Birmingham
Share
There's a new city in the heart of England. It's full of striking modern architecture, stylishly restored waterfronts, colourful events and some of Britain's best shopping.
Actually Birmingham's been there all the time. But a recent multi-million pound make-over has seen the city transformed. Canals dating from the Industrial Revolution have become engaging waterside walkways lined with trendy shops, bars and restaurants. Warehouses have become stylish cafes or hotels.
The newly-opened Bullring centre is a gigantic collection of 150 shops including two department stores. Look up at the dazzling metal and glass fascia of Selfridges store before you pop inside.
The Mailbox shopping arcade features the largest collection of designer stores outside London including Harvey Nichols, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss. There are hotels, cafes and restaurants here too.
And public art is everywhere. Look out for controversial statues in Victoria Square. What do you think of the Floozie in the Jacuzzi? Or Iron Man?
Then track down the city's quirky independent ethnic shops, they're a legacy of a colourful multicultural population. Looking for amazing antiques for a few pounds? Try browsing the stalls at one of the city's four markets.
The Jewellery Quarter is a short walk from the centre along a restored canal.. This grid of Victorian streets is home to 400 craftsmen’s workshops and design boutiques. At the Jewellery Museum you'll see how the finest pieces are made.
Another jewel in the city’s crown is Museum and Art Gallery. It's free and holds the world's biggest collection of Pre-Raphaelite canvasses and a glittering array of silver, ceramics and sculptures.
Visit Cadbury World for a very different collection. Find out everything about how chocolates are made - including tasting fresh liquid chocolate straight from the vats.
Birmingham’s nightlife offers the same wide variety. Clubs and pubs, live music and dance. Listen to anything from jazz to salsa, reggae to rap. Treat yourself to the world-class City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra or discover the distinctive British-Indian fusion sound of Bhangra. Watch the Royal Ballet one night, visit Britain's premier exhibition centre the next.
One day take a walk along the canal towpath as it meanders through the grand Victorian architecture. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. A canal cruise is the gentlest way to see the city. There are over 200 miles of waterways to explore. Hold on tight - you'll travel at the thrilling pace of three miles per hour. The Gas Street Basin is a historic junction for boats destined for the Grand Union, Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester and Birmingham Canals. This was once a key crossroads for Britain’s commerce - now it's packed with brightly painted barges.
Time for another break. There's so many cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. Watch the boats cruise by and ponder: Why is Birmingham twinned with Lyons, the French culinary capital? The answer is that Birmingham is a gastronomic delight too. The city's international population means that each evening you can choose between the national cuisines of China, Japan, Latin America, Spain, The Caribbean, Italy or France. Probably the best value are the scores restaurants in the city’s Balti Triangle.
This is Birmingham's unique contribution to world cuisine. A Balti is a uniquely-spiced curry served in an iron pot. It originated on the Indian sub-continent but was perfected by chefs in Birmingham. Eat it once and you'll be hooked forever.
Useful links
Birmingham Tourist Board
Average customer rating
awaiting 5 vote(s)...
Email
Add to your Pocket Guide
Why Register?
