10 things to do in Birmingham

It’s only relatively recently that Birmingham was one of Britain’s biggest industrial centres. But now the city, an hour and a half from London, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Birmingham is in no way inferior to London in terms of sights and activities.

So what are the top 10 things you should do when you visit the city?

Visit the Bullring Birmingham

One of the most architecturally striking buildings in the world, this one is as interesting inside as it is out. The huge building is worth a stroll, even without the intention of shopping. Each and every one of the many shops and boutiques within the building strives to dazzle visitors with their ingenious designs.

Visit the Birmingham Library

One of the UK’s and the world’s biggest libraries isn’t housed in a historical building, but in a modern, design masterpiece. It’s a stunning building not just from the outside but also from the inside.

Attend concerts at Hare & Hounds Kings Heath

For lovers of reggae, funk or rock this is the place to be. Many legendary bands have performed here. But even if you go to a lesser-known act, you’re assured of quality music.

Sip on a glass of wine at the Loki

The Loki Wine Merchant, Wine Shop, and Wine Bar is the best wine boutique in Birmingham and one of the best in the UK. Its collection of awards from various professional societies is not just impressive, it is astonishing. You can buy wine to take away in the boutique, or you can enjoy a drink in the superb surroundings of the local bar.

Visit the Museum of Pens

This unique museum, which houses a huge collection of unique writing utensils, is located in Birmingham for a reason. After all, the city has been a centre for stationery for many years. Here you’ll not only be able to see the unique collection, but you can also take a calligraphy workshop.

Relax in Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill is a landscaped gem not just in Birmingham, but in the UK. The historic park, which opened in 1873, has 32 hectares of parkland and 48 acres of woodland. The park is a favourite picnic spot. Tennis courts, bowling, mini-golf and much more are also on offer.

Visit The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

A visit to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham is a feast for art lovers. See Rembrandt, Claude Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso amongst other great painters and sculptors.

See Birmingham’s ancient churches

From medieval St Edburgha’s Church in Yardley, St Laurence’s Church in Northfield or St Martin’s Church on the Bull Ring, to the early 18th century St Philip’s Cathedral and neo-Gothic St Chad’s Cathedral, these are great options for lovers of architecture.

Visit the Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter is a sight unlike any other not only in the UK but probably the whole world. It is home to 40% of the UK’s jewellery industry. There are also around 500 jewellery shops there. But even if a tourist does not want to buy jewellery or does not have the money to buy it, it is still worth visiting the quarter if only because it is a beautiful place. Besides, one of the main attractions of the quarter – the jewellery factory-museum is open for free visits.

Midlands Art Centre

The Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham sees around 850,000 visitors a year – from the British and tourists from all over the world. Exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, plays, and other events are organised here almost daily.