What to See in BIRMINGHAM: A Peek Behind the Blinds of Britain’s Second-Largest City

Birmingham, with its industrial past and its not always easy and smooth present, can be a challenging place for first-time visitors to appreciate. But if you take the time to peek behind the blinds of Britain’s second-largest city, you’ll discover that Birmingham has a lot to offer beneath its rough, at-first-glance unappealing exterior. In this post, I’ll shed light on even the darkest corners and show you what there is to see in Birmingham.

Brum

Knock, knock, knock.
What’s that?
Knock, knock, knock.
Where am I?
Knock, knock, knock.
I slowly wake up as if through a wall of white clouds.
Knock, knock, knock.
It’s the middle of the night.
Knock, knock, knock.
Now I know: I’m in a hotel room in Birmingham.
Knock, knock, knock.
When will this stop? Someone must have forgotten their room key. “Quiet!” I yell as loudly as I can from the bed. I don’t feel like getting up.
Knock, knock, knock.
Okay, I’ve had enough, and I do get up. I open the door and see, to my surprise, that it’s not a forgetful hotel guest, but a uniformed policewoman who, through the still closed door, informs the person in the room that she can also enter without being let in voluntarily. “I’m so sorry,” murmurs the watchman on duty, who now scurries past me with a keycard in his hand. I close the door, put earplugs in my ears, and go back to sleep.

Protect And Serve

Interestingly, this was the third police operation I’ve witnessed in Birmingham. In twelve hours, mind you. The first was right upon arrival at the train station, when a group of teenagers was clearly up to no good. Later, I literally saw handcuffs click in a market square as I went to get a late dinner from Wagamama, and now this knocking incident.
There seems to be a lot going on in Birmingham.

Although I did experience the highest number of police callouts of all my life in only half a day in Birmingham, I won’t paint the city as a dangerous juggernaut. While Birmingham’s crime rate is indeed 60 percent higher than the British national average, as a visitor, you usually won’t notice it. Unless you act like a fool.

Trivia:

Birmingham is nicknamed Brum because of the local linguistic patterns. As a matter of fact, it is a shortened form of the word Brummagem, which is an old, informal name for Birmingham, dating back to at least the 17th century. It was often used derogatorily to describe goods made in Birmingham. Over time, however, Brummagem evolved into a nickname for the city.

And Brum is obviously short for Brummagem. Also, note that Birmingham residents are called Brummies, and the local dialect is referred to as the Brummie accent.

You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Be…

However, I won’t claim that Birmingham is a hidden gem that needs to be discovered. That’s definitely not the case. But I also don’t think a city necessarily needs a long list of must-see attractions, perhaps even a UNESCO World Heritage site, to be interesting. As always, it depends on what you’re looking for. Or maybe you’re not looking for anything at all. This is probably the best approach to discovering the Cinderella among the cities of this world.

Birmingham is certainly far from reminiscent of an episode of Downton Abbey. No captivating architecture, no charming tea rooms, no discreet charm of aristocracy. Rather proletarian than Victorian. Soulless high-rise buildings, countless construction sites, barriers, fallow land.

And in the very middle is Birmingham’s flagship project, the so-called Bullring. With around 147,000 square meters, this shopping temple, which opened in 2003, is one of the largest inner-city malls in Great Britain. In all tourist publications, the Bullring is praised as the city’s top attraction. This doesn’t impress me much, as shopping is pretty much the last thing on my list of things to do when I travel. Especially in shopping malls, where I find the same chain stores as in every other city around the world. Anyway, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Bullring must simply be hyped due to the absence of real landmarks.

Trivia:

Why is a shopping mall called Bullring? Well, as early as the 12th century, a market was established on the site where one of England’s largest shopping malls now stands. Near this marketplace, dogs regularly fought chained bulls as a form of public entertainment. However, this practice was eventually banned by the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835.

Birmingham actually impresses more with its intangible cultural assets. For example, it is considered the cradle of heavy metal, which has produced such iconic bands as Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. The city is more underground than upper-class. This creates community and solidarity, even across nationalities and ethnicities. Birmingham’s over 1.1 million residents speak actually 100 different languages, ​​and yet, they understand each other.

No, Birmingham is not as glamorous as London, nor as cute as Bath, nor as hip as Bristol. Walking north from the main station, Birmingham New Street, you get to Victoria Square, the architectural and cultural heart of Birmingham.

Here are the neoclassical Birmingham Town Hall, the former main post office, Victoria Square House, and, most importantly, the Council House, the current town hall. All this is definitely nothing to write home about.

Except for the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which houses the world’s leading Pre-Raphaelite collection with works by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, William Holman Hunt, and, of course, Birmingham’s most famous son, Edward Burne-Jones. 

Peaky Blinders

Speaking of famous sons: another, albeit fictional, offspring of Birmingham is Thomas Shelby, the ne’er-do-well from the historical gangster drama Peaky Blinders, which first aired on BBC Two in 2013 and made Birmingham rise from the ashes like a Phoenix. At least on TV screens around the world, and now also on Netflix.

In fact, the Peaky Blinders series has real historical roots. In his saga, set after WWI around 1919, creator Steven Knight focuses on the Shelby gangster family. It’s all about organized crime, politics, corruption, social unrest, and working-class advancement.

The Peaky Blinders were just one of several gangs active in the slums of Small Heath, Aston, and Bordesley. These districts were, and in some cases still are, working-class neighborhoods.
After WWI, there was high unemployment, misery, and communist movements competed with rising fascism. Hence, a hotbed for organized crime.

Although the Peaky Blinders really existed, the series heavily romanticizes and dramatizes them. Nevertheless, the show offers a fascinating insight into the social reality and organized crime of early 20th-century Birmingham. And of course, the series put Birmingham prominently on the map.

In fact, Peaky Blinders has achieved cult status worldwide, influencing fashion, beard trends, music, and club names.

Trivia

Where does the name Peaky Blinders come from?
Well, the flat cap with a small peak is called peaky, and back then, a so-called blinder was slang for a particularly stylish person.

The myth of razor blades used to blind opponents is historically rather dubious. Razor blades were luxury items in the 1890s, hence, they were hardly affordable for street fighters.

Although Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, most scenes are filmed in and around Liverpool. The city’s Victorian architecture provides a fitting backdrop for the series. Nevertheless, numerous exhibitions, tours, and pub tours in Birmingham are dedicated to the series.
Places such as Small Heath, Digbeth, and the Black Country Living Museum, which is the main filming location, can be visited.

However, the Black Country Living Museum is not in Birmingham at all, but in nearby Dudley. An award-winning open-air venue, it brings the industrial past of the so-called Black Country to life. On 26 acres, historic buildings, coal mines, canals, shops, homes, and workshops, all relocated or reconstructed on-site, recreate life in the 19th and early 20th centuries and offer an amazing journey into Britain’s industrial heritage.

Here are the best Peaky Blinders Tours to choose from*:

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

You can get a more authentic sense of Birmingham’s industrial years on a walk through the Jewellery Quarter north of the city center. It’s not only famous for its beautiful jewelry, but also the whistles for the crew of the Titanic were made here. For centuries, the art of jewelry making has flourished in small, specialized workshops, as well as in factories exporting worldwide. To this day, the Jewellery Quarter has retained its tradition and unique flair.

It has been at the heart of Birmingham’s fine craftsmanship for over 200 years. Created during the Industrial Revolution, the area became known for the production of jewelry, silverware, and intricate metalwork. Skills honed over generations helped make Birmingham a global center for jewelry making.

The district is characterized by its narrow, winding streets lined with red brick buildings. At its peak, the neighborhood was home to hundreds of small, specialized workshops and factories. This concentration of talent and craftsmanship not only fueled local economic growth, but also gave Birmingham a reputation as one of the leading centers of jewelry making in Europe.

Jewellery or Jewelry?

Jewellery or jewelry, which one is it?
As you know, I write my blog in American English, consequently, I call rings, necklaces, and bracelets jewelry. However, the proper name of the district is but Jewellery District, which makes sense since it is in England. Thus, I kept the proper name in the original, British spelling, but switched to American when I wrote about jewelry in general.

To this day, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the largest and liveliest jewelry districts in Europe. In recent years, significant investments have been made in the area, combining its historic past with modern urban development. Through renovation projects, many of the old workshop buildings were remodeled and converted into studios and modern office spaces. This balance of old and new has helped preserve the authentic character while ensuring economic vitality. Home to over 400 businesses, from traditional artisans to contemporary design studios, the Jewellery Quarter continues to be a hotbed of innovation and design. Additionally, the area is dotted with galleries, quirky cafes, and boutiques, making it an attractive spot for locals and visitors.

Ghosts And Gothics Legends

Other extremely popular tours are gothic-themed. This is largely due to a rich blend of architecture, industrial history, literature, and local folklore.

Birmingham exploded during the Industrial Revolution, transforming from a market town into a smoky, overbuilt industrial powerhouse. Many of these warehouses, factories, cathedrals, and cemeteries from the 19th century have a dark’n’gritty aesthetic. Narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards, and soot-blackened brick buildings create a moody atmosphere that fits gothic storytelling perfectly.

Though not as famous as London or Edinburgh for gothic literature, Birmingham was home to Arthur Machen for a short period, a major influence on Lovecraftian horror stories. The city even inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived in Birmingham as a child.
Thus, the city has plenty of local ghost stories and legends.
Old gun factories, masonic lodges, and war bunkers provide a ready-made backdrop for dark storytelling. Even the Jewellery Quarter is associated with mysterious disappearances and industrial accidents!
Gothic tours offer a theatrical and immersive way to experience the city’s darker history.

Many are run by actors in costume, blending historical facts with dramatic storytelling – ideal for visitors looking for more than just dates and buildings.

An Unusual Museum

Birmingham also has some unusual museums, such as the Coffin Works Museum. Formerly the Newman Brothers Coffin Furniture Factory, it specialized in brass castings for coffin fittings such as handles and plaques. They supplied high-quality coffin accessories for the funerals of Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, the Queen Mother, and members of the British Royal Family, among others.

Today, the museum displays original, preserved workshops with machinery, tools, and inventory, just as if the workers had simply left everything behind after work in 1998. The museum is housed in a building that offers guided tours as well as self-guided visits.

Digbeth, the Creative Hub

Talking ’bout dark’n’gritty: Just southeast of Birmingham city center lies Digbeth. Although it is considered the city’s creative and cultural quarter, at first glance, it looks more like a gloomy, abandoned district. Its mix of old industrial buildings and new construction sites does not look very inviting. No wonder its gritty, authentic industrial backdrop has been used for filming major productions like Peaky Blinders and Captain America: Civil War.

Back in the 18th century, Digbeth started out as an industrial hub with key industries including metalworking, manufacturing, and food production.
These factories, together with railways and canals, such as the Digbeth Branch Canal, played a major role in the transport of goods and were therefore vital for Birmingham’s growth during the Industrial Revolution.

Trivia

The name Digbeth is a corruption of Duck’s Bath, which refers to the wetlands that existed in the area.

Many of Digbeth’s old warehouses, factories, and workshops that survived to this date were converted into art schools, creative spaces, studios, and offices. Digbeth is now at the heart of Birmingham’s arts and cultural renaissance. There is a healthy mix of long-time residents and young professionals who together form a diverse, vibrant community with a strong creative spirit.

Thus, you’ll find galleries, independent shops, and venues such as The Custard Factory, a large creative and digital business hub with shops, cafés, bars, and studios. Also, the famous street food market Digbeth Dining Club takes place every week and offers various food stalls and live entertainment.

Most importantly for me as a huge urban art lover is the fact that Digbeth’s walls are literally covered with powerful graffiti and artful murals.

Digbeth is a district that celebrates its working-class roots while embracing the future. Insofar, it is my absolute favorite neighborhood in Brum!

Note

Introducing all the fantastic street art you can find, particularly in Digbeth, is beyond the scope of this general Birmingham post. That’s why I’ve put together exactly that in my post Best Street Art in Birmingham, namely, the most impressive urban art the city has to offer.

Well, not all cities in the world are suitable for a romantic honeymoon. But I can say with confidence that Birmingham, despite its rough exterior that may not seem particularly attractive at first glance, has an interesting core that is definitely worth discovering.

This time, I arrived at England’s third-largest airport outside of London on my way to the Cotswolds. I metaphorically had to wipe away some soot and clear away some bulky waste to discover great things in Birmingham, and I would always squeeze in a day in the city. I would be happy if I could shine a positive ray of light into Birmingham’s dark corners with this post and make you curious about this not always pleasant and sometimes edgy city.

Practical Information

How to Get There

Since Birmingham is located in the heart of England, it is easily accessible from across the United Kingdom and beyond. Whether you’re flying in, arriving by train, or travelling by long-distance bus, there are convenient options to suit every budget and itinerary.

Air Travel

Birmingham’s International Airport BHX is located about 10 kilometers southeast of the city centre. There are direct flights from a wide range of European and international destinations.

The airport is linked to the so-called International Station via a free Air-Rail monorail that runs every 2 minutes.
From there, trains to Birmingham New Street Station are running frequently throughout the day and take less than 15 minutes.
However, there are also several local buses connecting the airport to the city centre and surrounding areas.

You can find the best flight deals here*:

Land Travel

Birmingham is a major railway hub with excellent connections from all over the United Kingdom. The main station is Birmingham New Street, the busiest train hub outside London. However, there are other stations across the city. Hence, check your connection thoroughly before heading out.

The direct train service, for instance, to London and Manchester takes about 90 minutes, to Bristol and Cardiff around two hours, and to Edinburgh and Glasgow less than 5 hours. You might want to book tickets online in advance since buying them at the station right before your trip is far more costly.

Talking ’bout costs: travelling to Birmingham by coach is the most budget-friendly option. National Express is the largest coach operator in the United Kingdom, with direct routes from basically all major cities. Megabus and Flixbus offer low-cost fares on similar routes.
Birmingham’s Coach Station is located in the Digbeth area, just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station and the city centre.

By the way, travelling via Birmingham is also a valid option if you want to visit the legendary Cotswolds. Actually, that was the main reason for my visit, too.

If you are interested, make sure to check out my comprehensive posts Enchanting COTSWOLDS: Self-Guided Day Tour by Public Bus and Cheltenham in a Day: Paintings, Parks, and Promenades.

How to Get Around

As a matter of fact, basically all places of interest are located in Birmingham’s city center and therefore, easily explored by walking. Nevertheless, Birmingham boasts a comprehensive public transport system, mainly consisting of buses, trams, and regional rail.
However, buses are the backbone of Birmingham’s public transport. A single journey typically costs up to £ 2.90, so the so-called nBus Day Ticket for £ 4.80 is a great bargain as it allows unlimited travel for an entire day. However, if you’re using contactless payment, you’ll benefit from the Tap & Cap system, which automatically caps your daily spend at £ 4.80!

The tram network is separate from the buses and operates on a zone system. A one-zone day ticket costs £ 3.20. If you’re travelling across all zones, a day ticket is £ 6.70. Tram tickets can be purchased using the MyMetro app, at tram stop machines, or onboard using contactless. The Metro also supports the Swift travel card that works across bus, tram, and train services in the West Midlands, which offers automatic fare capping.

Visiting Organized

As I mentioned above, there is an astonishing number of quirky-themed guided tours through Birmingham. Here are the best to choose from*:

Where to Stay

Since Birmingham obviously doesn’t suffer from overtourism, you can get amazingly cheap hotel rooms, especially in the area around the main train station, New Street, respectively in the vicinity of the Bull Ring. There are a surprising number of chain hotels such as Travelodge, Premier Inn, Accor, and others. While these hotels are more functional than alluring, they serve their purpose for budget-conscious travelers.

Rooms are often available starting at about 40 GBP. In addition, a classic cooked English breakfast is offered for about 10 GBP. That’s definitely a reasonable deal.

However, this is really only a tip for those who want to save money and for whom stylish accommodations aren’t that important. If you need more comfort, you might want to check out for instance The Grand Hotel Birmingham*.

If you can splurge, there are, of course, also great lodging options with excellent service and superior comfort like The Old Crown*. However, you’ll certainly find something suitable on this map*:

What to Eat

Birmingham is not only the home of the headquarters of Cadbury Chocolate, HP sauce, and Typhoo tea. It is, in fact, one of the UK’s most exciting food cities. From spicy street eats to the largest number of Michelin-starred dining outside London, the city’s food scene is as multicultural as its people.

No visit to Birmingham is complete without trying the so-called Balti curry. Born in the city’s Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in the 1970s, it’s a fast-cooked, flavourful and fragrant curry served in the same steel bowl it’s cooked in. For an authentic experience, head to the Balti Triangle south of the city centre around Ladypool Road.

However, you can also find top-quality Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African, Vietnamese, and Polish food all across the city!

Also, don’t overlook Birmingham’s markets! The Birmingham Bull Ring Markets are full of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to halal kebabs. Then, the Digbeth Dining Club is a street food institution, showcasing everything from loaded fries to Ethiopian injera to Thai bao buns.

If you prefer something comfortingly British, order a chip butty, hence, a sandwich filled with thick-cut chips. Or a pork bap with apple sauce and crackling if you’re after a hearty Midlands classic.

Not a meat-lover? Don’t worry, as Birmingham is very vegan- and vegetarian-friendly.
Many mainstream restaurants and street food vendors now offer solid vegan options, from jackfruit tacos to tofu banh mi.

Make sure to finish your food tour with a proper Brummie pint, as the city has a thriving craft beer scene.

Cash And Cards

Sterling is the world’s oldest currency that has been in continuous use since its inception. It is the currency not only of the United Kingdom but also of nine of its associated territories.

The term Sterling refers to the currency as a whole. It is divided into Pounds and Pence. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0,74 GBP, respectively 1 €UR = 0,85 GBP as of September 2025, but you can check the conversion on this page.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Especially if your card is equipped with NFC, you can pay quickly and easily just by tapping your card. As a matter of fact, during my entire stay in Birmingham, I didn’t pay cash one single time.

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges have applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies in all 27 countries of the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Great Britain – temporarily even after Brexit.

Obviously, you can connect to the internet without any issue at basically every museum, eatery, or café, and, of course, your hotel.

If you insist on being online 24/7, you can get a SIM card, obviously. However, not every card that you buy in the UK will offer free EU roaming! EE and Three UK still offer this service, O2 only on some of their plans, and Vodafone UK doesn’t offer it at all. Hence, if you intend to use your local SIM card also in continental Europe, you have to check your options very thoroughly.

In Great Britain, they use plug type G. Their voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Whereby, since nowadays, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter. By the way, you’ll find this information and many more comprehensive travel tips in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information. It’s an indispensable globetrotter classic.

Map

On this map, you’ll see all the spots I introduced above. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map, including the legend.

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