Birmingham Area Guide
Birmingham Area Guide
Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? This city is full of surprises, hidden gems, and a wonderful array of tourist attractions and sights for you to sink your teeth into during your city break. From stepping back in time at the Back to Backs Museum, Shopping paradise at the Bullring, and educational experiences at the National Sealife Centre, whatever your interests and hobbies Birmingham has something for everyone. In this Birmingham area guide, we have combined the best of the best that this city has to offer. Whether you fancy checking out the best restaurants in Birmingham, the best free things to do, or the best bars, we have found it all. When staying in Birmingham we have also gone through our portfolio and found the serviced apartments in Birmingham and accommodation to suit your needs so that you can take full advantage of this amazing city.
The best restaurants in Birmingham
Adam’s
If your tastes mean fine dining and Michelin star cuisines then look no further than Adam’s. Run by Adam Stoke’s and his wife Natasha, this restaurant provides an extra special experience. Both the tasting menu and the three-course menu offer exquisite food combining seafood and meat dishes. Delicately presented and garnished, this restaurant will tantalise everyone’s taste buds.
The Plough Harbourne
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The Plough in Harbourne is located just a walk away from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and a short journey from Birmingham city centre. Offering visitors a great beer garden, a range of cocktails, and a homely atmosphere, this is not your average pub. The Plough serves a lovely variety of food which will satisfy everybody. Pizza, burgers, or pub classics your hunger will be quashed.
Bonehead
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Situated just next to New Street Station, Bonehead is strictly chicken orientated. An alternative and quirky atmosphere welcome you in, and then it’s time to dig into the huge portions of waffle fries, burgers, and wings. Attracting a lot of visitors it is not hard to see why this restaurant is one of a kind and comes highly recommended.
Sushi Passion
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Sushi Passion is an absolute must if you adore sushi just like us. Widely recognised as serving some of the best sushi in Birmingham, Sushi Passion is just a short walk from the Bullring, perfect for lunch after a shopping trip. The restaurant benefits from beautiful Japanese décor and visitors can watch as the chefs prepare this delicious food.
Lasan Restaurant and Bar
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Of course, a visit to Birmingham would not be complete without trying the numerous Indian restaurants in the city. Birmingham is well-known for its curry scene and Lasan Restaurant and Bar is one of the finest curry dining experiences in the city. Although a bit on the pricey side, this restaurant is well worth what you pay for, serving the most authentic and tasty Indian dishes.
The best free things to do in Birmingham
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
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This wonderful museum showcases local history as well as artefacts from Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. As well as an ever-changing range of exhibits including Leonardo da Vinci: A Life Drawing, the museum is also home to permanent exhibitions such as the Staffordshire Hoard.
Cannon Hill Park
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One of the premier parks in Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park has been awarded a Green Flag status and offers visitors tranquil walks along the River Rea, cycle paths, and tennis courts, as well as various other outdoor activities. The area is perfect for spotting wildlife with a wildflower meadow that is planted every year with poppies, cornflower, and corn marigold. The park is a great area for families with children’s play areas and boat hire in the summer months.
Lapworth Museum of Geology
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Showcasing a skull from a sabre-tooth tiger, the Lapworth Museum of Geology is home to numerous fossils and minerals, most of which have been found in the Midlands area. Mounted in the displays are some of the best collections of beautiful colourful gems and rocks. This museum is an ideal day out if you want to learn more about the area.
The Thinktank Science Garden
Although inside the Thinktank Science Museum has an entry fee, the gardens do not. The first of its kind in the UK and one of only a few worldwide, the Thinktank Garden is home to different machines, mechanics, and a human hamster wheel. Children especially will love exploring this outside discovery space.
Birmingham Library
Stretching ten, yes TEN, floors Birmingham Library is more than just a landmark building. The library is home to photography exhibitions, performances, and workshops. The building is also home to a discovery café and terrace perfect for a light lunch. The library is closed Sundays and Bank Holidays but entry to this incredible building is free.
Serviced apartments and accommodation in Birmingham
StayCity Birmingham Newhall Square
These modern and stylish serviced apartments in Birmingham at StayCity Birmingham Newall Square are a great base for your stay in this fabulous city. Choose from one and two bedroom apartments nestled between the Jewellery Quarter and the city centre. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Symphony Hall, and the National Sea Life Centre are all just a short walk away from the property.
SACO Birmingham – Brindley Place
Want contemporary serviced apartments just a walk away from the Mailbox? Then SACO Birmingham - Brindley Place is the answer. These studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are located in the new Brindley Place development which boasts a vibrant canal-side location. Close by, guests can dine The Alexandra, the Bullring Shopping Centre, and Symphony Hall.
Staying Cool At The Rotunda
Staying Cool At The Rotunda offers a prime location for guests wanting to take full advantage of all that Birmingham has to offer. These chic serviced apartments overlook the city and situate guest’s right in the heart of Birmingham. On their doorstep, guests will find the Bullring Shopping Centre, Grand Central, and the Chinese Quarter.
The Spires Birmingham
These homely and well-presented one and two bedroom serviced apartments at The Spires Birmingham are situated just down the road from O2 Academy Birmingham, Grand Central, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Guests will be just a few steps away from a variety of wonderful restaurants, bars, and shops.
Waterloo Street Apartments
These serviced apartments in Birmingham offer guests luxury, style, and a central location. Surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants, Waterloo Street Apartments are right next to St. Philip’s Cathedral. Offering a range of one and two bedroom apartments, this property is a fantastic place for your next city break.
The top five things to do in and around Birmingham
National SEA LIFE Centre
The National SEA LIFE Centre is the perfect day out for the whole family. Educational and entertaining, this centre will take you on an adventure to the dark ocean depths and the shallow freshwater around the globe. With over 60 displays of marine life, this is more than just an aquarium.
The Bullring
You’ve heard about it, now see it for yourself. This shopping paradise has become more than a mall with the iconic building becoming synonymous with the Birmingham landscape. Home to 140 stores you are bound to find something that you love, the Bullring also houses one of only four Selfridge’s department stores.
Ikon Gallery
The Ikon Gallery is not only free entry but is an internationally acclaimed art venue housing contemporary works. Even the building itself has become an icon of Birmingham, a Grade II listed building, formerly a school. Inside you will find ever-changing and permanent exhibitions designed to inspire the artist inside of you.
Cadbury World
Easily reachable by a short train journey or drive, this is an attraction which is ideal for a family day out. Although Cadbury World is located in Bournville, it is just half an hour away, and well worth the visit. Take a ride on Cadbury’s very own magical ride, taste the handmade chocolates, and learn about the process all in one day.
Black Country Living Museum
Located in Dudley, a 35-minute train ride away from Birmingham city centre, the incredible Black Country Living Museum is a day out you will never forget. Step back in time to a world where mining was a key industry, explore an old school, and visit the streets were Peaky Blinders was filmed.
Birmingham Back to Backs
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Birmingham Back to Backs is the city’s last surviving court of back to back houses, carefully restored to their original 19th-century interiors, this is a must visit if you are looking to learn more about the history of the city. Discover how the residents of Birmingham used to live during the industrial revolution and take a peek inside the 1930s sweet shop at the end of the tour.
Birmingham is a wealth of things to do and see, so discover more with our other blog posts:
20 Free Things To Do In Birmingham
The Best Shopping Destinations in Birmingham
18 Things to do in Birmingham with the Kids
Or find more accommodation and serviced apartments in Birmingham here.
