United Kingdom

Birmingham

Birmingham: canals, curries and a bull called Ozzy.

Local time: UTC+0
Population: 1.1M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Expensive

Food$$$$$About $80 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $116 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $16.1 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇬🇧 GBP =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

BHXBirmingham International AirportMain airport, about 11 km east of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
TrainBirmingham New Street	£2.50-3.60	10-20 min
Free Air-Rail Link connects terminal to Birmingham International station.
Bus 900City centre	£2.20	25-40 min
Runs every 20-30 min; no transfers included.
TaxiCity centre	£20-25	20-30 min
Drop-off at airport costs a fee; rail is often quicker at peak.
UberCity centre	£18-28	20-30 min
Check app price; airport pickup fees may apply.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Birmingham

Getting around

Walk in the compact centre; use buses or the tram for longer hops.

MetroWest Midlands Metro trams link the centre with Wolverhampton and Edgbaston; fares are a few pounds.
Bus ★Frequent National Express West Midlands buses; a Daysaver day ticket costs about £4–5.
Taxi / ride appsMetered taxis; Uber and Bolt both operate in the city.
Rental carEasy on motorways but the centre is congested and parking is costly.
Walking ★The centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, so walking is best for short trips.
CyclingPossible but cycle lanes are few; canal towpaths make pleasant routes.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, covering the canals, Brindleyplace and one museum or gallery in a day.

Best for

CultureMuseums, the Barber Institute and canal-side art.
FoodBalti curry, street food and the Jewellery Quarter cafés.

Weather by month

7°2°Jan🌧 12d

8°2°Feb🌧 11d

10°3°Mar🌧 14d

12°4°Apr🌧 12d

16°7°May🌧 12d

19°10°Jun🌧 13d

21°12°Jul🌧 14d

20°12°Aug🌧 11d

18°10°Sep🌧 13d

14°8°Oct🌧 12d

10°5°Nov🌧 13d

8°4°Dec🌧 14d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Temperate and changeable: mild summers, cool wet winters, and rain possible in any month.

Rain all yearExpect 11–14 rain days every month. Showers are often short; carry a small umbrella.
Mild summersJuly and August peak near 20–21°C. Rarely hot; evenings cool to about 12°C.
Cool wintersJanuary and February highs near 7–8°C, lows around 2°C. A warm coat is essential.
Best monthsMay to September is warmest and brightest, though rain never stops entirely.
What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for wet pavements.
Grey skies are normalOvercast days are common. Plan indoor backups like museums and food halls.

Landmarks 7

Must-see · 6

1
Cadbury World
A chocolate-themed museum that is Birmingham's most distinctive visitor attraction, tracing the story of Cadbury and offering plenty of tasting along the way. Book tickets online in advance, as timed slots sell out in school holidays, and allow a half day; it sits in Bournville, reachable by train from the city centre.
2
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The city's flagship museum, home to a celebrated Pre-Raphaelite art collection and wide-ranging displays on Birmingham's history. Entry is free, so it is an easy must-see; check opening days before you go as galleries sometimes close for rotation.
3
St Philip's Cathedral
A compact but striking cathedral in the heart of the city, known for its Burne-Jones stained-glass windows. It is free to enter and makes a peaceful pause between the shops; visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.
4
Birmingham Canal Navigations
Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, and the city-centre stretches around Brindleyplace are the easiest to explore on foot. Walk the towpaths in the late afternoon or stop at a waterside cafe; the routes are flat and free.
5
Bullring
The city's landmark shopping hub, crowned by the futuristic Selfridges building, and a good orientation point for central Birmingham. It is free to wander and busiest at weekends, so come on a weekday for a calmer browse.
6
University of Birmingham
A grand red-brick campus with a distinctive clock tower, worth a stroll if you enjoy architecture and green space. It is a short train ride from the centre at University station; the grounds are open and free to walk.

Cultural

Museum 2

Urban Hub 1

Christian 1

University 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Day trips from Birmingham

Stratford-upon-Avon · 32 min by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 64 km from Birmingham

Best way: The train takes 32 minutes, runs 8 times a day, and the station is a short walk from the town centre.

Direct or one-change rail services from Birmingham run to Stratford-upon-Avon in about 50 to 60 minutes, with the station a short walk from the town centre.

Train ★32 min · from €13
Car50 min · taxi ≈ £130

What to see

Shakespeare's Birthplace
Holy Trinity Church
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
River Avon walk
Anne Hathaway's Cottage

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Shakespeare's Birthplace is the town's headline sight.
Trains run about 8 times a day, so check the timetable for your return.

Oxford · 1 h 02 by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 128 km from Birmingham

Best way: The direct train takes 1 hour 2 minutes, runs 8 times a day, and the city centre is a short walk from the station.

Direct trains run from Birmingham Snow Hill to Oxford in about 1 hour 20 minutes, and the city centre is a short walk from the station.

Train ★1 h 02 · from €11
Bus2 h 05 · from $10-$24
Car1 h 33 · taxi ≈ £260

What to see

Radcliffe Camera
Christ Church College
Bodleian Library
Covered Market
Punting on the Cherwell

4 landmark quests to check off here

Good to know

The historic colleges and university buildings are the main attractions.
Some college sights have set opening hours and may close to visitors, so check before you go.

Warwick · 26 min by train

★★★★☆ · Half day · 58 km from Birmingham

Best way: The train takes 26 minutes, runs 7 times a day, and Warwick Castle is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

Trains from Birmingham to Warwick take roughly 25 to 40 minutes, often via Leamington Spa, and the castle is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

Train ★26 min · from €12
Car45 min · taxi ≈ £120

What to see

Warwick Castle
St Mary's Church
Lord Leycester Hospital
Warwick Castle grounds and Mill Garden

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Warwick Castle is the main draw and is worth booking ahead in peak season.
Trains run about 7 times a day, so plan your return time.

Bath · 1 h 29 by train

★★★★☆ · Full day · 161 km from Birmingham

Best way: The train takes 1 hour 29 minutes, runs 7 times a day, and is much faster than the 2 hour 57 minute bus.

Rail journeys from Birmingham to Bath Spa take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, usually with a change at Bristol Parkway or a direct service where available.

Train ★1 h 29 · from €22
Bus2 h 57 · from $17-$25
Car2 h 10 · taxi ≈ £320

What to see

Roman Baths
Bath Abbey
The Royal Crescent
Pulteney Bridge
Bath Circus

3 landmark quests to check off here

Good to know

The Roman Baths and Georgian architecture are the main sights.
Book Roman Baths tickets ahead in peak season.

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Birmingham rewards visitors with a walkable centre, rich industrial heritage and lively food and nightlife. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One packed day of museums, canals and a theatre show for first-time visitors.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 38

Day 1

City centre culture, then a show

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 38

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
1

10:00–10:30 · Free · donations welcome

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Start in the square. Check cathedral hours on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day
Taxi · 893 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
2

10:45–11:30 · Free

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Short walk. The secret garden viewpoint is free. Check library hours.

Open Library hours vary, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

12:00–14:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Thinktank Science Museum

Good for rainy days. Check opening on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 961 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
4

14:15–15:45 · Free to enter · food priced per stall

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Lunch and a wander. Market days vary, check on the day.

Open Market days vary · shops roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 6
5

16:15–17:15 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Walk to Brindleyplace along the water.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 6
6

19:00–21:30 · Ticket prices vary by show, book ahead

Birmingham Hippodrome show

Evening show. Book ahead and check times.

Open Evening performances, matinees some days · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 911 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

First-timers who want the city's big sights and a canal-side evening in one day.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 35
Hotel: GBP 70–180

Day 1

City centre icons and canal evening

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
1

10:00–10:30 · Free · donations welcome

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Start in the square. Check cathedral hours on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day
Taxi · 893 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
2

10:45–11:30 · Free

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Short walk. The secret garden viewpoint is free. Check library hours.

Open Library hours vary, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

12:00–14:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Thinktank Science Museum

Good for a rainy day. Check opening on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 961 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
4

14:15–15:45 · Free to enter · food priced per stall

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Lunch and a wander. Market days vary, check on the day.

Open Market days vary · shops roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 6
5

17:00–18:00 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Walk from the centre to Brindleyplace. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
6

18:15–19:00 · Free

Gas Street Basin

Stay for sunset, then dinner nearby.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 680 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ GBP 4

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

First-timers chasing industrial heritage, old workshops and the canals.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 35
Hotel: GBP 70–180

Day 1

Jewellery Quarter and canals

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1296 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
1

10:00–11:30 · Free · museum entry may charge, check on the day

Jewellery Quarter walk

Streets always open. Shops and museum have own hours.

Open Streets always open · shops and museum have own hours
Taxi · 254 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
2

11:45–12:45 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Coffin Works museum

Selected days only, check on the day.

Open Selected days, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 6
3

13:00–14:00 · Prices vary, check on the day

Chester's

Lunch stop. Check hours on the day.

Open Check on the day
Taxi · 1020 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
4

14:30–15:00 · Free · donations welcome

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Short walk into the centre. Check hours on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day
Taxi · 1269 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
5

15:30–16:30 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Follow the water to Brindleyplace. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
6

16:45–17:30 · Free

Gas Street Basin

The old canal heart. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 680 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ GBP 4

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want museums, street art and a show, all close to the centre.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 75
Hotel: GBP 140–360

Day 1

Arrive, city centre icons

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 26

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
1

13:00–13:30 · Free · donations welcome

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Start in the square. Check cathedral hours on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day
Taxi · 893 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
2

14:00–14:45 · Free

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Short walk. The secret garden gives a free city view. Check library hours.

Open Library hours vary, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

15:15–17:15 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Thinktank Science Museum

Good for a rainy arrival day. Check opening on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 605 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ GBP 4
4

18:00–19:00 · Prices vary, check on the day

Chester's

Early dinner. Check on the day.

Open Check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1437 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6

Day 2

Canals, street art and a show

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 28

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1493 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
1

10:00–11:15 · Free

Digbeth street art and creative quarter

Outdoor murals, always visible. Wear comfy shoes.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ GBP 8
2

12:00–13:00 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Walk to Brindleyplace. Always open.

Open Always open
2

13:15–14:45 · Prices vary per venue

Brindleyplace restaurants

Lunch by the water. Check on the day.

Open Lunch and dinner, check on the day
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
3

15:00–15:45 · Free

Gas Street Basin

Canal junction, good photos. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1303 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
4

19:00–21:30 · Ticket prices vary by show, book ahead

Birmingham Hippodrome show

Evening show. Book ahead and check times.

Open Evening performances, matinees some days · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 911 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

Day 3

Jewellery Quarter, then home

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 21

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1296 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
1

10:00–11:30 · Free · museum entry may charge, check on the day

Jewellery Quarter walk

Weekday is best. Shops and museum have own hours.

Open Streets always open · shops and museum have own hours
Taxi · 254 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
2

12:00–13:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Coffin Works museum

Selected days only. Check before you go.

Open Selected days, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

14:00–15:30 · Free to enter · food priced per stall

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Market days vary. Shops roughly 09:00–20:00.

Open Market days vary · shops roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 834 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want markets, a balti night and canal-side dinners.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 103
Hotel: GBP 140–360

Day 1

Arrive, markets and canal dinner

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 16

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 834 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5
1

13:00–14:30 · Free to enter · food priced per stall

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Weekday lunchtime is best. Market days vary, check on the day.

Open Market days vary · shops roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
1

15:00–16:30 · Free to browse

Bullring shopping and Selfridges building

Shops roughly 09:00–20:00. Check on the day.

Open Roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 6
2

17:30–18:30 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Stroll to Brindleyplace. Always open.

Open Always open
2

19:00–20:30 · Prices vary per venue

Brindleyplace restaurants

Dinner by the water. Check on the day.

Open Lunch and dinner, check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 886 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

Day 2

Chocolate, then balti night

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 67

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ GBP 18
1

10:00–12:30 · Ticket prices vary, book online, check on the day

Cadbury World

Weekday morning. Closed some weekdays, check on the day.

Open Usually daytime, closed some weekdays · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 32 min · ≈ GBP 21
2

13:30–14:30 · Prices vary, check on the day

Chester's

Lunch. Check on the day.

Open Check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

17:30–18:30 · Prices vary per venue

The Mailbox and canal-side bars

Canal-side bars for a drink. Check on the day.

Open Venues open into the evening, check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ GBP 10
4

19:30–21:30 · Meal prices vary, check on the day

Balti triangle food tour

Restaurants mainly open evenings. Book ahead.

Open Restaurants open mainly evenings
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ GBP 11

Day 3

Jewellery Quarter cafés, then home

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 20

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1296 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
1

10:00–11:30 · Free · museum entry may charge, check on the day

Jewellery Quarter walk

Weekday daytime. Cafés have own hours.

Open Streets always open · shops and museum have own hours
Taxi · 254 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
2

12:00–13:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Coffin Works museum

Selected days only. Check before you go.

Open Selected days, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ GBP 7
3

14:00–14:45 · Free to enter

Grand Central and New Street

Grab food before your train. Roughly 09:00–20:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4

2 nights · History

Visitors who want canals, workshops and the Peaky Blinders story.

Stay: City Centre. Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ GBP 0
Taxis: ≈ GBP 91
Hotel: GBP 140–360

Day 1

Arrive, canals and cathedral

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 22

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
1

13:00–13:30 · Free · donations welcome

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Check cathedral hours on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day
Taxi · 1269 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
2

14:00–15:00 · Free

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Industrial canal heritage. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
3

15:15–16:00 · Free

Gas Street Basin

Old canal junction. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 253 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
4

18:30–20:00 · Prices vary per venue

Brindleyplace restaurants

Dinner. Check on the day.

Open Lunch and dinner, check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 886 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

Day 2

Peaky Blinders and the Jewellery Quarter

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 31

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
1

10:00–12:00 · Self-guided walk free · guided tours vary, check on the day

Peaky Blinders trail and locations Landmark quest

Outdoor locations always visible. Guided tours run on set days.

Open Outdoor locations always visible · guided tours run on set days
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ GBP 7
2

13:00–14:30 · Free · museum entry may charge, check on the day

Jewellery Quarter walk

Weekday daytime. Shops and museum have own hours.

Open Streets always open · shops and museum have own hours
Taxi · 254 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4
3

15:00–16:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Coffin Works museum

Selected days only. Check before you go.

Open Selected days, check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ GBP 8
4

19:00–21:30 · Ticket prices vary by show, book ahead

Birmingham Hippodrome show

Evening show. Book ahead.

Open Evening performances, matinees some days · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 911 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ GBP 5

Day 3

Museum and campus, then home

Tickets ≈ GBP 0 pp · taxis ≈ GBP 38

Taxi from your hotel · 1499 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ GBP 6
1

10:00–12:00 · Ticket prices vary, check on the day

Thinktank Science Museum

Industrial and science history. Check on the day.

Open Daytime, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ GBP 15
2

13:00–14:00 · Free to walk the campus

University of Birmingham and Old Joe clock tower Landmark quest

Old Joe clock tower. Campus open daily.

Open Campus open daily · buildings have their own hours · Source
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ GBP 13
3

15:00–15:45 · Free to enter

Grand Central and New Street

Shops before your train. Roughly 09:00–20:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–20:00, check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 417 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ GBP 4

Swap in instead

Swap a city afternoon for a canal walk or narrowboat trip; the towpaths are flat and free.
Take a short train ride to Stratford-upon-Avon or Warwick for Shakespeare and castle history; check times and fares on the day.
Add a day for the Black Country Living Museum if industrial history interests you; check opening days first.

Getting around

West Midlands Metro trams link the centre with Wolverhampton and Edgbaston; fares are a few pounds.
Buses are frequent and run by National Express West Midlands; a Daysaver day ticket costs about £4-5.
Taxis are metered; Uber and Bolt both operate in the city.
Driving is easy on motorways but the centre is congested and parking is costly.
The centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, so walking is best for short trips.
Cycling is possible but cycle lanes are few; canal towpaths make pleasant routes.

Where to stay

City Centre · ≈ GBP 70–180 a night
Walk to New Street station, the Bullring and the museums. Best base for a first visit.
Brindleyplace · ≈ GBP 80–200 a night
Canalside bars and restaurants, close to the ICC and the Sea Life centre. Quiet at night.
Jewellery Quarter · ≈ GBP 65–160 a night
Historic workshops, small museums and good cafés. A short tram or walk from the centre.
Digbeth · ≈ GBP 60–150 a night
Creative quarter with street art, venues and the coach station. Livelier and cheaper.

Food & drink

Try a balti curry: the dish is linked to Birmingham. Expect around £10–15 for a main in the Balti Triangle.
Digbeth and the city centre have street-food markets and food halls; check opening days on the day.
The Jewellery Quarter has independent cafés and bakeries; good for a cheap lunch.
Brindleyplace and the canalside are best for sit-down dinners; book ahead at weekends.
A pint in a traditional pub is a local ritual; prices vary, so check the board.

Tips

Try the Balti, a type of curry famously invented in Birmingham
Take a narrowboat tour along the extensive canal network
Visit the Jewellery Quarter, which produces a massive percentage of UK jewelry
Locals are known as 'Brummies' and have a very distinct accent
The Bullring is one of the largest shopping centers in the UK

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Birmingham Canal Navigations

Walk the Victorian canal network
See how canals shaped modern Birmingham
103 reviews · 4.8 rating

Small groupLocal guide

Victorian Canals and Modern-Day Birmingham Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (103)

$20View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Cadbury World

Explore the Cadbury chocolate story
Skip the ticket queue with a pre-booked entry
284 reviews · 4.5 rating

Entry includedFamily friendly

Cadbury World Entry Ticket

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (284)

$24View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Bullring

St Philip's Cathedral

Cover the city centre highlights on foot
Learn the history behind the main squares and streets
299 reviews · 4.7 rating

Morning & afternoonLocal guide

Guided City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 2pm)

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (299)

$20View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Bullring

Discover Digbeth's public art
See Peaky Blinders filming locations
15 reviews · 4.9 rating

Film locationsStreet art

Digbeth, Public art and Peaky Film Guided Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (15)

$20View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Villa Park

Watch Aston Villa at Villa Park
Experience a Premier League matchday
3 reviews · 4.7 rating

Match ticketFootball

Aston Villa FC Football Game at Villa Park

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (3)

$133View tour

Souvenirs

Cadbury Chocolate Gift Pack

GBP 8–20about 300–600g · estimate

Cadbury is a chocolate brand that started in Birmingham, so its gift packs make a natural souvenir from the city.

Where: Cadbury World, Bournville

Look for the limited packs sold to mark a visit to Cadbury World.

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Cost of a day

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Getting in

Getting around

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Climate

Landmarks 7

Must-see · 6

Cadbury World

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

St Philip's Cathedral

Birmingham Canal Navigations

Bullring

University of Birmingham

Cultural

Museum 2

Urban Hub 1

Christian 1

University 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Day trips from Birmingham

Stratford-upon-Avon · 32 min by train

What to see

Good to know

Oxford · 1 h 02 by train

What to see

Good to know

Warwick · 26 min by train

What to see

Good to know

Bath · 1 h 29 by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Thinktank Science Museum

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Birmingham Hippodrome show

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Chester's

Cadbury World

Balti triangle food tour

Jewellery Quarter walk

Coffin Works museum

Chester's

Peaky Blinders trail and locations Landmark quest

Gas Street Basin

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Thinktank Science Museum

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Gas Street Basin

Bullring and Bullring Markets

Bullring shopping and Selfridges building

Chester's

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Balti triangle food tour

Jewellery Quarter walk

Coffin Works museum

Chester's

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Gas Street Basin

St Philip's Cathedral and square

Library of Birmingham secret garden viewpoint

Thinktank Science Museum

Chester's

Digbeth street art and creative quarter

Brindleyplace and canal walk

Brindleyplace restaurants

Gas Street Basin

Birmingham Hippodrome show

Jewellery Quarter walk

Coffin Works museum