10 Reasons To Visit Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham and why it’s perfect for a weekend break
A Perfect 48-Hour Birmingham itinerary
- Day 1: Travel
Arrive late morning and check into The Grand Hotel Birmingham, right in the centre so you can walk everywhere. Head straight out towards Victoria Square, then down to Gas Street Basin and Brindleyplace for your first proper look at the canals. Stop for a drink by the water, then wander back through the city. Book dinner somewhere central and make an evening of it. Afterwards, head out for cocktails (because there should always be cocktails, right?) Couch, Fox & Chance or 40 St Paul’s are all worth it. - Day 2:
Start the day with coffee at Faculty or Quarter Horse. Head over to Digbeth for vintage shopping and street art. Cow Vintage and Red Brick Market are both worth a proper browse. Alternatively, head to the Jewellery Quarter for something a little different; independent shops, working workshops and a slightly more historic feel. From there, keep things flexible – add in a gallery, another canal walk or a long lunch. Everything is close, so you can take your time without rushing.
Just over an hour from London, Birmingham is a city that simply gets on with being cool without shouting about it. There’s a swagger in its step now, in its food scene, its independent shops and its bars that makes it feel like a genuinely refreshing change of pace from the capital. We went for a birthday weekend, checked into The Grand Hotel Birmingham, and ended up wondering why we don’t do this more often. When my partner and first started dating, he lived in Worcester, so meeting in Birmingham was, well not quite in the middle, but a sensible and surprisingly fun place to spend time together.
Here are ten reasons to go to Birmingham:
01
Stay somewhere with real character
If you’re going to do Birmingham properly, start with the right base. The Grand Hotel Birmingham is one of those places that immediately sets the tone. Recently restored, it blends old-school glamour with a modern, easy energy – high ceilings, statement lighting, and rooms that feel considered rather than cookie-cutter. It’s also brilliantly located, which means you can step straight out into the city without overplanning a thing.
02
Walk the canals (and forget you’re in a city)
Birmingham has more canals than Venice – and they’re one of its biggest surprises. Start around Brindleyplace or Gas Street Basin and just wander. There’s something about the water that slows everything down – especially early evening, when the light softens and the bars start to fill up.
03
Discover one of the UK’s best cocktail scenes
This is where Birmingham really comes into its own. Places like Couch and Fox & Chance are quietly excellent – thoughtful drinks, relaxed atmosphere and none of the London pretension. And if you’re willing to venture slightly further out, 40 St Paul’s in the Jewellery Quarter is tiny, atmospheric and widely loved. It’s less about big-name venues here, and more about places people genuinely rate.
04
Go vintage shopping in Digbeth
For something a little unexpected, head to Digbeth. This is Birmingham’s creative quarter – all street art, independent shops and a slightly raw, East London feel (in case you’re feeling homesick). Cow Vintage and Red Brick Market are both worth a proper browse. It’s the kind of place you go for a quick look and end up staying far longer than planned, and probably spending more than you planned too!
05
Eat really, really well
Birmingham’s food scene is quietly one of the best in the UK. From laid-back spots like Original Patty Men to more polished dining at Tropea, there’s a real sense of creativity here – and often better value than London. Square Meal has placed four of Birmingham’s restaurants in its top 100 restaurants 2026, including The Wilderness, billed as ‘rock ‘n’ roll fine dining’, it’s well worth a visit. Head to the Mailbox building for a great selection of restaurants and bars.
06
See something properly local (and free)
For something a little different, head to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. When I visited, there was a brilliant exhibition celebrating Birmingham’s own Ozzy Osbourne, a proper deep dive into his life and career, from Aston beginnings to global icon. It’s completely free to visit and genuinely one of those “only in Birmingham” moments, and it’s on until September 2026.
07
Catch something at Symphony Hall
Birmingham has a serious cultural side if you want it – just without the fuss. Symphony Hall, in Centenary Square, is widely considered one of the finest concert halls in the world, known for its incredible acoustics and wide-ranging programme from classical to jazz and live shows. It’s an easy add to a weekend, whether you plan ahead, or just see what’s on. My partner is a serious classical music fan, so we are always checking what gems might be on here.
08
Take your time over coffee
There’s a strong independent coffee scene here too. Places like Faculty and Quarter Horse are perfect for a slower start to the day, simple, well done, and exactly what you want before heading out again.
09
Discover the Jewellery Quarter
If you’ve got a bit more time, head over to the Jewellery Quarter. It’s one of the most distinctive parts of the city – a mix of working workshops, independent shops and slightly faded grandeur that feels very different to the centre. It’s the kind of place that reminds you Birmingham has layers – you just have to go looking for them. And if you’re after an, ahem, special ring, then you could do far worse than drop a few hints here.
10
Lean into the slower, easier pace
One of the nicest parts of Birmingham is that it doesn’t feel frantic. Maybe as a Londoner, other cities don’t phase me, but it’s true that Brum does have a calmer vibe. You’re not rushing from one side of the city to the other – you can actually take your time, whether that’s over a drink, a wander or a long lunch. Everything is central, walkable and straightforward, which for a weekend away is exactly what you want.
