Explore Birmingham
Your perfect trip to United Kingdom
Birmingham—or “Brum” to the locals—is a city that has spent decades being the butt of the joke, only to quietly reinvent itself as one of the most exciting cultural hubs in Europe. It is a sprawling metropolis of noise and concrete, yes, but cut through with more miles of canals than Venice, offering silent, watery corridors lined with restored red-brick factories. The sensory experience of Birmingham is defined by spices; the aroma of coriander, cumin, and grilling meat from the Balti Triangle hangs heavy in the air, a testament to the city’s rich South Asian heritage.
Visually, it is a jarring mix of the brutalist mistakes of the 1960s and futuristic triumphs like the shimmering, disco-ball-esque Bullring Selfridges building. It doesn’t have the coherent beauty of Bath or Edinburgh; its beauty is in the clash. The energy here is unpretentious and youthful—it is the youngest city in Europe by population age. You’ll hear the distinctive “Brummie” accent everywhere, a melodic, downward-inflecting lilt that is disarmingly friendly.
This is the home of the Peaky Blinders, Heavy Metal (Black Sabbath/Judas Priest), and the jewellery trade. In the Jewellery Quarter, the sound of hammers hitting metal still rings out from workshops that have operated for two centuries. Birmingham feels like a working city, not a museum. It’s busy, traffic-heavy, and chaotic, but if you strip back the concrete layers, you find Michelin-starred creativity, fiercely independent art scenes, and a warmth that London simply cannot match.
To understand Birmingham is to eat in it. From the street food hawkers at Digbeth Dining Club to the high-end tables of Adam’s, food is the language this city speaks best. It invites you to sit down, roll up your sleeves, and get stuck in.
The perfect plan for Birmingham:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Bullrings and Books
- Morning: Library of Birmingham. It looks like a stack of golden hat boxes. Take the elevator to the “Secret Garden” terrace on level 7 for the best panoramic view of the city (free).
- Afternoon: Walk through the Bullring to see the Selfridges building (architecture icon). Lunch at The Indian Streatery on Bennetts Hill. Order the chaotic “Chaats” and the Chicken Methi.
- Evening: Walk along the canal from The Mailbox to Brindleyplace. Dinner at Dishoom (yes, they are everywhere, but the Birmingham location is stunning) or Qavali for high-end Indo-Persian.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Heritage and Hammers
- Morning: The Jewellery Quarter. Visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter—it’s a time capsule of a workshop left exactly as it was in 1981. Then just wander the streets; 40% of UK jewelry is still made here.
- Afternoon: Lunch at The Button Factory (great terrace). Then, visit the Pen Museum (quirky, specific, very Birmingham) or take a narrowboat tour from Sherborne Wharf.
- Evening: Head to the Balti Triangle (Ladypool Road). Go to Shababs. It’s authentic, loud, BYOB (bring your own booze), and the naan breads are the size of doormats.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Gritty Cool Digbeth
- Morning: Digbeth. This is the creative district. Street art everywhere. Visit the Custard Factory (independent shops). If you’re a fan, book a Peaky Blinders tour here.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Baked in Brick (started as a street food van, now a legend). Then play Ghetto Golf (crazy golf with DJs/cocktails) or visit an arcade bar.
- Evening: Digbeth Dining Club (check days, usually weekends). It is the best street food market in the UK. Grab food from three different vans, sit on a crate, and listen to the live DJ.
Weather
Spring: Pleasant. The canals start to look green rather than grey.
Summer: Festival season. The city center gets hot (lots of concrete), but the beer gardens in Digbeth are legendary.
Autumn: Best for foodies—comfort food season starts. The Frankfurt Christmas Market arrives early (Nov).
Winter: Cold and grey. The city center becomes a chaotic shopping frenzy.
Local Customs
The Balti: This is a Birmingham invention, not traditional Indian. Eat it with a giant naan bread, ideally scooping with your hands, not a fork.
Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right. Even here, we follow the rules.
“Bab”: Don’t be offended if a stranger calls you “Bab” (Baby/Love). It’s a term of endearment, like “Duck” in the north.
History & Culture
Birmingham was the “City of a Thousand Trades.” It had no charter, no guild restrictions, and no river—so it built canals and welcomed anyone who could work. It became the toy shop of Europe, the pen-nib capital, and the gun-maker to the world. This legacy of small, specialized workshops rather than giant monolithic factories created a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that still defines the independent business culture today.
Getting Around & Safety
Trains: New Street Station is the hub. Connects to everything.
Walking: The center is walkable, but getting to Digbeth or the Jewellery Quarter requires a 15-20 min walk or a quick Uber/Bolt.
Cars: Avoid driving in the center. The “Clean Air Zone” charges you, and the ring roads are confusing.
Info for Nomads
Surprisingly good. The people are down-to-earth and unpretentious. The “Brummie” warmth is real, though it takes a moment to tune into the accent.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Good. 5G coverage is widespread.
Cafes: Wayland’s Yard (near Snow Hill) is excellent for work. 200 Degrees (Colmore Row) is reliable, dark-wood cozy, and serious about coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it just an industrial city? +
No. While the industrial roots are visible, it is one of the greenest cities in the UK with over 500 parks. Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
Is the "Balti" really different? +
Yes. It is cooked fast over a high flame in a thin pressed-steel wok (the ‘balti’). It is lighter, fresher, and less creamy than standard curry house fare.
Is it safe? +
Generally yes. The city center is heavily policed. Digbeth can feel a bit desolate late at night on weekdays, so take a cab if you are unsure.