The 27 most brilliant things to do in Birmingham in 2025

What is it? Already home to the Custard Factory and soon to welcome Boxpark in 2025 and the BBC in 2027, Digbeth is Birmingham’s number one creative hub.

Why go? Digbeth blends contemporary culture with industrial charm and has a thriving community of tech and design businesses, unique bars and independent shops. Pick up local wares and vintage gems at the cavernous Redbrick Market (wrap up, it’s freezing in there) then grab a Mediterranean-inspired brunch at Cafe Lovelife or pizza at Baked in Brick. When night falls catch a movie at the Mockingbird Cinema or live music at the O2, followed by beers at The Ruin dive bar. For night owls, head to the club of the same name – there’ll be dancing into the wee hours. 

Don’t miss: Digbeth’s walls, alleyways and arches are covered with bold graffiti – take a guided walking tour to learn more about its vibrant street art scene.  

What is it? Seriously good Michelin-starred dinners with a real range of price points. 

Why go? Simpsons, Adam’s, Opheem and – if you’re prepared to head just outside the city – Peel’s, will all bamboozle you with their culinary delights. But a not-so-quiet food revolution is rumbling through Brum – Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley and Tropea in Harborne were both recognised in last year’s Michelin guide. If you can get a table, now’s your time to sample the very best of the city’s food scene… before the inspectors bestow their stars. And for more of the city’s best food, press ‘read more.’

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? England’s number-one chocolate-focused attraction. 

Why go? 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? A marketplace since the twelfth century, Birmingham is still a city for shoppers. 

Why go? The Bullring is a giant mall incorporating the iconic Selfridges building (looking like a part-amorphous blob, part-crash-landed UFO), a flagship M&S store and a newly-opened Sephora, aka the ultimate destination for beauty lovers. Across town, the Mailbox takes things high-end with the likes of Harvey Nichols and the Castle Fine Art gallery. 

Don’t miss: Most interesting are the independents, which you’ll find scattered all over town and in places like the splendid Great Western Arcade.

What is it? Birmingham has given the world its fair share of musical talent including UB40, Duran Duran and Black Sabbath – and it’s still bubbling up at the present with a thriving local music scene.

Why go? Whether it’s house at The Mill, indie at The Sunflower Lounge, or DJs at XOYO or jazz at The Jam House, you’ll find something to fill your ears at the city’s underground and burgeoning music venues. within walking distance of the high street. Venture to the suburb of Kings Heath to visit the legendary Hare and Hounds – scene of UB40’s first gig and a year-round impressive gig calendar. 

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? 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? 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? Take a tour of Aston Villa’s hallowed ground, or even catch a game. 

Why go? There aren’t many football grounds in the world like Villa Park. The 42,000-capacity stadium has been home to the Villa since 1897, and it has an aura that few sporting institutions can match, especially when the Holte End is packed out and chanting along. Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour or catch the boys in claret and blue play a Premier League game. 

Don’t miss: Fancy a real treat? You can watch the match in comfort at Eighty Two, the plush centre of football hospitality at Villa Park.