Birmingham youth guide
A young city
Birmingham has the youngest population of any city in Europe. This is evident in its creative output, youthful outlook and the city’s lively nightlife with its great bars, pubs and clubs.
Spend a while in Birmingham and you'll realise why Brummies are so proud of the place. As well as being a great base for exploring the surrounding towns and countryside, the city has lovingly rejuvenated its waterways (Birmingham has more canals than Venice), has an excellent cultural scene and some of the best shopping in the UK.
Nightlife
Birmingham has more students than any other UK city outside of London. Not surprising, then, that the club scene is thriving. Take your pick from buzzing bars, traditional pubs or thumping nightclubs; Birmingham has everything you need for a memorable night on the town.
Gatecrasher (www.gatecrasher.com/birmingham)
The iconic superclub is one of Birmingham’s coolest venues. Gatecrasher Birmingham boasts a £5 million transformation including a state of the art multi-level interior.
Tel: 0121 633 1520; 182 Broad Street.
Factory Club (www.factoryclub.co.uk/)
This is the nightclub in Birmingham’s excellent arts venue, the Custard Factory, where you can drink into the night and soak up the sounds of the region’s up and coming DJs.
Tel: +44 121 224 7855; Gibb Street
The Jam House (www.thejamhouse.com/html/welcome.html)
This classy music bar overseen by musical director Jools Holland features live swing, jazz, r‘n’b and rock ‘n’ roll; admission charges apply on some nights.
Tel: +44 121 200 3030; 1 St Paul’s Square.
For more information on Birmingham’s nightlife, check out Birmingham’s nightlife pages (www.visitbirmingham.com/nightlife/)
Shopping
The renowned Bullring (www.bullring.co.uk/website/default.aspx) shopping centre is the hub of Birmingham’s first-class shopping scene. The £500 million development is capped by the iconic Selfridges - the department store housed in a spectacular, modern building. It symbolises the city’s emergence as one of Britain’s top shopping destinations and joins a whole range of other big name brands.
For designer labels head to The Mailbox (www.mailboxlife.com/), the centrepiece of Birmingham’s luxury shopping experience with outlets like Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss and Armani. For handmade jewellery the world-famous Jewellery Quarter (www.jewelleryquarter.net/) is the place to go. And for independent boutiques, try The Great Western Arcade’s Victorian elegance. For high street shopping check out Pavilion Central, The Pallasades, Martineau Place or City Plaza. House of Fraser is also a great option for everything from fashion to electronics.
For all your shopping options take a look at Birmingham’s shopping guide (www.visitbirmingham.com/shopping/).
Arts & Culture
Birmingham’s art collection is wide and impressive. From the masters to contemporary artists, the city has inspiring and controversial in equal measure. Read on for a sample of Birmingham’s varied museums and galleries.
Ikon Gallery (www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/)
Explore the cool Ikon Gallery featuring temporary exhibitions of modern art over two floors. A variety of media are represented, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installation.
Tel: 0121 248 0708; 1 Oozells Square
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (www.bmag.org.uk/)
Visit this impressive Victorian building housing great art for free. It has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and exhibitions on ancient and social history. Enjoy a pit-stop at the lovely old fashioned tea room that's perfect for a restorative cuppa.
Tel: +44 121 303 2834; Chamberlain Square
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts (www.barber.org.uk/)
This free gallery houses an outstanding collection of Old Masters and modern artworks. You’ll see works by Bellini, Poussin, Rubens, Gainsborough, Rossetti, Monet, Degas and Magritte. The Barber also has regular programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and events - all open to the public.
Tel: 0121 414 3370; University of Birmingham
To get the full picture on Birmingham’s arts scene check out visitbirmingham.com (www.visitbirmingham.com/arts_and_culture/).
Sport
Birmingham hosts many national and international sporting events throughout the year. There’s test cricket at Edgbaston, world-class ladies tennis with the AEGON Classic and of course, when in season, week in, week out, Premiership and Championship football comes to town.
Football
Whether it’s Aston Villa or Birmingham City playing host, there’s nearly always a top-class game in town at the weekend. With both teams close to the city centre, it’s easy to mix a match with seeing other attractions. And with four other local league teams you’ll always have plenty of choice.
Cricket
Edgbaston Cricket Ground is a hub of activity all year round. It’s been home to test match cricket for over 100 years. You can see England battle it out in one-day internationals and test matches and you can also enjoy a summer of county cricket with exciting one day games.
Athletics
With one of the country’s most successful clubs (Birchfield Harriers) and venues where national and international events take place, Birmingham is fast becoming a focal point for Britain’s athletics. The NIA (National Indoor Arena) and the Alexander Stadium hosted the UK Olympic Trials in July 2008. This is the place to see future Olympians battle it out.
Find out more about sport in Birmingham (www.visitbirmingham.com/sports/).
Staying over?
Budget Hotels
Tired after seeing the sights and hitting the town? Then why not stay over? Check out some of our recommendations for budget accommodation below.
Nitenite (www.nitenite.com/)
Chic but comfortable interiors, avant-garde design, a great city centre location, welcoming and friendly staff – a great package at reasonable prices.
Tel: 08458 909099; 18 Holliday Street
IBIS Hotel (www.nitenite.com/)
Ibis Birmingham Centre offers 159 bedrooms in the heart of the lively Chinese quarter and adjacent to the Arcadian Centre with its various bars and nightclubs. The Chill Bar at the hotel serves snacks 24 hours per day.
Tel: 0121 622 6010; Ladywell Walk
Etap (www.etaphotel.com/gb/hotel-5678-etap-hotel-etap-hotel-birmingham-centre/index.shtml)
Etap Hotel has modern, comfortable rooms that can accommodate up to 3 people, with a shower, toilet, and satellite TV, all for a very low price. In the morning you can help yourself at the breakfast buffet.
Tel: 0121 622 7575; 1 Great Colmore Street