How to plan a trip to Birmingham?

The beauty of travelling is discovering new cultures, exploring unknown places and letting yourself be carried away by local traditions. However, it’s a good idea to be well-informed before you set off if you don’t want to be more surprised than you think. Can you imagine arriving in England with no idea that it’s the wrong way round? That’s why in this post we’ll help you plan your trip to Birmingham with key facts about getting around the country and many other travel tips.

Below you can read about things to consider before you set off on your trip, such as the documents you need to enter the country, the best time to travel and the best way to get to and around the city. We’ve also prepared plenty of tips to help you once you arrive at your destination. We are sure that Birmingham will fascinate you with its lively cultural scene, history and food scene, so we want to make all the pre-planning as quick and easy as possible, so you can spend your time exploring the city.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Birmingham

To travel to England from an EU member state after Brexit, it is essential to present a passport, as the ID card is no longer valid. As a tourist you can stay in the UK for a maximum period of 180 days, as long as your passport is valid. For longer stays you will need to apply for a visa.

In addition to EU member states, certain countries are exempt from visa requirements for entry, including the Commonwealth and others such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay.

For citizens of countries that are not exempt, it is necessary to apply for a tourist visa online or through the embassy or consulate. This permit is valid for 180 days and must be applied for at least three months in advance. It costs £115. The procedure includes completing an online application form, submitting specific documents such as a valid passport, financial proof, accommodation or a letter of invitation, travel itinerary and travel insurance.

Another key aspect of safe travel is to always carry a copy of the necessary documentation and carry copies of them as a precaution. One way to always carry it with you and keep it handy is with the Passporter App.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Birmingham

The best time to visit Birmingham is during the spring and autumn months. In spring, the city is full of colour and there’s a livelier atmosphere as people come out to enjoy the warm temperatures. It’s the ideal time of year to enjoy the great outdoors without the summer crowds. And if you’re a music lover, you can’t miss the Birmingham Jazz Festival, one of the most important music events of the year.

In autumn the weather is still moderately warm and the city is a riot of colour, offering a unique spectacle. As in spring, there are fewer people, and although the days are shorter, the prices are also significantly reduced.

If you’re travelling during this time of year, be prepared for rain, which is not uncommon. And if you’re travelling in summer, assume that everything will be more expensive and you’ll have to wait in longer queues at the main attractions.

3. Find out how to get to Birmingham

Thanks to its central location and being a major commercial hub in the UK, Birmingham is very accessible both nationally and internationally. Here are all the options available to you:

• Air: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is served by domestic and international airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and British Airways.
• Car: Located close to the M5, M6, M40, and M42 motorway networks, Birmingham is easily accessible by car from anywhere in the UK. From London it takes 2.5 hours. If you’re not going out of the city, it’s not a worthwhile option due to traffic and parking difficulties.
• Train: Birmingham New Street is the main railway station, with services operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and West Midlands Railway from London, Manchester, Liverpool, and other major cities. From London it takes about 2 hours.
• Bus: National Express and Megabus offer cheap connections from cities across the UK. It’s a cheap option, but also the slowest and most uncomfortable.

To get from the airport to the city centre you can opt for the Air-Rail Link train service which connects the airport to Birmingham International station in just 2 minutes, and from there, frequent trains run to Birmingham New Street in around 10-15 minutes. The combined fare is approximately £3.50. Another option is to take the X1 bus for around £2.40. The taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs up to £35.

Public transport in Birmingham is extensive and efficient, with a network of buses and the Midland Metro tram system making it easy to get around the city and its environs. A single bus journey costs around £2.40, while day tickets offering unlimited bus and tram travel are available for around £4.60. If you plan to spend several days in the city, we recommend purchasing a Swift Pay As You Go card for instant payment on public transport without having to take out a ticket.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy Birmingham

One of the first steps when planning a trip to Birmingham is to find accommodation. You’ll find that you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay in this city as there’s a wide variety of options ranging from boutique hotels to backpacker hostels to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you want to save money and find well-connected options, we encourage you to search ahead of time and read reviews from other travellers to make sure you’re comfortable in your accommodation. On the Passporter App you can see where other travellers have stayed and compare hotels directly through Booking, where you can later make your booking.

We stayed in the centre, and although it wasn’t particularly cheap, it meant we were close to the main tourist attractions. Even so, we’ve put together this list of the most recommended neighbourhoods to stay in Birmingham:

• Centre: is ideal for those looking to be close to the main attractions, such as the Bullring and the library. While it may be more expensive, the convenience is unbeatable.
• Shopping District: Perfect for shopaholics. With the Bullring and Grand Central at your fingertips, you’ll never be short of options. Prices vary, but there are good bargains to be had.
• Convention Quarter: Ideal for business travellers, this area offers proximity to convention centres and entertainment. Accommodation can be moderately priced.
• Digbeth: Known as the “coolest” neighbourhood, it’s great for young people and art lovers. It offers cheaper accommodation and a lively atmosphere.
• Jewellery Quarter: This historic neighbourhood offers a unique blend of culture and tranquillity. Prices are affordable, and it’s perfect for those looking for a more authentic experience.
• Edgbaston: is ideal for quiet stays, a little away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. It offers good value for money accommodation, perfect for families or those looking for peace and quiet.
• Gay Village: famous for its LGBT+ atmosphere. Prices are varied, offering something for every budget in a festive atmosphere.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Birmingham

Birmingham offers a mix of industrial history, contemporary culture and green spaces that will take you at least 3 days to discover. In this time you can wander through its historic districts, enjoy local food at the markets and relax in its parks and canals.

We spent precisely three days in the city, giving us time to see all the sights, shop and wander the streets. In this post you can read more about what to do in the city: Things to do in Birmingham

And here’s a sneak peek so you can start recording your must-sees on the Passporter app and start shaping your itinerary:

1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: houses an impressive collection of art from the pre-Romantic period to contemporary. Admission is free.
2. Library of Birmingham: this library is an architectural icon with stunning views from its terrace. Admission is free.
3. National SEA LIFE Centre: this is an interactive aquarium offering a window into the marine world. The approximate entrance fee is £20.
4. Cadbury World: a must-see experience for chocolate lovers. This is the Cadbury factory museum and includes a sweet tasting. Approximate ticket price: £19.45 for adults.
5. Birmingham Botanical Gardens : landscaped gardens offer a tranquil respite from the city. Admission is £7.50 for adults.
6. Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: an interactive science museum ideal for families, with exhibits covering everything from technology to the human body. Approximate price: £14.75 for adults.
7. Victoria Square and the Floozy in the Jacuzzi : located in the heart of Birmingham, the square is perfect for taking photos and enjoying views of the surrounding architecture.
8. Jewellery Quarter: a historic area known for its jewellery craftsmanship and Georgian-era buildings. Stroll through the streets and visit the small museums.
9. Birmingham Back to Backs: a complex of well-preserved period houses that show what life was like in the 19th century.

6. Where and what to eat in Birmingham?

Birmingham’s cuisine offers a fusion of traditional British flavours with international influences, especially from South Asia. You’ll find plenty of Indian restaurants as well as traditional English tavernas and many other international options.

The area is also famous as the birthplace of authentic pork scratchings, a variety of pork scratchings that you’ll find in every pub – we loved them!

Here are some of the region’s most famous dishes:

1. Balti: a traditional Birmingham curry served in an iron pot.
2. Pork Pie: traditional and tasty pork pie with a crispy crust.
3. Cornish Pasty: a pie filled with meat and vegetables, perfect for street food.
4. Bakewell Cake: is a typical cake from the Bakewell region.
5. Sunday Roast: a roast of different meats accompanied by roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, seasonal vegetables and gravy.

As for drinks, craft beer plays a major role in Birmingham. Such is the passion for the drink that there is a tradition of an annual competition between pubs for the best home-brewed beer.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Birmingham

If you’ve ever travelled with friends, you’re probably familiar with the typical setbacks of travelling in a group. Different interests, different schedules and not to mention how complicated it is to coordinate dates on many occasions. A tip in these cases is to use tools that help us plan the trip taking into account everyone’s interests and in an organised way, that’s why we always travel with the Passporter App.

Download the free Passporter App and start organising trips with your friends together today. Create an itinerary for Birmingham, invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal tour together. You can also share your experience through the photos you take during your trip. To help you even more, we’ve put together an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Birmingham

• The currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Birmingham is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How do you prepare what to see on your trip to Birmingham?

Download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants.).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Birmingham.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Birmingham