Tourist Guide: 10 Best Things to Do in Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the heart of England and is the UK’s second-largest city after London. With a population of 1.1 million and a history that dates back 1400 years, it is one of the oldest inhabited places in the country. 

It is a vibrant city with a diverse culture, offering a wide range of activities for visitors and locals alike. It is a great place to explore, with its many historic buildings, parks, museums, galleries, and other attractions. 

Birmingham is an exciting city with something for everyone, and it is sure to be a memorable experience. This is what makes it one of the top tourist attractions and each year, several hundreds of people visit it to step into England’s history and heritage.

Here are the 10 best things to do when in Birmingham;

1. Take a Stroll in Moseley Bog

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Moseley Bog is a beautiful landscape on an old millpond and is believed to be the inspiration for ‘Lord of the Rings’.

The place is ideal to have a walk and enjoy nature adorned with animals, insects, plants and spring bluebells. Besides, the site is also archaeologically significant as it has two burnt mounds, the remains of the foundations of Victorian greenhouses and an old mill.

2. Visit the Botanical Gardens

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The Botanical Gardens offer a unique and exciting experience for the whole family. Fifteen acres of ornamental gardens, glasshouses and exotic birds in indoor and outdoor aviaries provide a fascinating insight into the world of tropical plant life. 

Within the glasshouses, visitors can enjoy the sight of unique flora and if visiting in summer, the lawns and shrubbery offer a great place for a stroll.

The butterfly house is a particular highlight, with tropical insects from as far as the Philippines, Central America and tropical parts of Africa. A visit to the Botanical Gardens is sure to be a memorable experience for all.

3. Explore Brindleyplace and Canal Quarter

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Brindleyplace is a mixed-use development located in Birmingham, England, near the city centre. It is named after James Brindley, an 18th-century engineer who helped to construct the city’s network of canals. 

The development includes residential, office, and leisure spaces, as well as public squares and landscaped areas. The Canal Quarter is a neighbourhood in Birmingham that encompasses Brindleyplace and several other canal-side areas. 

The Canal Quarter is known for its picturesque canals, cultural attractions, and lively atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

4. Book a Visit to the Jewellery Quarter

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The Jewellery Quarter is a historic neighbourhood located in Birmingham, England. It is known for its rich history as a centre of the jewellery trade, and many of the buildings in the area date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Today, the Jewellery Quarter is home to a variety of independent shops, museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions, as well as a thriving creative community. 

Things that are loved by tourists here include the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Museum and the Newman Brothers Coffin Works.

5. Check The Custard Factory

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The Custard Factory is a cultural and creative quarter located in the city of Birmingham, UK. It is housed in a former custard factory and is now a hub for artists, designers, musicians, and other creatives. 

The area features a mix of offices, studios, galleries, shops, and event spaces. It is also home to street art and murals, which contribute to the lively and eclectic atmosphere of the district. 

The street art scene in Birmingham has been thriving in recent years, with many local and international artists leaving their mark on the city through large-scale murals, installations, and other forms of public art.

6. Experience the Magical World of Cadbury

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Cadbury World is a popular tourist attraction in Birmingham, UK, where visitors can learn about the history of Cadbury chocolate and see how it is made. 

The experience includes interactive exhibits, a 4D cinema, and the chance to sample some of the famous chocolate products. 

It is marketed as a family-friendly destination, suitable for visitors of all ages. Cadbury World is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or an interest in the history of one of the UK’s most famous chocolate brands.

7. Head Over to the National SEA LIFE Center

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The SEA LIFE Centre is an aquarium located in the city centre of Birmingham, UK. It is home to a diverse collection of marine animals, including tropical fish, rays, sharks, sea turtles, and more. 

Visitors can explore the different zones, such as the Ocean Tunnel, where they can walk through a clear tunnel surrounded by marine life, or the Rockpool, where they can touch and learn about some of the animals. 

The SEA LIFE Centre offers a fun and educational experience, with opportunities to learn about the conservation of marine life and the impact humans have on the ocean. 

It is a great activity for families, couples, and individuals looking for a unique experience in Birmingham’s city centre.

8. Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a museum located in the city centre of Birmingham, UK. It has a collection of over 40,000 objects, including fine and decorative arts, local and international history, and a significant collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. 

The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and educational programs. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a cultural and educational resource for the city, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with the collections and learn about the history, art, and culture of Birmingham and beyond.

9. Book a Trip on the Canal Boat

Cruising the canals of Birmingham is a unique way to explore the city and learn about its history and heritage. Birmingham is known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and its canals played a crucial role in the transport of goods and materials during this time. 

A canal boat tour allows visitors to see the city from a different perspective, passing by historic buildings, warehouses, and locks, as well as modern developments and cultural landmarks. 

The tours offer a relaxed and leisurely experience and provide a glimpse into Birmingham’s past, present, and future. They are a popular activity for visitors and locals alike, providing a memorable and enjoyable way to experience the city and its rich history.

10. Take a Memorable Visit to the Chinatown

Chinatown is the melting pot of diverse cultures, communities and cuisines, making it one of the most memorable places you will ever visit. The Chinese Quarter offers world-class food markets, bars, cafes, clubs, hotels, a casino and other entertainment places that make it a must-visit place when in Birmingham.

It has theatres like The Victoria, the Hippodrome and The Alexandra that are known for hosting state-of-the-art dance shows, operas, stand-up comedy and pantomime – Birmingham’s personal favourite.

Something that adds to the place’s remarkable quality is Birmingham Royal Ballet is here, which is UK’s top-class touring ballet company.

The food you will find here is unmatched and you have a lot of options. From Chinese handmade noodles, and Korean hotpot restaurants to Indian, Japanese, Cantonese, Malaysian and Thai cuisine, you get it all here.

Birmingham is an excellent place to experience the history and heritage of the country ad being the most diverse place in the UK, it offers a lot in terms of food, trips and entertainment.