It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Birmingham for its music, museums and attractions, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
One of the top sights in Birmingham includes the state-of-the-art Library: The Library of Birmingham. The brightly colored architectural structure resembles a beautifully wrapped birthday present and its interior includes a spectacular amphitheater, observation decks including the top floor 360-degree view of the city, and even England's most impressive collection of Shakespeare.
Other popular sites include The River, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Birmingham Cathedral. The River is an artistic fountain located in the Victorian Square with a variety of sculptures. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham has a spectacular collection of art including many Renaissance pieces. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has a great collection of ancient gems and Victorian art, and the Birmingham Cathedral is a small, but beautifully shaped Cathedral built in the early 1700's and is a popular sight in Birmingham.
The Cadbury World chocolate factory is a fun activity with chocolate themed rides including a new 4D adventure cinema featuring motion seats. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Another great thing to do in this area is the "Back to Backs" tour. This tour takes you to see what some of the working class houses looked like between 1840 and 1970, The guided tours offer a lot of information about how the people lived in these places. The homes have been restored, but the look and feel of how things were has been preserved.
You could also visit the Symphony Hall in Birmingham to experience a live orchestra concert of superior skill and technique. Shows vary so you never know who might be there, but it will not disappoint for symphony lovers!
Birmingham is also a popular stop for fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. JRR Tolkien grew up in this area, so many of his writings were based on local landscapes. You can tour some of the trails from Tolkien's works for free! Stop at the Tourist Information Center for a guided map to follow the Tolkien trail.
Fans of BBC shows like Doctor Who will also enjoy a free tour of the BBC in the mailbox in Birmingham. You can even watch the live broadcasts there as well as get your picture taken with the TARDIS or a Dalek.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Birmingham have earned worldwide fame. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.
Theatre Productions:
You shouldn't miss out on the theater scene. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.
Music:
Birmingham boasts a vibrant music scene that brings in a diverse crowd. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Birmingham. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour for $77 details
- Pride History of Birmingham Tour for $51 details
- Guided Tour of Street Art in Birmingham for $51 details