Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, is a vibrant and dynamic place, which attracts thousands of students every year. With so many things to see and do, it has something for everyone. There’s historical landmarks, modern shopping centres, great restaurants and more, making it easy to stay occupied. But with so much on offer, we decided to list the five must-see places to visit in Birmingham.
1. Bullring
Bullring is one of Birmingham’s most popular shopping destinations and best places to visit, located in the heart of the city centre. The complex is home to over 200 shops, including high-street favourites, designer brands, and independent retailers. You can find all sorts of brands like Boots, Calvin Klein, Footasylum, hmv, JD Sports, Paperchase, Zara, H&M, and Topshop and dozens more fashion brands and stores to explore. But Bullring is not only a great place to shop and eat; it also holds pop-ups, workshops and creative sessions as well as live music on occasion. There’s also a cinema inside too!
The structure of Bullring complex is anchored by the iconic Selfridges building, a futuristic structure that has become a symbol of modern Birmingham. It also has glass facades, grand archways, and exposed brickwork, so it’s a nice place to just stroll around too.
2. Canon Hill Park
As the city’s most popular park, and one of the largest urban parks in Birmingham, Canon Hill Park is a a multipurpose place to participate in and appreciate for its commitment to having something for everyone. It’s located in the Edgbaston area, and offers plenty of things for everyone to do. You can find mini golf, the fun park, a train tour and a wildlife conservation park. There’s also a lake where you can find pedaloes and rowboats. The lake and Victorian bandstand are original features, stemming back to when the park was a private estate in the 1800s.
There’s also the iconic MAC Birmingham, which is one of the best places to visit in the city. It offers cinema screenings, theatre, dance, exhibitions and craft workshops. In addition to the MAC’s cultural events, Cannon Hill Park is also home to the annual Birmingham Fest, a summer arts festival that takes place in July and August. The festival features a range of performances, including music, dance, theatre and comedy.
3. Thinktank Museum
Birmingham’s award-winning science museum, Thinktank, is located in the Millennium Point complex in the city centre. The museum is easily one of the best places to visit in Birmingham, no matter what age you are. It’s spread across four floors, each with a different focus. The ground floor is dedicated to locomotion, showcasing the history of transport and the development of technology. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits, from steam engines to the latest in automotive design.
The first floor of Thinktank is focused on the human body, exploring the science behind health and medicine. Exhibits include interactive displays on how the body works, a look at the history of medicine, and a section on the brain and nervous system.
The second floor is dedicated to the environment, with exhibits exploring topics such as climate change, renewable energy, and the natural world. Visitors can learn about the science of weather, explore a replica of a rainforest, and discover how humans impact the planet.
Finally, the top floor of Thinktank is home to a range of hands-on exhibits, where visitors can experiment and learn about science in a fun and engaging way. These exhibits cover a range of topics, from engineering to robotics, and are a great way for visitors to get hands-on with science.
In addition to its exhibits, Thinktank also hosts a range of events and workshops throughout the year. These include science shows, talks, and demonstrations, as well as workshops for children and families. There’s also the planetarium, science garden, silent discos, play zones, wildlife and marine world, and more. This museum also has a café with a great menu of food and a gift shop for the science enthusiasts and merch lovers. Also purchases made will support the Birmingham Museums Trust.
4. Custard Factory
The Custard Factory is the epicentre of the Birmingham’s creative side. Originally the site of the Bird’s Custard factory, it was transformed into a thriving arts and cultural centre in the 1990s. Today, the Custard Factory is a hub of creativity, with a range of studios, galleries, shops, and artisanal cafes. To accompany the buzzing nightlife in Digbeth, The Custard factory has an array of bars and restaurants to go to. You can find the likes of Fazeley Social, Birdies Bar, 670 Grams, Kanteen, Baked in Brick, Sobremesa, NQ64 and many more places to eat and drink. You can also combine food and cinema at Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen.
The Custard Factory is also home to a range of creative businesses and artists. Many of the studios and offices in the complex are occupied by artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, who have transformed the space into a creative hub. Visitors to the Custard Factory can explore the studios and galleries, meet the artists, and purchase their work.
In addition to businesses, The Custard Factory is also a popular venue for events and festivals. The complex hosts a range of events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations. The annual Birmingham Pride festival is held in Digbeth, and the Custard Factory plays a key role in the festivities.
Custard Factory additionally has a variety of clothing stores such as The Utopia Store, UNBOWND, Bene Culture and other vintage clothing and sportswear shops. The Custard Factory provides activities and hobbies to shop for such as Roller Jam, Ideal Skateboard Supply, Ghetto Golf, Graffiti Artist store and Mockingbird Cinema. Custard Factory is a creative space with a wide selection of choices of what to do for fun.
5. Brindleyplace
Brindleyplace is a modern mixed-use development situated in the heart of Birmingham. It is located on the site of the old Birmingham Canal, which is a pretty cool place in Birmingham to visit and wander around. It encompasses sophisticated office spaces, as well as iconic attractions such as the National Sea Life Centre, GoBoat, Ikon Gallery and Crescent Theatre. Brindleyplace has a great mix of cafes, bars and restaurants, including established restaurant brands and independent ones too. You’ll find the likes of Wagamama, Turtle Bay, Las Iguanas, Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, and more. So whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. In addition, not far from Brindleyplace is LEGOLAND and Symphony Hall, meaning you can spend the whole day exploring Brindleyplace and nearby areas. Overall, it’s a well-balanced area with a lot to offer for a great visiting experience.
Not only is Brindleyplace rated as one of the best places to visit in Birmingham, it’s also pretty cheap too. You can just go grab a coffee and make a day of it. If you’re looking for other cheap things to do in Birmingham, check out our list.
Last Updated on January 24, 2024
Published on March 22, 2023
