27 brilliant things to do in Birmingham

What is it? Birmingham’s vibrant canal quarter is home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, the National Sea Life Centre and the Ikon Gallery.

Why go? The oft-quoted ‘more canals than Venice’ claim is a bit misleading – Birmingham is much, much bigger – but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on a walk around the canal quarter. It’s a real Cinderella part of town, having been hugely redeveloped and crammed full of restaurants and bars. Use the historic Roundhouse building as a base from which to explore by boat, bike or foot.

🤫 Insider tip: Duck behind the canal path and enjoy a Yorks coffee among the cherry blossoms outside Ikon gallery. If you’re peckish, seek out Sri Lankan small plates and cocktails at Coconut Tree. –Lauren Potts

What is it? England’s number-one chocolate-focused attraction. 

Why go? For the best views of Brum’s chocolate factory, arrive by train (13 minutes from New Street) and take a deep breath – a sweet haze envelopes the red-brick, olde-worlde Bournville village, which was designed and built for the workers of England’s flagship chocolate brand. Cadbury World is the public bit of the factory: tours include a deep dive into the history of cocoa, a 4D cinema and a ride in the self-styled ‘Beanmobile’.

Don’t miss: Have your Wonka experience in the demonstration area (yes, molten chocolate is involved; yes, you get to drink it). The world’s biggest Cadbury store also awaits, boasting concoctions unavailable anywhere else.

👀 Our take: ‘It’s our solemn belief that Cadbury World is not just for kids - getting to write your name with liquid chocolate is the most fun you’ve had with food since GCSE Food Tech.’ –Lauren Potts

What is it? Pack a full day – and night – of fun in this increasingly popular part of town, where you’ll find everything from exhibitions to nightclubs.

Why go? With more than 200 listed buildings and more than 250 years of history, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter should be on any Brum itinerary. According to English Heritage, Europe’s largest cluster of jewellery businesses is a ‘national treasure’. Museum nerds will love the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Museum and Newman Brothers Coffin Works. And with all the pubs, restaurants, galleries and independent boutiques here, there’s something for everybody else too.

Don’t miss: If you’re making a night of it, check in to BLOC, close to the ever-popular JQ nightclub. Try Jam House, or if you have something even later and livelier in mind, Brum’s up-for-it generation descend upon the Actress & Bishop from about 1am, with no intention of making it a quiet one.

🤫 Insider tip: ‘Head to the outskirts and hit up Hockley Social Club, a food hall and late-night hangout featuring music and comedy shows, a record store and regular market stalls.’ –Lauren Potts

What is it? Fifteen acres of ornamental gardens, glasshouses and exotic birds in indoor and outdoor aviaries.

Why go? The Botanical Gardens’ exotic world of tropical plantlife makes for an excellent family day out. The glasshouses are filled with all manner of strange flora, while the lawns and shrubbery outside are perfect for a stroll during the sunnier months.

👀 Our take: ‘The butterfly house full of tropical insects from as far as the Philippines, Central America and tropical parts of Africa.’ –James Brennan

What is it? A journey through the creative craft beer joints dotting the Stirchley neighbourhood.

Why go? Stirchley might look like ordinary suburbia at first glance, but it hides a plethora of taprooms serving an eyewatering amount of styles. Enjoy waterside pints at Glasshouse and Birmingham Brewing, while Attic Brew Co’s spacious site is good for large groups and Cork and Cage do a fine line in lambics and gueuzes. Newcomers Deadbeat bring a low-key dive bar vibe.

🤫 Insider tip: If you’re hungry, Eat Vietnam’s wonderfully rich noodles, curries and small plates are the perfect way to soak up all that beer. –James March

What is it? Known to locals as the MAC, the Midlands Arts Centre has spent six decades celebrating contemporary art at its light and airy venue on the edge of Cannon Hill Park - one of Birmingham’s most popular green spaces.

Why go? The MAC is a one-stop-shop for art, film, and hands-on courses that showcase creativity, culture and the community, with an ever-changing programme of events. Those wanting to explore the surrounding 80 acres of Victorian parkland can take in the listed bandstand, a 16th Century timber house, a lake full of swan-shaped pedalos and a 36-hole mini golf course.

Don’t miss: MAC’s on-site food and drink choices are plentiful. Its restaurant, Kiln, was transformed during the pandemic and now offers a bright and modern space, with a bar down below. 

What is it? A French fusion restaurant with some extraordinary views across the UK’s Second City.

Why go? Perched on the 24th floor of the imposing 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham simply doesn’t have anywhere else like Orelle. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows mean the city fans out below in all directions, while at night its twinkling lights look even more evocative. The food isn’t cheap but it’s well made and beautifully presented, but really, you’ve come here for the views, so drink them in. 

Don’t miss: If you don’t want to eat, there are a few seats at the well-stocked bar available but bear in mind they’re first come first serve, and obviously busier at weekends. 

What is it? If the weather holds out, there is no better way to see Birmingham than on foot.

Why go? There are some excellent guided walking tours, from Positively Birmingham’s Edward Burne-Jones pre-Raphaelite art tour to Get Your Guide’s Discovering Birmingham Walking tour through the historic Jewellery Quarter.

What is it? Founded by an air steward with a passion for running in cities all over the world, Run of a Kind offers those with a bit of energy a great alternative way to get to know the city.

Why go? With runs between 5km and 11km for beginners and those a bit more confident, the team sprint across Birmingham on a whistlestop tour of landmarks and hidden gems, including legendary LGBTQ+ venues, notable architecture and eye-popping street art.

What is it? A restored Victorian factory, now a hub for creatives and independent businesses. 

Why go? Alfred Bird invented custard powder in Birmingham in 1837, but these days, the old Custard Factory is a studio complex at the heart of Birmingham’s creative community. It’s home to many artists and is full of galleries, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and the Mockingbird Cinema. With its graffiti-strewn walls and regular arts events, the whole area is well worth a few hours of mooching.

Don’t miss: Look out for regular open studio events to meet the designer-makers who make this place so special.