The 25 best things to do in Birmingham right now

What is it? A green idyll on the fringes of the city on the site of an old millpond. 

Why go? Wander around this nature reserve full of plants, animals and insects, gnarled old trees and gorgeous carpets of bluebells each spring. The site is also of great archaeological interest, having two burnt mounds, the remains of an old mill dam and the foundations of Victorian greenhouses.

Don’t miss: Book a JRR Tolkien-themed tour at Sarehole Mill, on the fringes of the bog: the ‘Lord of the Rings’ author grew up around Moseley Bog in the 1890s, and it’s said to be the inspiration for hobbit hangout The Shire. 

What is it? Fifteen acres of ornamental gardens, glasshouses and exotic birds in indoor and outdoor aviaries.

Why go? The Botanical Gardens’ exotic world of tropical plantlife makes for an excellent family day out. The glasshouses are filled with all manner of strange flora, while the lawns and shrubbery outside are perfect for a stroll during the sunnier months.

Don’t miss: The butterfly house full of tropical insects from as far as the Philippines, Central America and tropical parts of Africa.

What is it? Birmingham’s vibrant canal quarter is home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, the National Sealife Centre and the Ikon Gallery.

Why go? The oft-quoted ‘more canals than Venice’ claim is a bit iffy – Birmingham is so much bigger that it’s a daft comparison – but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on a walk around the canal quarter. It’s a real Cinderella part of town, having been hugely redeveloped and crammed full of restaurants and bars.

Don’t miss: Use the historic Roundhouse building as a base from which to explore by boat, bike or foot.

What is it? Pack a full day – and night – of fun in this increasingly popular part of town, where you’ll find everything from exhibitions to nightclubs.

Why go? With more than 200 listed buildings and more than 250 years of history, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter should be on any Brum itinerary. According to English Heritage, Europe’s largest cluster of jewellery businesses is a ‘national treasure’. Museum nerds will love the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Museum and Newman Brothers Coffin Works. And with all the pubs, restaurants, galleries and independent boutiques here, there’s something for everybody else too.

Don’t miss: If you’re making a night of it, check in to BLOC, close to the ever-popular JQ nightclub. Try Jam House, or if you have something even later and livelier in mind, Brum’s up-for-it generation descend upon the Actress & Bishop from about 1am, with no intention of making it a quiet one.

What is it? If the weather holds out, there is no better way to see Birmingham than on foot.

Why go? There are some excellent guided walking tours, from Positively Birmingham’s Edward Burne-Jones pre-Raphaelite art tour to Get Your Guide's Discovering Birmingham Walking tour through the historic Jewellery Quarter.

What is it? Founded by an air steward with a passion for running in cities all over the world, Run of a Kind offers those with a bit of energy a great alternative way to get to know the city.

Why go? With runs between 5km and 11km for beginners and those a bit more confident, the team sprint across Birmingham for a pit-stop of landmarks and hidden gems, including the LGBTQ+ scene, local architecture, street art and a bunch of trivia to boot.

What is it? Birmingham has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city outside the capital. 

Why go? Purnell’s, Simpsons, Adam’s, Carters, Opheem and – if you’re prepared to head just outside the city – Peel’s, will all bamboozle you with their culinary delights. And with more high-end independents opening all the time, you could get in before the Michelin inspectors do. A quiet food revolution has been rumbling through Brum – now’s your time to sample it.

What is it? While London and Manchester will always get more attention when it comes to music, Birmingham has given the world its fair share of talent, including UB40, Duran Duran and Black Sabbath – and it’s still bubbling up at the present with a thriving local music scene.

Why go? Whether it’s house at The Mill, indie at The Sunflower Lounge, the Night Owl’s northern soul, or jazz at The Jam Café, you’ll find something interesting within walking distance of the high street. 

What is it? A grand Victorian pub with original stained glass, engraved mirrors and snob screens.

Why go? One of the world’s greatest pubs, The Bartons Arms is a rare treasure among the mean streets of Newtown. Established in 1901 as a Victorian gin palace, it’s still beautifully ornate with original features such as Minton tiles, a grand horseshoe bar and a stunning wrought iron staircase climbed by the likes of Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin.

Don’t miss: Book a tour or choose a pint from its fine range of Oakham ales and something spicy from the Thai menu.

What is it? A South Indian restaurant with a canteen vibe. 

Why go? If you really want to dine like a Brummie, then a trip to a curry house is mandatory. The Balti Triangle – located south of the city centre – is famed for its long-established restaurants, but we suggest you head to Raja Monkey. This Hall Green spot serves thalis and street-food snacks like dosa and uttapam with cheerful informality. 

Don’t miss: Try the thalis for a taste of what's on offer.

What is it? A new establishment on Digbeth’s Floodgate Street - coincidentally a location used in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’, In A Box combines virtual reality and immersive entertainment for an exciting 4D experience.

Why go? Merging elements of gaming, theatre and film plus a will to play with participants’ senses, players pit their wits against puzzles to escape hazards and complete their mission: think of it as an escape room of the digital realm.

What is it? A brand new bar located in Brindley Place, Jukeboxers is home to non-stop live music every single night that is completely request-based, meaning punters pick the playlist via an app that covers everything from The Beatles to Beyoncé.

Why go? The place’s prerogative is a real good time, and with a rotating band of musicians (going strong until 2.30am) plus a well-stocked drinks menu covering everything from classic cocktails to aged liquor, you’ll be sure to find one.

What is it? The home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, plus numerous England fixtures. 

Why go? There’s nothing as quintessentially English as a game of cricket, and Birmingham boasts one of the very best places to watch one. Edgbaston is renowned as one of the country’s most atmospheric international test grounds. 

Don’t miss: Take a tour of the stadium to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Warwickshire and England changing room, the field, the media centre and more. 

What is it? A marketplace since the twelfth century, Birmingham is still a city for shoppers. 

Why go? The Bullring is now a giant mall incorporating the iconic Selfridges building (looking like a part-amorphous blob, part-crash-landed UFO). Across town, the Mailbox is a classier joint with the likes of Harvey Nichols and Emporio Armani.

Don’t miss: Most interesting are the independents, which you’ll find scattered all over town and in places like the splendid Great Western Arcade.

What is it? A Grade II-listed Victorian hotel in the city centre

Why go? The legendary Grand Hotel re-opened in the summer of 2020 following an 18-year closure and a painstaking multi-million-pound restoration. The building has hosted a plethora of historical figures, from Winston Churchill to Malcolm X, and now you can explore its striking Victorian and art deco interiors, including the jaw-dropping Grosvenor Ballroom and a new rooftop garden terrace.

Don’t miss: The brand new outdoor terrace in the central courtyard. 

What is it? BMAG is full of treasures – from Anglo-Saxon gold to more contemporary pieces. 

Why go? Housing the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world and occupying one of the city’s finest buildings, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is not to be missed. Head up to the third level for a detailed, hands-on history of Birmingham and its people. 

Don’t miss: The domed Round Room is often the location for free musical performances. Make time for a slice of cake at the refurbished Edwardian Tea Room.

What is it? One of the five major ballet companies in the UK producing jaw-dropping shows. 

Why go? The tenure of Carlos Acosta as artistic director is a major coup for Birmingham Royal Ballet. The company has an illustrious history, but the celebrated Cuban dancer has implemented bold plans to re-energise it. Expect plenty of risks and surprises, plus a mix of classic revivals and ambitious partnerships.

Don’t miss: A single second of the action. No, seriously.  

What is it? Stalk the very same streets as the real Peaky Blinders on these dedicated tours.

Why go? Because you love the show and now want to follow in the footsteps of Birmingham’s most infamous criminal gang. Take a Peaky Tour in Digbeth and visit the lock-up at Steelhouse Lane police station where some of the gang were incarcerated.

Don’t miss: Further afield at the wonderful open-air Black Country Living Museum, you can see the TV show’s sets for yourself.  

What is it? England’s number one chocolate-focused attraction. 

Why go? For the best views of Brum’s chocolate factory, arrive by train (13 minutes from New Street) and take a deep breath – a sweet haze envelopes the red-brick, olde worlde Bournville village, which was designed and built for the workers of England’s flagship chocolate brand. Cadbury World is the public bit of the factory: tours include a deep dive into the history of cocoa, a 4D cinema and a ride in the self-styled ‘Beanmobile’.

Don’t miss: Have your Wonka experience in the demonstration area (yes, molten chocolate is involved; yes, you get to drink it). The world’s biggest Cadbury store also awaits, boasting concoctions unavailable anywhere else.

What is it? A restored Victorian factory, now a hub for creatives and independent businesses. 

Why go? Alfred Bird invented custard powder in Birmingham in 1837, but these days, the old Custard Factory is a studio complex at the heart of Birmingham’s creative community. It’s home to many artists and is full of galleries, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and the Mockingbird Cinema. With its graffiti-strewn walls and regular arts events, the whole area is well worth a few hours of mooching.

Don’t miss: Look out for regular open studio events to meet the designer-makers who make this place so special. 

What is it? Take a tour of Aston Villa’s hallowed ground, or even catch a game. 

Why go? There aren’t many football grounds in the world like Villa Park. The 42,000-capacity stadium has been home to the Villa since 1897, and it has an aura that few sporting institutions can match, especially when the Holte End is full and on-song. Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour or catch the boys in claret and blue play a Premier League game. 

Don’t miss: Fancy a real treat? You can watch the match in comfort at Eighty Two, the plush centre of football hospitality at Villa Park.