Exciting Things to Do in Birmingham UK

Birmingham, the UK’s vibrant second city, offers an impressive blend of industrial heritage, cultural attractions, and modern entertainment. Once known as the “City of 1000 Trades,” today’s Birmingham has reinvented itself as a dynamic destination packed with unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, this guide reveals the best things to do in Birmingham UK that showcase why this underrated gem deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Home to the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite artwork, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery offers a captivating journey through art, history, and culture. The stunning Victorian building houses over 40 galleries with collections ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary installations. Don’t miss the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

This architectural marvel is more than just a library—it’s a cultural destination. The distinctive building with its intricate metal lattice exterior houses the largest public library in the UK. Explore the stunning Shakespeare Memorial Room in the golden rooftop rotunda, browse rare literary collections, or simply enjoy panoramic city views from the garden terraces.

Located in a converted Victorian schoolhouse in Brindleyplace, the Ikon Gallery is Birmingham’s premier contemporary art venue. This free-to-enter gallery showcases rotating exhibitions from international artists in a beautifully restored building. Don’t forget to take a ride in the famous “singing elevator” with a soundtrack by Birmingham artist Martin Creed.

Step into Birmingham’s glittering past in the historic Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of British jewelry is still made today. This charming district features over 100 specialist jewelry businesses housed in beautiful Georgian buildings. Beyond shopping, explore the area’s museums, galleries, and trendy bars.

Experience how ordinary people lived during the Industrial Revolution at the Birmingham Back to Backs. These meticulously restored 19th-century courtyard houses are the last surviving example of the back-to-back housing that once dominated the city. Guided tours take you through four different eras, from the 1840s to the 1970s, revealing the everyday lives of the working-class families who called these modest homes their own.

At the heart of Birmingham’s canal network lies Gas Street Basin, where the Worcester & Birmingham and Birmingham Main Line canals meet. Once a bustling industrial hub, today it’s a picturesque waterside destination lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars. The restored 18th and 19th-century buildings create a charming backdrop for a leisurely stroll along the towpaths.

Experience Birmingham from a different perspective with a narrowboat tour of the city’s historic waterways. These guided trips offer fascinating insights into the canal network that powered Birmingham’s industrial revolution while providing unique views of both historic and modern architecture. Tours range from 30-minute city center cruises to longer journeys exploring the wider canal system.

Birmingham’s premier shopping destination combines the historic Bullring market site with the modern Grand Central complex. Home to over 200 stores, including flagship department stores and designer boutiques, it’s anchored by the iconic Selfridges building with its distinctive curved facade covered in 15,000 aluminum discs. Don’t miss the famous bronze Bull sculpture that has become a symbol of the city.

Step back in time at Birmingham’s beautiful Victorian shopping arcades. The Great Western Arcade, with its stunning barrel-vaulted glass roof and ornate ironwork, houses independent boutiques and specialty shops. Nearby, the Piccadilly Arcade features a spectacular painted ceiling mural and was originally opened as a cinema in 1910 before being converted into shops in 1925.

Located in the creative quarter of Digbeth, The Custard Factory is Birmingham’s hub for independent businesses, artists, and digital innovators. Set in the restored factories where Bird’s Custard was once produced, this vibrant complex now houses unique shops, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues including the Mockingbird Cinema and Chance & Counters board game cafe.

No visit to Birmingham is complete without sampling its most famous culinary contribution—the balti. This distinctive curry style was invented in Birmingham in the 1970s by the city’s Pakistani community. Head to the Balti Triangle area (Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath, and Moseley) to experience authentic balti dishes served in the traditional thin-pressed steel bowls they’re named after.

Birmingham boasts five Michelin-starred restaurants, making it the UK’s second gastronomic capital after London. Experience exceptional fine dining at establishments like Adam’s, Purnell’s, or Simpsons, where innovative chefs transform local ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Booking well in advance is essential for these popular dining destinations.

For a more casual but equally delicious experience, visit Digbeth Dining Club, Birmingham’s award-winning street food event. Operating Thursday through Sunday evenings, it brings together the region’s best street food vendors, craft beverages, and live DJs in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sample diverse cuisines in one lively location.

Escape the urban bustle at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre oasis established in 1832. Explore four stunning glasshouses representing different climate zones, from tropical rainforest to arid desert. The gardens feature over 7,000 plant species, beautiful landscaped grounds, and a charming butterfly house. It’s a tranquil retreat just minutes from the city center.

Birmingham’s most popular park offers 250 acres of beautiful formal gardens, woodlands, and recreational spaces. Enjoy boating on the lake, visit the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, or catch a performance at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). With playgrounds, tennis courts, and a mini golf course, it’s perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Cadbury World, where you can discover the history of chocolate and the famous Cadbury brand. Located in Bournville, the model village built by the Cadbury family for their workers, this interactive attraction offers chocolate-making demonstrations, a 4D cinema experience, and of course, plenty of chocolate samples. It’s a must-visit for families and chocolate lovers of all ages.

If you’re visiting between mid-November and December 23rd, don’t miss the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market—the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. Victoria Square and New Street transform into a festive wonderland with over 80 stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts, and German delicacies. Warm up with a mug of glühwein (mulled wine) while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere and live music.

Birmingham has successfully transformed from its industrial past into a vibrant, diverse city with something for everyone. From world-class museums and historic canals to cutting-edge architecture and culinary delights, the UK’s second city offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or an extended stay, Birmingham’s warm welcome and rich cultural tapestry will leave you wondering why you hadn’t explored this dynamic city sooner.