Lonely PlanetSep 2
The 17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, England
From seeing street art to tasting fiery curry to strolling atmospheric canals.
Elegant grounds and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
25 things in this story
- Gas Street BasinSightStroll its canal past Brindley Place.
- Brindley PlaceSightLively waterside bars, bistros, and restaurants.
- DigbethSuburbSeek its vivid street art and graffiti.
- Balti TriangleNeighborhoodSpiritual home of the balti dish.
- Custard FactorySightRough-and-ready streets for street art.
- BanksySightFestive work above a bench near Vyse St station.
- Grand HotelHotelOpulent Victorian hotel, reopened in 2021.
- St Philip's CathedralSightImpressive views from the Grand Hotel.
- University of BirminghamSightElegant grounds and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
- Barber Institute of Fine ArtsMuseumUnderrated art institute on university grounds.
- Birmingham Back to BacksSightLast remaining 19th-century attached, terraced houses.
- Library of BirminghamMuseumOffers panoramic outdoor views from its Secret Garden.
- Hare & HoundsPubVictorian pub, site of UB40's first gig.
- Sunflower LoungePubCity center venue for intimate gigs.
- The FlapperPubCanal-side rock pub with beer garden and venue.
- Utilita ArenaBarVenue for big-name acts at Brindleyplace.
- 02 InstituteSightHistoric Digbeth venue, formerly a church.
- Lickey Hills Country ParkParkOffers panoramic views and charming woodland trails.
- Stirchley Beer MileTrailCraft-beer haven with pubs and taprooms.
- Attic Brew CoRestaurantVibrant taproom on the Stirchley Beer Mile.
- Birmingham Brewing CompanyRestaurantTaproom on the Stirchley Beer Mile.
- Birmingham Museum & Art GalleryMuseumHome to world's largest Pre-Raphaelite collection.
- St Phillip's CathedralSightFeatures Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows.
- Jewellery QuarterNeighborhoodProduces 40% of the UK's jewelry output.
- Elsewhere
- Black Country Living MuseumTheme parkDudley, United KingdomCanal-side sets for Peaky Blinders fans.