Gear up for an adventure with the top 20 best things to do in Birmingham. Imagine walking streets once ruled by slogging gangs, cruising canals that powered a revolution, or sampling a Balti dish. This city has layers, and each is worth peeling back. Read on to find the city’s best local experiences and hidden treasures.
Birmingham City doesn’t just sit on a map; it leaps off the page with energy, grit, and an irresistible charm. With the largest selection of tours in Birmingham, there’s no shortage of ways to dive into the city's rich history, cultural gems, and unique flair. Birmingham is calling and you won’t want to ignore it.
Craft your adventure with the widest range of Birmingham itineraries and the biggest variety of Birmingham travel packages designed to showcase the city’s top attractions and lesser-known wonders. Explore neighborhoods brimming with creativity, discover iconic landmarks, and let the city surprise you.
Popular Tour Types in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city that knows how to cater to every kind of traveler, offering a mix of classic and unexpected experiences. Here are some of the most popular and exciting ways to explore Birmingham:
City tours in Birmingham: Discover the city’s historic streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks, from the Jewellery Quarter to the sites of slogging gangs.
Birmingham’s tasty food and drink experiences: Explore the city’s culinary scene with food tours highlighting Balti cuisine or craft beer tours showcasing local breweries."
Cultural tours in Birmingham: Delve into the city’s industrial heritage, explore landmarks like Aston Hall, and immerse yourself in the area’s rich cultural past.
No matter your interests, Birmingham’s diverse tours ensure you’ll find an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s eating, walking, or adventuring, the city invites you to see it in a way that’s as unique as you are!
Top 20 Things To Do in Birmingham
Get ready to fall head over heels for Birmingham! This city is set to welcome you with open arms and amaze you with its bold, magnetic spirit. Every moment here leaves a lasting impression, so don't wait! Dive into the top 20 adventures that make Birmingham an unforgettable destination!
20. Visit the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)
City tours in Birmingham come to life at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), a dynamic space where theater, film, and visual arts collide. Tucked inside Cannon Hill Park, this creative hub has been shaping the city’s cultural scene since 1962, drawing artists, performers, and curious minds alike.
One moment, you’re watching an independent film; the next, you’re shaping clay in a pottery workshop or exploring a bold new art installation. With four performance spaces, a cinema, and a cafe buzzing with post-show debates, MAC pulses with artistic energy, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.
19. Find Inspiration at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Spend part of your 6-day city break in Birmingham surrounded by artistic genius at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Hidden within the University of Birmingham, this Art Deco landmark holds an impressive collection of masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Botticelli.
Renaissance portraits, Impressionist landscapes, and bold modern works fill the galleries and create a visual timeline of European art. The Barber Institute is a hub for art lovers, offering lectures, live music performances, and creative workshops that bring masterpieces to life.
18. Discover Birmingham’s Majestic St. Philip’s Cathedral
Stop by St. Philip’s Cathedral on a 3-day weekend getaway in Birmingham, where Baroque elegance meets the city’s daily rhythm. Its grand dome and intricate stonework rise above Cathedral Square, a space where history, architecture, and modern life blend effortlessly.
Step inside to admire stunning stained-glass windows designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, where light filters through in a kaleidoscope of colors. Outside, Cathedral Square hums with market stalls, bustling crowds, and quiet corners great for soaking in the atmosphere.
17. Step Back in Time at Aston Hall in Birmingham
Sightseeing tours in Birmingham uncover grand landmarks, but few match the time-travel feel of Aston Hall. This striking Jacobean mansion has stood for over 400 years, with its red-brick walls holding stories of royalty, war, and aristocratic drama.
Step into the Great Hall, where King Charles I once sought shelter, and trace the musket scars still etched into the oak staircase. Wander through the Long Gallery, lined with centuries-old portraits. Then, escape to Lady Holte’s Garden for a quiet moment. With rooms steeped in history, Aston Hall offers an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s past.
16. Walk Through Birmingham’s Gritty Gangland History
A walking tour through Birmingham’s gangland past led by Edward Shelby dives straight into a world of power, violence, and newsboy caps. This experience reveals the real Peaky Blinders, the street gang that inspired the hit TV series of the same name.
Discover the slogging gangs who dominated Birmingham long before Hollywood gave them a makeover. Winding through dark alleys and historic districts, the tour traces the rise of gang leaders like Billy Kimber and Alfie Solomon, who ruled through street fights, bribery, and intimidation.
Along the way, hear gripping stories, uncover hidden turf war sites, and enjoy a pint at a classic Birmingham pub. Even if you're a history enthusiast or just a fan of the show, this kind of tour promises an engaging and enlightening experience.
15. Take a Day Trip to Shrewsbury Prison
Just about an hour away from Birmingham, you can experience a self-guided prison tour in Shrewsbury. As you navigate through heavy cell doors and echoing hallways, the eerie silence sets the scene for a history steeped in crime and punishment.
Once home to Britain’s most notorious inmates, Shrewsbury Prison (The Dana) still holds gripping tales of prison life, daring escapes, and harsh punishments. Wander through towering cell blocks, step inside solitary confinement, and explore prison wings that once held hundreds of inmates.
The prison offers an intriguing glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the stories of those once confined within its walls. Alternatively, there are guided tours led by former officers, sharing firsthand stories of their experiences as guards and the strict routines implemented behind bars.
14. Step Into the Library of Birmingham
A 4-day weekend getaway in Birmingham is packed with history, culture, and city views, and the Library of Birmingham brings them all together. This striking glass-and-metal tower is a book lover’s dream, a hub for Shakespeare, a gateway to skyline views, and a space filled with exhibitions, performances, and hidden gems.
Take the glass elevator to the seventh-floor secret garden for sweeping city views. Step into the Shakespeare Memorial Room to see rare editions of his works, or explore the BFI Mediatheque for free access to the national film archive. With outdoor terraces, reading nooks, and creative spaces, this library is a true Birmingham landmark.
13. Relax at Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park
Every great self-guided walking tour in Birmingham needs a place for slowing down, stretching out, and catching a breath, and Cannon Hill Park is that perfect spot to pause. Spanning 250 acres (101 hectares), this green escape balances open meadows, peaceful lakes, and woodland trails.
Rent a swan boat and glide across the water, challenge your crew to a round of mini-golf, or catch a live performance at the MAC Birmingham. For wildlife lovers, the Conservation Park brings red pandas and curious monkeys into the mix.
The park is a favorite among locals looking to swap city streets for fresh air. So experience local life by packing a picnic, finding a shady spot, and soaking in a side of Birmingham that’s all about enjoying the open space.
12. Explore the Iconic Custard Factory
Not all walking tours in Birmingham lead to centuries-old landmarks; some take you straight into the city’s creative core. The Custard Factory, once home to Bird’s Custard, has swapped production lines for pop-up galleries, indie shops, and street art that turns every corner into an open-air canvas.
Vintage boutiques and record stores spill into courtyards, while cafes hum with energy and murals transform brick walls into creative spaces. Catch a cult classic at an indie cinema, battle it out on retro arcade machines, or dive into the buzzing food scene. At the Custard Factory, you’ll see Birmingham’s creativity alive and thriving.
11. Take In the Views at Birmingham’s Victoria Square
Any self-guided adventure through Birmingham should include a stop at Victoria Square, the city’s open-air living room, where grand architecture meets everyday hustle. It’s a place where history isn’t tucked away in museums but out in the street—etched into neoclassical columns, cast in bronze statues, and flowing through fountains.
Look up, and you’ll see intricate carvings on historic buildings. Look down, and the square’s mosaic paving tells its own story. Fountains and sculptures add character at the heart of it all, from the famous Floozie in the Jacuzzi reclining in the water to towering statues honoring Birmingham’s past.
10. Explore Stirchley’s Craft Beer Scene
Those looking for a bar-hopping night in Birmingham will find Stirchley’s craft beer scene adds a local twist to the city’s nightlife. Once a humble neighborhood, it’s now the city’s go-to spot for independent breweries, small-batch perfection, and a welcoming, no-fuss vibe.
Taprooms spill into beer gardens, pouring everything from pale ales to rich stouts and tart sours. But it’s more than just the beer—expect pop-up food vendors, live music, and a buzzing community feel. No matter if you’re after a bold new brew or a laid-back pint, Stirchley delivers a night out that feels like a local secret worth discovering.
9. Dive Into Birmingham’s National SEA LIFE Centre
A SEA LIFE Birmingham ticket unlocks an underwater adventure right in the heart of the city. Watch as sharks drift past, sea turtles glide overhead, and playful otters splash in their habitat. With over 2,000 marine creatures, this aquarium gives visitors an up-close encounter with the ocean’s most fascinating residents.
The 360-degree Ocean Tunnel drops you right into the action, where blacktip reef sharks and stingrays cruise by. Watch Ozzy and Ola, the United Kingdom’s only sea otters, steal the show with their antics, or visit Penguin Ice Adventure, where Gentoo penguins dive into freezing waters.
With interactive rock pools and a 4D cinema, the National SEA LIFE Centre creates a magical connection to the ocean. Dive into the wonders of the deep and explore the marvels of the marine world around you.
8. Uncover History at Birmingham Back to Backs
Your Birmingham city break packages aren’t complete without stepping into the Birmingham Back to Backs. Tucked behind modern streets, these red-brick buildings tell the stories of tailors, factory workers, and shopkeepers who helped shape Birmingham’s industrial rise.
These tightly packed homes represent the city's last surviving court of back-to-back houses. Step inside, and it feels like time never moved on. The glow of gas lamps, the scent of coal, and the creak of wooden floors bring the past to life.
Wander through a 20th-century tailor’s workshop, peek inside a 1930s candy store, and see firsthand how generations lived, worked, and made this city their own. Back to Backs allows you to walk in the footsteps of ordinary people who built the foundation of Birmingham through hard work and determination.
7. Shop at Bullring & Grand Central
A private shopping trip from Birmingham might take you to designer outlets, but for a shopping experience packed with city energy, Bullring & Grand Central is the place to be. With over 240 stores, restaurants, and cafes, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
The Selfridges building, wrapped in iconic silver discs, looks like a futuristic sculpture dropped into the city. Step inside to discover a mix of high-end fashion, quirky finds, and gourmet treats. Just next door, Grand Central, perched above New Street Station, blends top retailers with stylish bistros.
With art installations, events, and the famous bronze bull sculpture standing at the entrance, Bullring & Grand Central is more than a place to shop. It’s a lively hub where retail, culture, and city energy come together.
6. Catch a Premier League Match at Villa Park
Some activities in Birmingham lead you through history or culture, but only one puts you in the middle of 42,000 roaring fans at Villa Park. Home to Aston Villa Football Club, this legendary stadium is pure energy: chants echo, tensions rise, and every goal sends the crowd into a frenzy.
Since 1897, Villa Park has hosted FA Cup semi-finals, international matches, and unforgettable moments in English football. The Family Fun Zone adds pre-game excitement, and the Trinity Road ticket office sometimes offers last-minute seats. With easy transport links and a match-day buzz like no other, this is football at its most thrilling.
5. Stroll Through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
A one-week city break in Birmingham deserves a moment of tranquility, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens delivers just that. This 15-acre (6-hectare) oasis is a world of exotic plants, winding paths, and Victorian charm. It’s just minutes from the city center and is a perfect retreat from the urban buzz.
Step inside the Victorian glasshouses, where banana trees and cacti thrive, or unwind in the Japanese Garden, home to bonsai and a serene koi pond. Grab tea at the Pavilion Tea Room, or lounge on the main lawn by the grand bandstand.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Balti Triangle
Spice up your five-day weekend getaway to Birmingham with a visit to the iconic Balti Triangle. This neighborhood puts its own fiery spin on curry, thanks to the Pakistani immigrants who introduced the balti dish in the 1970s.
While the district has changed over time, restaurants still serve it the way it was meant to be: sizzling in a steel bowl, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for scooping up with a fluffy naan. Grab a table, bring your own beer (a local tradition), and let Birmingham’s signature dish do the talking.
3. Visit Cadbury World
A Cadbury World ticket unlocks a chocolate lover’s dream in Bournville, the historic village built by the Cadbury family. This immersive experience showcases the magic of chocolate with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and plenty of treats.
Watch expert chocolatiers craft indulgent creations, dive into the 4D Chocolate Adventure, and try your hand at piping warm, gooey Cadbury Dairy Milk. Explore over a century of chocolate-making heritage in the Bournville Experience, then let the kids run wild in the African Adventure Play Area.
Cadbury World offers a deliciously fun escape into one of the city’s most iconic brands. Prepare for a sweet journey that leaves you with memories as rich as the chocolate itself.
2. Discover Birmingham’s Historic Canals
Follow the water on a walking tour that uncovers Birmingham’s Victorian past and its lively present. Once the city’s industrial lifeline, the canals now pulse with energy, offering a mix of history, culture, and city buzz. Wander past red-brick warehouses and stop by waterside cafes where old-world charm meets modern vibrancy.
Paths at Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin lead to lively bars, restaurants, and cultural hotspots. Hop on a canal cruise for a journey through Birmingham’s past, or take a sunset walk as city lights shimmer on the water. With Symphony Hall and the National SEA LIFE Centre just steps away, the canals remain one of the city’s best places to explore.
1. Explore the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham
The Jewellery Quarter is the city’s brightest gem, best explored on a walking tour of Birmingham. For over 250 years, master craftsmen have shaped gold and silver here, and the tradition continues today.
Explore independent jewelers and step into the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, where a preserved workshop captures the city’s artisanal past. Dive deeper into Birmingham’s heritage at the Pen Museum, which highlights the city’s surprising role in pen-making.
Next, visit the Coffin Works Museum, where Victorian funeral craftsmanship is on display. When it’s time to unwind, St Paul’s Square offers a peaceful retreat, while nearby cafes, restaurants, and live music venues keep the energy flowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Birmingham for free?
For the best things to do in Birmingham for free, visit Cannon Hill Park, the Library of Birmingham, and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Cannon Hill Park offers 250 acres (101 hectares) of green space, scenic trails, and free tennis courts—perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
For city views and a cultural escape, the Library of Birmingham features a stunning rooftop garden, cozy reading areas, and free events like poetry readings. Alternatively, art lovers can explore the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, home to Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and fascinating local history, with free entry to most exhibits.
What are the best things to do in Birmingham for couples?
The best things to do in Birmingham for couples include a city sightseeing tour, a stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and a memorable food experience. A walking tour is a great way for couples to explore Birmingham together, from the historic Jewellery Quarter and grand Victoria Square to the scenic canals that add a romantic touch.
For a nature-filled date, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens provides a beautiful setting with exotic plants, quiet pathways, and special events like wine tastings. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Lastly, Birmingham’s food scene is also perfect for couples, with cozy cafes, fine dining, and rooftop bars offering great views.
What are the best things to do in Birmingham with kids?
The best things to do in Birmingham with kids include a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham and the National SEA LIFE Centre. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a dream for little builders, packed with interactive LEGO stations, a 4D cinema, and fun rides like Merlin's Apprentice. It's a great attraction where kids can unleash their creativity while having a blast.
Right next door, the National SEA LIFE Centre offers an underwater adventure filled with fascinating marine life. Families can walk through the ocean tunnel, come face-to-face with sharks, and learn about conservation efforts in an engaging way. It's an exciting mix of entertainment and education, making it an excellent spot for curious young minds.
What are the best things to do in Birmingham for adults?
The best things to do in Birmingham for adults include exploring the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and diving into the city’s lively nightlife. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a cultural gem, home to an impressive art collection. It includes works by Constable and Renoir alongside fascinating exhibits on the city’s rich history.
As the sun sets, the Digbeth district in Birmingham comes alive with an exciting mix of entertainment. The area’s craft beer scene is thriving, with independent breweries offering everything from bold lagers to rich stouts. Comedy clubs in the district also guarantee a night of laughter, while escape rooms provide a thrilling challenge.
What are the best things to do in Birmingham for young adults?
The best things to do in Birmingham for young adults mix adventure, history, and a buzzing social scene. A Birmingham treasure hunt or exploration game offers a fun, interactive way to discover the city. It’s a great way to experience Birmingham’s character while solving puzzles and uncovering new spots.
For a deep dive into the city’s gritty past, a Birmingham slogging gangs tour brings history to life. This immersive activity unpacks the world of 19th-century gang culture, blending real history with stories that inspired pop culture.
Beyond tours, Birmingham offers plenty of fun for young adults, with indie music venues, escape rooms, comedy clubs, and gaming cafes providing exciting ways to spend time. There's always something to enjoy, whether it's a night of laughs, adventure, or friendly competition.
Plan Your Trip With the Best Things To Do in Birmingham
Birmingham is a city that thrives on movement, innovation, and unexpected discoveries. One day, you're wandering through historic quarters. Next, you're tasting world-class street food or stepping into an art-filled gallery. With every turn, there's something new to uncover—hidden history, bold flavors, and lively neighborhoods.
Where you stay shapes the experience, and with the largest marketplace of accommodations in Birmingham, there’s no shortage of options. Boutique hotels, stylish apartments, and cozy stays make it easy to settle in, whether you’re in the heart of the action or tucked away in a quieter corner of Birmingham.
Want to explore beyond the city limits? This wide selection of car rentals in Birmingham makes it easy to chase rolling countryside, stately manors, and hidden village pubs where time slows down. But first, be sure to soak up Birmingham’s energy, history, flavors, and undeniable buzz.
Plan your trip with the best things to do in Birmingham, and let every street, every canal, and every pint tell a story. As they say in the U.K., the world’s your oyster—so crack it open and see what’s inside.
