Lonely PlanetSep 2
The 17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, England
From seeing street art to tasting fiery curry to strolling atmospheric canals.
Home to world's largest Pre-Raphaelite collection.
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.