When Rob and his best mate Dave fancied a day out, they didn’t need to look far. Birmingham City Centre has all the ingredients for a great time - panoramic views, proper shopping, a bit of Brummie heritage, and a pint with purpose.

“Birmingham’s got that mix of old and new,” Rob tells us. “One minute you’re in a futuristic library garden, the next you’re in a pub that’s been pouring pints for generations. It’s never boring.”

Here’s what their day looked like, and why it might just inspire your next trip into town.
 


View from the top: The Library of Birmingham

They started the day on a high (literally). The Library of Birmingham, an architectural icon of the city, is not only a paradise for book lovers but also a secret spot for those looking for the best views in town.

“We headed straight to the rooftop garden,” says Rob. “You get this amazing view over the whole city – cranes, spires, canals – it’s all there.”

Even if you’re not up for pages of poetry or research archives, the library is worth a visit for its design alone: layers of metal rings, sun-filled reading rooms, and peaceful outdoor terraces in the sky.
 


Shops, selfies, and a Brummie bull

From there, it was a quick wander over to Bullring & Grand Central. Perched right above New Street Station, this shopping and dining hub is where trains, trends and tasty bites all meet.

The star of the show? Ozzy the Bull – the mechanical marvel from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, now permanently stationed in the concourse.

“I had to get a photo with Ozzy,” Rob laughs. “He’s basically a local celebrity now.”

They browsed through the high street favourites, grabbed a quick bite, and watched the city hum around them - commuters, families, tourists, everyone passing through the heart of Birmingham.
 


Peaky vibes at Peter Forson

On the walk to their next stop, the energy of the city centre really came alive - buskers on corners, the buzz of shoppers, and that unmistakable melting pot of accents and aromas.

They then arrived at Peter Forson, the legendary Birmingham hat shop where time seems to slow down just a little.

“It’s like stepping onto a Peaky Blinders set,” says Dave. “You walk in and you can feel the history.”

They each tried on a flat cap - a rite of passage in this part of the world - and Rob left with a new one under his arm. A real bit of Birmingham heritage to take home.
 


Pints for a good cause: The Good Intent

To wrap things up, the lads headed to The Good Intent, Birmingham’s first not-for-profit pub tucked away in Great Western Arcade. It’s everything you’d want from a city pub: exposed brick, good beers on tap, and a cracking playlist - but with a difference.

“All the profits go to local charities,” Rob explains. “So every pint helps someone out. Can’t argue with that.”

What better way to end a Birmingham day?
 


Plan your own Brummie day out

Rob’s day might’ve been simple - no big events, no tight schedules - but it captured the best of what Birmingham City Centre has to offer. Culture, charm, history, shopping, and a perfect pint to top it all off.

So whether you're here for the weekend or just a few hours, follow in Rob’s footsteps and uncover the city’s character - one rooftop view, bull selfie, and flat cap at a time.

Discover more of Birmingham.