The best things to do in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city full of history, culture, and entertainment. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty to see and do. From visiting world-class museums and art galleries to exploring the city’s green spaces and indulging in its delicious food and drink, Birmingham has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top things to do in the city.
Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to an incredible collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The museum’s collections include everything from ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts to paintings by famous artists such as Turner, Gainsborough and Reynolds. The museum also has a dedicated gallery for the works of local artist, David Cox and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which was an important artistic movement in the 19th century.
Explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Located just a short distance from the city center, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a range of other features such as a Victorian glasshouse, a Japanese garden, and a tropical house. The gardens also host a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and guided tours.
Take a Walk Through the Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is an historic area of Birmingham that is known for its association with the city’s jewellery-making industry. Today, the area is home to a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a number of museums and galleries that explore the area’s history. Visitors can take a walk through the streets and see some of the beautiful Victorian architecture that the area is known for, or take a tour of one of the working jewellery workshops to see the artisans at work.
Visit the Cadbury World
Birmingham is home to Cadbury, one of the world’s most famous chocolate brands, and a visit to Cadbury World is a must for any chocolate lover. This interactive museum explores the history of Cadbury and the chocolate-making process, and visitors can learn about how cocoa beans are grown, harvested and processed to make chocolate. There are also a variety of fun and interactive exhibits, including a 4D chocolate adventure ride, and a chance to create your own chocolate.
See the Selly Manor and Bournville Village Trust
Selly Manor and Bournville Village Trust are two of Birmingham’s most interesting historical attractions. Selly Manor is a medieval manor house that has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the house and learn about life in medieval England. Bournville Village is a model village that was built by the Cadbury family in the late 19th century to provide housing for their workers. The village is now a conservation area and is home to a range of interesting buildings and historic sites.
Visit the Bullring and Grand Central
The Bullring and Grand Central are two of Birmingham’s most popular shopping destinations. The Bullring is a large shopping center that is home to a wide variety of high street and designer stores, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes. Grand Central, on the other hand, is a stunning shopping complexlocated above the city’s main railway station, New Street. It offers a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Both the Bullring and Grand Central are popular destinations for both tourists and locals, and are a great place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts.
Visit the National Sea Life Centre
The National Sea Life Centre is a great destination for families and marine life enthusiasts. The centre is home to a wide variety of marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish, as well as a number of interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors can take a walk through the underwater tunnel to get up close and personal with the sea creatures, or learn more about the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.
Experience the Nightlife
Birmingham is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. The city’s main nightlife district is located in the Arcadian, an area that is home to a number of popular bars, clubs, and restaurants. There are also a number of other areas around the city that are popular for their nightlife, including Broad Street and the Mailbox.
Visit the Barber Institute of Fine Arts
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an art museum located on the campus of the University of Birmingham. It is home to a wide variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, from around the world. The museum’s collection is particularly strong in the areas of Renaissance and Baroque art, as well as British and French Impressionism. The museum is also home to a concert hall that hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year.
Enjoy a Day Out at Thinktank Science Museum
Thinktank Science Museum is a great destination for families, and offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and displays that explore the world of science and technology. Visitors can learn about everything from the human body to the stars and planets, and there are also a number of interactive exhibits and displays that allow visitors to experiment and explore for themselves. The museum also has a number of live demonstrations and science shows that take place throughout the day.
In conclusion, Birmingham offers a wide range of things to do, from visiting museums and art galleries to exploring the city’s green spaces and indulging in its delicious food and drink. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or entertainment, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this vibrant city.
