England’s second-largest city used to be known as the “Workshop of the World”, because it’s where the Industrial Revolution began. Birmingham actually has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam because of all the massive production and transportation 200 years ago! Today, the city is a great place to explore on foot and take in the many interesting sights. Grab a cheap Birmingham flight and don’t miss these activities when in the city:
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Brush up on your history at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Its beautiful, spacious interior, glass ceilings and majestic staircases are the perfect house for the fascinating exhibitions delving into the city’s history. Another great museum is the Barber Institute- this one for art lovers, as it’s got an impressive collection of Monets, Manets and Renoirs.
Haggle at the markets next to the Bull Ring to score deals on a mish-mash of different items, from clothing to art pieces to all sorts of knick-knacks. Take in the lively atmosphere of the market and people-watch with a coffee from one of the many nearby sidewalk cafes.
Enjoy the canals by foot with a relaxing stroll in the early evening, watch the sun go down and grab a pint at a nearby canalside pub. If you opt for a quicker journey, take a cruise down the canal on one of the narrow boats departing from Brindleyplace.
Go on a culinary excursion in the Balti Triangle, an area of Birmingham specializing in Balti cuisine with over 50 authentic restaurants serving up delicious curries. It’s a vibrant hub for people of all nationalities, and is home to the spicy dish called Balti, named for the Baltistan region of Pakistan where it originates, and the type of pot it’s cooked in. The Balti Triangle also has tons of unique markets and specialty food vendors.
Tour the BBC Studios at the Mailbox building, an awesome insider glimpse into the world of TV and radio broadcasting! You’ll learn all about the inner workings of the BBC and even get a chance to present your own news program at the end.
Architecture lover or not, you’re going to love walking around and taking in the gorgeous Victorian-style buildings in Birmingham. Stroll through the Church Street neighborhood for some great examples, and don’t miss the Cathedral there with lovely stained glass windows and Baroque architecture.
