Hotels in Birmingham City Centre

Known to be Britain’s second-largest city, Birmingham is at the brink of major regeneration and reinvention. The city is said to have been revitalized by all of the construction happening in time for the Commonwealth Games. It now has a wider metro network that services most of the city, a state-of-the-art public library, and new commercial buildings that add to the old charm of its newly restored Victorian buildings.

Along with these new infrastructures, the locals have also been riding this wave by innovating in the fields of food, fashion, and art. It’s safe to say that the city has a little bit of something for everyone.

How to Get There

One of the busiest airports in the country, Birmingham Airport is only 14 kilometres away from the city centre. Getting to and from the city is easy thanks to various public transport options available such as taxis and buses. After exiting the arrivals gate, taxi ranks would be easy to spot since they are just outside. As for the bus, the National Express West Midlands operates the routes here. Make sure you take the X1 since it drops you right off the city. A ticket should only cost you £5, but purchasing a Day Saver pass can help you save a couple of cash.

Another option is to take the train. At the airport, you will see the train service there called the Birmingham International Railway Station. By taking the train, it not only offers you the cheapest option, but it’s also the fastest.

Getting Around

Being such a big city, it may be daunting to go around for first-time tourists. However, the city is well equipped with a good public transport system that makes it easier for you to travel.

Like any other part of the country, the bus service in Birmingham is a good way to get around and see the sights. Buses depart from various parts of the city so to make it a lot more convenient for tourists, maps can be found in libraries, tourist offices, and the Travel West Midlands shops that are littered in the streets. Remember that the maximum fare for buses are £2.40.

The train railways in Birmingham are also an excellent choice especially if you want to get around fast. To avoid any confusion, you can check the timetables on the National Rail website. If you decide to take this, remember that there are three main stations in the city namely: Birmingham New Street, New Street, and Birmingham Snow Hill. You can check out this map as a guide. The metro is also an option and it’s not as complicated compared to the train since it just goes on one line. Take this if you want to go shopping.

If you don’t want to navigate your way, then taking a cab is the most viable option. There are a lot of taxi ranks around the city, especially in the parts where the nightlife is concentrated like Broad Street, The Arcadian, and The Mailbox. You would not have any problem with prices here since they are a lot more affordable compared to London’s rates.

Top Things to Do

After you’ve decided on how to go about the city, it’s now time to figure out what you should go and see. As a tourist, it is highly recommended to go to the Jewelry Quarter, the city’s prominent manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. You will be able to find the Jewelry Quarter Museum where you can learn about the plight of the people who have worked there and how Birmingham was shaped to be the city it is now.

A short walk away you will find one of the city’s most beautiful spaces called St. Paul’s Square, home to many of the city’s cafes and pubs and the lovely St. Paul’s Church. A couple of steps away, you will also find the Soho House where Matthew Boulton lived. It was here where they held the prestigious Lunar Society meetings that often discussed innovative ideas.

What to Eat

Birmingham is also a great city for tourists that prefer to explore gastronomic adventures. Home to four Michelin Star restaurants, it goes without saying that locals love their food. You will find the famous Cadbury World in Birmingham. Going here would be a trip if you have a sweet tooth because of all the free samples and chocolate displays.

The Digbeth Dining Club is also a must-see for foodies so make sure you time your visit on a weekend if you want to take part. You will be able to have a taste of the proud independent food scene of Birmingham that offers you a wide range of creative dishes. As a result of the city’s resurgence, it has also become a hotpot of cultures. If you want to explore, you will find the best curry in Aktar Islam.

Nightlife

Brighton’s nightlife is also something you should experience. Once you are stuffed because of all the stalls and restaurants around Digbeth, take a walk and you will find some cool warehouses converted into the city’s hottest clubs. An example of this would be Boxxed, a 10,000 square-foot warehouse with an exposed brick design. Its structure changes depending on the event it’s hosting, but one thing is for sure, this is for the rave heavyweights.

On the other end of the spectrum, Hare & Hounds is a pub for music lovers. Located in King’s Heath which is at the south of the city, this place offers a relaxed pub vibe complete with the buzzing and friendly crowd.

If you want some quirky fun accompanied by a good haunt, go to Jekyll and Hyde. From its name, you wouldn’t know what to expect at all. The bartender even looks like Cruella de Vil.

Where to Stay

For a city as big as Birmingham, your itinerary would be jam-packed. As a tourist, it is recommended that you stay at the centre to be near public transport stations, restaurants, and shopping areas. It’s also a stone’s throw away from neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, the Gay Village, and the Jewish Quarter.

A bonus for staying here would be its scenic walks that are pedestrian-friendly so it would not be hard for you to reach various squares like Victoria and Centenary. Coming from here, you will also not have a hard time walking to shopping streets like the Pallasades and the Bull Ring.

Travel Tips

• Bring British coins since bus drivers don’t usually give change back. At least have a maximum of £5.

• Purchase the Day Savers passes worth £4.40.

• Shop at Disorder, the city’s best independent boutique. It’s located down a hidden alley in New Street.