Skip to main content

Top things to do in Birmingham

Attractions, tours, and activities in Birmingham

Birmingham: the city's best neighborhoods

Find a great area to stay in Birmingham

About Birmingham

Including tips for the best time to visit Birmingham

Renowned for its network of canals and constantly changing skyline, Birmingham blends heritage with modernity. From historical museums to contemporary architecture, the city is burgeoning with things to do.

The cultural highlights of Birmingham are on full display at its museums. Stroll through the city centre to visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where you’ll find pre-Raphaelite artworks, original Leonardo Da Vinci drawings and ancient artefacts from around the world. A tour of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and the Coffin Works museum will provide insights into the city's industrial past. On a trip to Cadbury World, you can snack on chocolate bars while wandering the premises and even buy chocolate-themed souvenirs to take home.

On your Birmingham holiday, you’ll find a plethora of activities to keep you engaged and entertained. A leisurely walk around the canal quarter – dotted with lively pubs and restaurants – is a great way to spend the evening. Pack up a picnic and head to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens or drive to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham nearby, which is well-known for its 360-degree oceanic tunnel offering views of sharks, jellyfish and other marine life.

It's quite easy to indulge in retail therapy at Birmingham. Bullring & Grand Central, with its iconic structure, is a giant of a mall that offers a range of clothing, dining and entertainment options. For an upscale shopping experience, head to Mailbox Birmingham or the Great Western Arcade, which is housed in a Victorian building.

Tonight

From $84 per night

This weekend

From $151 per night

Next weekend

From $165 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency £1 = $1.22
Language English
Average weekend price $118 per night
Average weekday price $110 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Birmingham

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Birmingham

Birmingham reviews

What other travelers say about Birmingham

10

I think that I had a vision of a grey industrial town,...

September 24, 2023

I think that I had a vision of a grey industrial town, shrouded in mist, with little brightness, not much to do, and locals with unintelligible accents. How wrong was I. Amazing buildings, lots of pubs and clubs, excellent range of restaurants and cafes, friendly people, and a wide range of cultural treats. We will definitely be back.... . I was right about the accents, though!

Chris
Chris United Kingdom
10

The Botanic Gardens and The Barber Institute are all within...

September 19, 2023

The Botanic Gardens and The Barber Institute are all within walking distance-the latter in the University grounds is a treasure. The Art collection at The Barber Institute has a collection of fine Renaissance Italian and Dutch masters as well as 19th and 20thcentury masterpieces rivalling the best in the UK. It is delightful to visit although not as well signposted as it could be . The leafy suburbs are a joy to walk through and walking along the historic canals are a real pleasure-Birmingham has not the fame of Venice but is a delight to explore. The Symphony Hall in Centenary Square is a jewel in Birminghams crown. There is so much to see and both walking and public transport is remarkably pleasant ;this is a great city with a heart of gold. I find the cosmopolitan atmosphere friendly and relaxed-I love this city more on each visit.

Gwenda
Gwenda United Kingdom
8.0

Lovely place for a weekend.

September 18, 2023

Lovely place for a weekend. Some parts are not as ni e as others, obviously, but if you curate your stay around the arty and historical areas, there's loads to see and do. If you like cocktails, do check out Lucky7 on Frederick Street and Passing Fancies in Digbeth!

Adam
Adam United Kingdom
8.0

You make the trip worth while, so why are you visiting the...

September 7, 2023

You make the trip worth while, so why are you visiting the city, check out what is available that suites you. Birmingham is like most cities it has a shoping/business area that is much like anywhere else but there also things that are very much of the ares just look for them.

Gay
Gay United Kingdom
10

Plenty to visit, see and do.

September 5, 2023

Plenty to visit, see and do. Good signposting of routes and places of interest. Modern and well developed city centre. Only downside was the very noticeable amount of rubbish discarded along so many of the main and side streets.

paul
paul Germany
10

Nice place, good numbers of things to see and do.

September 4, 2023

Nice place, good numbers of things to see and do. We watched a musical at the Hippodrome, movie at the oldest operating movie theatre in England, The Electric and attended the Moseley Folk and Music Festival. Recommend visiting the Birmingham Library, Brindley Place, taking the canal cruise, should get a drink at the La Iguanas.

Atanu Mukerji
Atanu Mukerji Ireland

Popular places to stay in Birmingham

Stay in some of the best accommodations Birmingham has to offer

Other attractions and activities in Birmingham

More things to do and see in Birmingham