Lonely PlanetSep 2, 2026
The 17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, England
From seeing street art to tasting fiery curry to strolling atmospheric canals.
25 things in this story
- Black Country Living MuseumTheme parkCanal-side sets for Peaky Blinders fans.
- Elsewhere
- Gas Street BasinSightBirmingham, United KingdomStroll its canal past Brindley Place.
- Brindley PlaceSightBirmingham, United KingdomLively waterside bars, bistros, and restaurants.
- DigbethSuburbBirmingham, United KingdomSeek its vivid street art and graffiti.
- Balti TriangleNeighborhoodBirmingham, United KingdomSpiritual home of the balti dish.
- Custard FactorySightBirmingham, United KingdomRough-and-ready streets for street art.
- BanksySightBirmingham, United KingdomFestive work above a bench near Vyse St station.
- Grand HotelHotelBirmingham, United KingdomOpulent Victorian hotel, reopened in 2021.
- St Philip's CathedralSightBirmingham, United KingdomImpressive views from the Grand Hotel.
- University of BirminghamSightBirmingham, United KingdomElegant grounds and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
- Barber Institute of Fine ArtsMuseumBirmingham, United KingdomUnderrated art institute on university grounds.
- Birmingham Back to BacksSightBirmingham, United KingdomLast remaining 19th-century attached, terraced houses.
- Library of BirminghamMuseumBirmingham, United KingdomOffers panoramic outdoor views from its Secret Garden.
- Hare & HoundsPubBirmingham, United KingdomVictorian pub, site of UB40's first gig.
- Sunflower LoungePubBirmingham, United KingdomCity center venue for intimate gigs.
- The FlapperPubBirmingham, United KingdomCanal-side rock pub with beer garden and venue.
- Utilita ArenaBarBirmingham, United KingdomVenue for big-name acts at Brindleyplace.
- 02 InstituteSightBirmingham, United KingdomHistoric Digbeth venue, formerly a church.
- Lickey Hills Country ParkParkBirmingham, United KingdomOffers panoramic views and charming woodland trails.
- Stirchley Beer MileTrailBirmingham, United KingdomCraft-beer haven with pubs and taprooms.
- Attic Brew CoRestaurantBirmingham, United KingdomVibrant taproom on the Stirchley Beer Mile.
- Birmingham Brewing CompanyRestaurantBirmingham, United KingdomTaproom on the Stirchley Beer Mile.
- Birmingham Museum & Art GalleryMuseumBirmingham, United KingdomHome to world's largest Pre-Raphaelite collection.
- St Phillip's CathedralSightBirmingham, United KingdomFeatures Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows.
- Jewellery QuarterNeighborhoodBirmingham, United KingdomProduces 40% of the UK's jewelry output.