Things to do in Birmingham

Known as the heart of the Midlands, Birmingham is a is a must-see English city. Birmingham is the second most populous city in England, and has many buildings from the Industrial Revolution that will transport you back in time. It also boasts an extensive network of canals running from Sherborne Quay, surrounded by cafes where you can appreciate all the city’s charm.

Birmingham’s strategic location and good transport links make it an ideal place to live, as well as an ideal destination for interesting trips around the country. Birmingham is also the city where the story of the Shelby brothers from Peaks Blinders is set, which has given the city a special appeal for fans of the show. At Passporter we are providing you with a selection of some of the most interesting places to see, so don’t miss the opportunity to get to know Birmingham!

To organise your trip we recommend using the Passporter app. Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and add the places that interest you to the route map. You can also keep all important documents in one place such as travel tickets or hotel reservations, among many other features, completely free of charge.

Things to see in Birmingham

Victoria Square

Victoria Square is a pedestrianised square and one of the key places to see in Birmingham. The square is a meeting place and a landmark for visitors and locals alike. It is also home to some of the city’s most important buildings, such as the Town Hall. Strategically located in the centre of Birmingham, the Town Hall is an impressive historic building.

This 180 year-old building has hosted guests such as Charles Dickens, Joseph Chamberlain, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie. In addition, the Town Hall boasts stunning architecture that creates a captivating image of the city of Birmingham.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the most important museum to see in Birmingham

It is home to the city’s best-kept treasures, from Anglo-Saxon gold to artefacts from Greece and Egypt, as well as contemporary pieces. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, home to the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, occupies one of the finest buildings in the city and is a must-see in Birmingham.

In addition to the permanent collections, it has a number of fascinating temporary exhibitions and often hosts musical performances and artistic events, giving it an even more special atmosphere. This beautiful museum also has a tea room, with many British-style cakes and pastries on offer.

Brindley Place: Birmingham’s canals

The vibrant Brindley Place neighbourhood has some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, as well as the National Sealife Centre and the IKON Gallery. There are many who claim that Birmingham has more canals than Venice. Either way, you definitely can’t miss a stroll through the beautiful Brindley Place, one of the essential things to do in Birmingham. Here you can enjoy a fun and friendly atmosphere and enjoy the true essence of the city, its canals.

Jewellery Quarter

This central neighbourhood retains its industrial vibe due to the old factories. Jewellery Quarter has over 200 listed buildings and over 250 years of history inside its walls and facades. Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter should be on any travel itinerary as it is one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods. It is home to a large group of jewellery businesses, considered a national treasure.

This neighbourhood is home to the silver and gold market, as well as several museums related to goldsmithing, which give this famous neighbourhood its name. As well as being an area dedicated to this trade, you will discover a multitude of exhibitions, pubs, restaurants, galleries and independent boutiques that have made this neighbourhood increasingly popular.

St. Philip’s Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral is a beautiful English Baroque parish church designed by Thomas Archer. Completed in 1725, this church is one of the most beautiful historic buildings to see in the centre of Birmingham. The cathedral contains four pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones which are highly regarded and famous in the city. But it is not just the cathedral that stands out, but also the green surroundings that offer a place of respite from the crowded city centre.

Library of Birmingham

One of the essential places to visit in Birmingham is its public library. This is another of the city’s most famous landmarks and shares a building with Birmingham Theatre, making it a space of special cultural importance. The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in Europe. What’s more, a surprising fact about its construction is that the exterior was designed to represent the hanging gardens of Babylon.

Digbeth

Digbeth is one of the most unique parts of the city that you can’t miss on your Birmingham itinerary. Located less than ten minutes from the city centre, this area has recently been recognised as Britain’s coolest neighbourhood by the Sunday Times. Digbeth has also been praised for the cafés, alternative shops, cinemas and art venues in the Custard Factory, a creative multi-space that also hosts events and independent designers.

Something very interesting about Digbeth’s art spaces is that on the first Friday of every month they offer free art events, as well as exhibition openings, performances and live music. It’s one of the most bohemian and culture-filled neighbourhoods in the city, providing a different atmosphere and a wealth of activities that will make your stay in Birmingham an authentic experience.

Moseley

Moseley is a residential area with large mansions and green spaces, as well as quaint cafes, small second-hand shops, pubs, and restaurants. You’ll find everything you’re looking for and more. It is also said that Tolkien drew inspiration for the landscapes he describes in The Hobbit by walking through this area, so it is worth a visit for that reason alone.

Edgbaston Village and Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Edgbaston is located within walking distance of Birmingham’s fast-paced city centre. The appeal of this neighbourhood is endless and it’s an area that’s also known for its vibrant food scene. However, Edgbaston is above all the place to immerse yourself in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. These beautiful gardens cover a large area where you’ll discover lush vegetation. It has over 200 trees, ferns, orchids, as well as herb gardens and huts, and even a national bonsai collection. It’s definitely the place to come to for a breather and to lose yourself in nature.

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.

Things to see in and around Birmingham

Coventry

Coventry is a city in England very close to the city of Birmingham. Its beautiful British-style buildings, cobbled streets and atmosphere make it one of the most attractive destinations to visit around Birmingham. This picturesque city is renowned in England for its industrial activity, history and interesting cultural activities.

Coventry is also famous for its outstanding heritage, with Coventry Cathedral towering above it. Coventry’s first cathedral was St Mary’s Priory, of which only a few ruins remain. However, the setting of this renowned cathedral and the structure that remains is one of the city’s most unique features.

Warwick

Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, England. Located on the banks of the River Avon, this town is known for its magnificent castle and important historical past. In this town it is the imposing castle that gets all the attention. Warwick Castle, considered one of the finest castles in England, is a medieval castle steeped in history that will make you feel like you’re at Hogwarts.

Furthermore, the whole atmosphere of the castle provides that extra bit of magic. It is worth taking a trip from Birmingham to see for yourself. Castle Bridge is the place to enjoy the best panoramic views of the castle, on the banks of the River Avon where you can take the perfect picture of Warwick. Outside the castle you can stroll through the idyllic English countryside.

Stratford-upon-Avon

To be or not to be? Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of Shakespeare, and it’s where you can discover the story of the world’s most famous playwright. You can also take the opportunity to immerse yourself in a picturesque market town, full of sensory delights.

This is home to the must-see Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Walking through Stratford-upon-Avon is like walking through the pages of a history book, passing the houses associated with William Shakespeare and his family. At The Birthplace, New Place and the beautiful Hall’s Croft you can learn about Shakespeare’s humble beginnings, the home where he spent his childhood and the early years of his marriage to Anne.

What to see in Birmingham in one day?

You can get to know Birmingham’s most interesting sights and discover its great charm in one day. Don’t miss the opportunity to get to know this city, even if it’s just a day trip. Here’s a day trip itinerary to help you get the most out of your experience.

• Victoria Square
• Birmingham Canals; Brindley Place
• Jewellery Quarter
• St Philip’s Cathedral
• Digbeth
• Moseley
• Edgbaston Village and Birmingham Botanical Gardens

What to see in Birmingham in two days?

With two days in the city you can get to know the beautiful surroundings and interesting neighbouring cities. Birmingham is an outstanding destination due to its location and good transport links to numerous nearby towns and cities. Here is a two-day itinerary to get to know the beautiful region of the Midlands.

Day 1:

• Victoria Square
• Birmingham Canals; Brindley Place
• Jewellery Quarter
• St Philip’s Cathedral
• Digbeth
• Moseley
• Edgbaston Village and Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Day 2:

• Warwick
• Stratford-upon-Avon

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