Whether you love to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of quirky bars and restaurants or prefer to be amongst beautiful green spaces and canals, there is something to suit everyone in the UK's second city.
Jewellery Quarter
The home of British jewellery with a growing arts scene and plenty of great restaurants and bars. Here, you’ll find more diamond rings, finishing touches and tokens of love than anywhere else in the country, this is the beating heart of the nation’s jewellery manufacturing and an estimated 40% of British jewellery is made in Birmingham’s unique Jewellery Quarter!
The area is full of hidden gems with its huge independent scene. There’s bars and restaurants on every corner; Tierra Taco is one of the best food spots in the city - If you’re a taco fan too, this is a must-visit! Ikigai at 1000 Trades is a world-class cocktail bar, with an array of Japanese spirits, flavourful cocktails and speciality sake. For those who love art as much as drinking. Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery is a place to enjoy delicious cocktail creations and tapas made with Spanish imported products while surrounded by exceptional antiques and fine art paintings.
Whilst you’re there, visit The Museum of The Jewellery Quarter which offers a unique insight into the working life and history of the renowned Jewellery Quarter – Spend the day in the jewellery workshop, learning a variety of jewellery making techniques in Birmingham’s hub and home of Jewellery.
Digbeth
Digbeth is one of the most distinctive parts of the city and is less than ten minutes walk from the Bullring & Grand Central. It has been named the 'Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain' by the Sunday Times, hailing the Custard Factory's cafes, independent shops, cinemas and arts venues, whilst celebrating 'the best bar snacks in the postcode' from The Old Crown.
With new venues coming to life every day, there’s activities for everyone. The recently opened Ball Park offers a giant ball pit and slide, shuffleboard tables, ping pong, arcade games and cocktails. Visit the Big Bake Birmingham and challenge your friends at Birmingham's first pop-up bake off - A fully kitted out marquee, all the ingredients are good to go, a top baker at your side, an irresistible monthly baking theme, an unforgettable experience and one winner. Situated within Birmingham’s iconic Custard Factory, The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen offers a unique cinematic experience. Relax within the creative hub of the city, enjoy some food, then grab a drink, before watching a film in our fully independent cinema.
If you’re looking for something more leisurely, you can take a stroll around Digbeth and experience the fantastic street art and graffiti that decorates every corner.
Brindleyplace
Tree-lined squares, international cuisine and an enviable canalside location makes Brindleyplace one of Birmingham’s most exciting destinations.
Brindleyplace is perfectly positioned next to Utilita Arena Birmingham and the International Convention Centre (ICC) home to the Symphony Hall making it an ideal place for a pre-event meal and drinks. It is also well connected being just a ten minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station and just off Broad Street which is served by local buses.
There’s a number of fantastic bars and restaurants for every occasion; Bank boasts classic and inspired seasonal cooking, brilliant cocktails and amazing steaks. Pulperia is a celebration of beef and the cuisine of South America from Michelin star chef Aktar Islam. Qavali, named after a style of Sufi devotional singing and originating from the Arabic word qual meaning “to speak”, offers a range of delicious dishes inspired by Turkish, Arabic, Persian and Indian cuisine
Chinatown
Chinatown is located just five minutes’ walk from New Street Station and is adjacent to the Bullring. Local landmarks include a stone pagoda, donated by a prominent local Chinese business as well as Chinese architectural flourishes around the Arcadian and surrounding area.
If Chinese food is your thing, then visit Chung Ying Cantonese – Opening in 1981, Chung Ying is one of Birmingham’s oldest and most loved Cantonese restaurants, winning several awards and making it to the final 3 of “Britain’s Best Chinese Restaurant”.
Gay Village
Birmingham has a large LGBTQ+ community and the village is renowned for its lively, cosmopolitan environment and free-thinking attitude.
The Gay Village is home to plenty of al fresco coffee shops, pubs open into the early-hours, raucous bars and night clubs with drag shows and cabaret. It’s only a short walk from the city centre, Digbeth and Gas Street Basin. Visit The Loft for their secret beer garden and drinks in the sun, Topokki brings a taste of Korea to Gay Village where you can eat bulgogi and kimchi fried rice, or visit The Glee Club – An award-winning independent live comedy and music venue, with many comedians taking to the stage including fellow Brummie Joe Lycett!
Each May Bank Holiday weekend Birmingham Pride LGBTQ festival is held in the Gay Village on Hurst Street. It is uniquely the largest LGBTQ two day festival in the UK.