thomas Brock's statue of the monarch, while Antony Gormley's six-metre modern masterpiece "Iron: Man" makes for a striking contrast.

The imposing Big Brum dominates the north side of the square. This clock tower, perched on the Council House, is not as tall as its London namesake, Big Ben, but is nevertheless impressive. The Council House itself is a charming classical building. Completed in 1879, it is home to part of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. To the west is the Birmingham Town Hall, with its Corinthian columns it hosts concerts throughout the year.

Every December, the Frankfurt Christmas Market brings a little German cheer to Victoria Square. Sip on some warming mulled wine as you browse the handcrafted gifts and decorations, or fill up on some hearty German food. Then take the kids for a ride on the market carousel. It's a different vibe altogether in July, when the square is taken over by musicians from home and abroad as part of the Birmingham International Jazz Festival.

You can catch a public bus to Victoria Square or come by train to Birmingham New Street station. The square is a great starting point from which to explore the city, with The Mailbox and the Symphony Hall close by, and Brindley Place and the Bullring Shopping Centre a short walk down a pedestrianised street. Don't forget to check for upcoming concerts and performances on the Live Brum event listings website.

Reviews of Victoria Square

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
84
" "5 - Excellent 34.146341463414636%
4 - Good
114
" "4 - Good 46.34146341463415%
3 - Okay
39
" "3 - Okay 15.853658536585366%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 2.845528455284553%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.8130081300813008%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
25 Sep 2019

All closed off at the moment because of Tram works so unable to walk through - very inconvenient!

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
10 Jun 2019

Dont use Brittania Hotels

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

ibis budget Birmingham Centre
ibis budget Birmingham Centre
2.5 out of 5
1 Great Colmore Street, Birmingham, England
ibis budget Birmingham Centre
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
4 out of 5
245 Broad Street, Birmingham, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street
Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street
3 out of 5
200 Broad Street, Cumberland House, Birmingham, England
Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Central Square, Holliday Street, Birmingham, England
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
19 Holiday Street, Birmingham, England
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham
Hyatt Regency Birmingham
4 out of 5
2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, England
Hyatt Regency Birmingham
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Smallbrook, Queensway, Birmingham, England
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Park Regis Birmingham
Park Regis Birmingham
4 out of 5
160 Broad Street, Birmingham, England
Park Regis Birmingham
easyHotel Birmingham
easyHotel Birmingham
3 out of 5
81 John Bright Street, Birmingham, England
easyHotel 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.