Discover Birmingham in 24 hours

Discover more in Birmingham. Bustling streets filled with independent shops, stylish restaurants serving next level cuisine, chic canal-side venues, boutique bars to suit any style and heaps of history – there’s a surprise around every corner. Packed full of attractions, while keeping its own unique personality, the city is the very heart of the West Midlands.
 

A diverse cultural centre, Birmingham is world-famous for its incredible cuisine, from street food to five-star dining. The city is home to five Michelin starred restaurants, more than any city outside of the capital. Not to forget the beloved Balti which was invented right here – visit the Balti Triangle where chefs still use the traditional one-pot method of cooking today! Fuelled up, prepare to explore a huge array of family attractions, theatres, galleries, shopping for every style, stunning gardens, museums and much, much more.

Start the day right

There’s so much to see and do in Birmingham, so make sure you start the day right with a breakfast of champions. The Jewellery Quarter is home to some amazing spots for breakfast including The Hive Café & Bakery; serving delicious organic and freshly made food, featuring ingredients from its rooftop garden. In the JQ you’ll also find the likes of Coffee Tales ( we challenge you to find better cake in the city) and Urban Café.

If you’re more central make sure you don’t miss out on Medicine Bakery (there’s two in the city) – Not only do they have a fantastic breakfast and brunch menu, but bakery is sublime so make sure you taste their famous Cronuts.

Other great locations: Yorks Cafe & Coffee Roasters, Ju Ju's Cafe, Levain and Cherry, The Early Bird bakery and more

Get adventurous

The Roundhouse Birmingham offers a unique way to explore the city by offering a guided tour by kayak. Their guides will lead you on a journey through the city’s heart along it’s many canals (did you know Birmingham has more canals than Venice).

If walking is more your thing, stroll through the city with Positively Birmingham Walking Tours; a fun way to explore our history and culture. There’s a number of tours to join including ‘Discovering Birmingham’ where you can take the secret canal to the Jewellery Quarter, pass the filming location for Line of Duty, and enjoy a few surprises along the way.

If you’re looking for some adventure with the family, then there’s plenty for the kids to get involved in. National Sea Life Birmingham, right in the heart of Brindley Place, is home to the UK’s only 360 degree ocean tunnel where you can marvel at the sharks swimming overhead and underneath as you walk through the sea in this truly unique experience. Legoland Discovery Centre has something for everyone including the spectacular Miniland – a world build with over 1.5m bricks, and the Lego 4D cinema where you can experience rain, wind and even snow all under one roof.

And for all you chocoholics, head over to Bournville on the train (13 minutes from Birmingham New St) and you’ll uncover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World. You'll learn how your favourite confectionery is made, have a go yourself at tempering chocolate and add your favourite treat to a delicious pot of warm melted Cadbury Dairy Milk. 

Lunch

Plan lunch in one of Birmingham’s amazing eateries. The city is full of fantastic independents offering you an experience you’ll not get anywhere else with cuisine from every corner of the globe.

Tierra Taco is one of Birmingham’s hidden gems offering some of the best food in the city – they bring fresh, homemade tacos, small plates & margaritas to the Jewellery Quarter. Continuing with hidden gems, Tiger Bites Pig is must visit; they’are the king of bao buns that are the most flavoursome homemade buns available, and it’s not just bao buns, they also create beautiful rice bowls! Further south of Birmingham, head over to Moseley to delight in Chakana; a Peruvian restaurant that’s situated in the walls of an old bank – Superb food in an amazing setting.

Other great spots: Dishoom, Otto’s Pizza, Sushi Passion and more

Absorb in the culture

Birmingham is home to some of the greatest creators and inventors. Our vibrant art galleries showcase the finest talent, both modern and old. And if you step through the door of one of our many museums, you’ll be greeted by passion and local history just waiting to be shared.

The world famous Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is now open with a series of pop-up displays and live events that will bring a different feel to the historic building for the Commonwealth Games and Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Travel out of town to visit Winterbourne House, an Edwardian historic house and garden nestled in a leafy corner of the Birmingham, or explore Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses with 15 acres of gardens and tropical and sub-tropical houses displaying lush vegetation, palms and orchids.

Shop until you drop

We know many of you want to do a little bit of shopping before you depart, so make sure visit the Bullring before you leave; Birmingham's largest shopping centre – you’ll find your favourite brands all under one iconic roof. Shop designer brands to find your dream outfit at Selfridges, or try make-up treats from The Body Shop, Morphe, KIKO or Boots. From Levi's to River Island, Victoria’s Secret to Next, and TK Maxx to Zara, you'll find the latest trends and new season collections in Birmingham.

Birmingham is also home to two beautiful independent arcades. Great Western Arcade is over-flowing with Victorian charm, home to award-winning retailers with fantastic bars and cafes. Piccadilly Arcade holds an array of independent stores waiting to be explored - From gift shops to beauty salons, fashion boutiques to jewellers, this picturesque arcade has a lot more to it than the beautiful architecture and hand-painted ceilings

Other great spots: Red Brick Market, Custard Factory, The Fort, Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox and more

Good food for a good mood

If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, you are certainly in the right place! Restaurants in Birmingham serve cuisine from every corner of the globe. We have Michelin starred restaurants, stylish independents, street dining, and the world famous Balti Triangle.

Birmingham currently holds 5 Michelin stars so if you’re in need of some rather fabulous food, here's where you need to seek out... Celebrity chef Glynn Purnell home restaurant Purnell’s, Opheem – the first Indian restaurant outside of London to be awarded a Michelin star, Adam’s - British fine dining restaurant serving modern dishes, Simpsons - Modern French cuisine in a Georgian Grade II listing building, and Carters of Moseley - inspired by the producers who work our British landscape.

Hockley Social Club is home to delicious street food, right in the heart of the jewellery quarter; Relaxed food hall and bar with four kitchens, three bars, a record store, a coffee shop, a speakeasy cocktail bar and a large outdoor terrace. Not one to miss!

And if you visit Birmingham without going to a Balti House, did you even visit? Birmingham is the culinary birthplace of the famous 'balti' and home to the Balti Triangle. Make sure you head over to Shababs, the legendary balti house thriving in Birmingham.

If it's a drink you're after, Birmingham's pubs and bars are some of the finest in the country.  From swanky cocktail bars to crafty independents, there's so much choice here. Head up to the top of The Cube and enjoy drinks in the rooftop bar, or head to the cocktail bars down Colemore Row.

Check out: The Pineapple Club, Ikigai at 1000 Trades, The Pig & Tail, Bacchus Bar, Couch and more

Evening entertainment

Enjoy world class culture in Birmingham. The award winning Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra often take centre stage at world-class venues, Birmingham Hippodrome, The Rep Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall, alongside west-end spectaculars at the many venues across the city.

If you’re looking for some fun-filled activities for you and your friends, then head over to Digbeth to explore the creative hub of the city. Enjoy fantastic cocktails and food as you play mini-golf in Ghetto Golf, or choose from a selection of board games to play at Chance & Counters. When you’re in Digbeth, grab a pint and some delicious food at The Old Crown, a pub that dates all the way back to 1368!