Birmingham youth guide

About Birmingham

Let's start by saying that Birmingham (or Brum, as the locals call it) is not your regular tourist destination. And that’s what’s great about it. Tourists in a hurry to get to Stratford-upon-Avon sometimes overlook England’s second city. Don't make that mistake. 

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), an excellent cultural scene and some of the best shopping and nightlife around.

For more information, check out our Birmingham city guide or the official Birmingham Tourism Centre website. Tel:+ 44 121 202 5099.

Yam said what?
Inhabitants of Birmingham and the surrounding area boast one of the most distinctive accents in Britain. You're only 120 miles from London but a Cockney can have problems with the local lingo, such is its unique twang. It's worth a visit just to hear it for yourself. Key phrases include ‘Yam or roit?’ (Are you alright?) and ‘Ta rah, mucker!’ (Bye mate!)

Seeing

Must Do

Brum boomed in the 19th century and a stroll round the car-free Victoria and Chamberlain Squares showcases the grand buildings and statues from this era.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Free entry and an impressive building housing great art and a lovely old fashioned tea room that's perfect for a cake pit-stop. Tel: +44 121 303 2834; Chamberlain Square.

Take in Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon in a more manageable day-trip. Trains (return £6, 50 minutes) leave hourly from Moor Street station.

Off The Beaten Track

Birmingham sits on the hub of England's canal network and colourful visiting narrowboats moor in the Gas St Basin right in the heart of the city. Brindleyplace and The Mailbox are great places to start and finish a tranquil waterside walk; both are home to fantastic restaurants, bars and boutique stores.  features impressive exhibitions of modern art.

Insider Info

If you haven't had any luck getting into a big football match, you may get your chance in Birmingham. Claret-and-blue clad  is a Premiership club but fortunately doesn't always sell out every match.

Shopping

Shopping in Birmingham has taken a turn for the better in recent years. The Jewellery Quarter, three-quarters of a mile northeast of the City Centre, is packed with showrooms and manufacturers reflecting local expertise. 

The real jewel in Birmingham's crown is the Bull Ring Centre, a huge temple to shopping with a  and pretty much anything else you care to mention. As well as the Brindleyplace and Mailbox boutiques, the pedestrianised centre is home to yet more options making for a potentially exhausting afternoon trying to get round everywhere!

Eating

Birmingham's contribution to cuisine is the balti, a Pakistani dish that has been adopted by curry houses across the country. The heartland is the Birmingham Balti Triangle in Sparkbrook, two miles (3km) south of the centre. 

Pick up a complete listings leaflet in the TIC or look at The Balti Guide and head out on bus No 4, 5 or 6 from Corporation St.

Al Frash

Award-winning baltis and a more tasteful decor than the average. Tel: +44 121 753 3120; 186 Ladypool Road.

Warehouse Café

Back in the centre, Warehouse Café is a great choice for a vegan or vegetarian lunch. Tel: +44 121 633 0261; 54-57 Allison Street

Wine Republic

Nearby is this bright, sharp and airy restaurant, and the food comes in for plenty of praise too. Tel: +44 121 644 6464; Centenary Square.

Chez Jules

Unpretentious French place with decent regional standards. Tel: +44 121 633 4664; 5a Ethel Street.

Nightlife

The world of drinking, dancing and ‘culture-dunking’ is massive and constantly changing. Keep an eye on the local What’s On magazine and flyers in bars for the latest news.

This remarkable and expanding arts and media centre is taking the city by storm; it houses a gallery, recording studios, and dance and theatre spaces. The name? The building was constructed a century ago by custard magnate Sir Alfred Bird. Gibb Street

Medicine Bar

This is the night hotspot of the Custard Factory, where the hip and the curious drink till late to the sounds of the region’s upcoming DJs. Tel: +44 121 693 6333; Gibb Street

Air

One of Britain’s finest clubs and home to Godskitchen where worshippers gather at the altar of dance music. Tel: +44 121 766 8400; Heath Mill Lane.

The Jam House

A classy music bar featuring live swing, jazz, r‘n’b and rock and roll; admission charges apply some nights. Tel: +44 121 200 3030; 1 St Paul’s Square.

Sleeping

Though Birmingham has no hostels, it offers a wide variety of good value hotels and B&Bs, many of whom offer weekend deals.

Ashdale House Hotel

A friendly place in a Victorian house overlooking a park. Tel: +44 121 706 3598;  39 Broad Rd, Acocks Green.

Awentsbury Hotel

Peaceful B&B in a detached Victorian house close to the university. Tel: +44 121 472 1258; 21 Serpentine Rd, Selly Park.

Ibis Hotel

Part of a good-value chain hotel and situated next to Chinatown and eateries aplenty. Tel: +44 121 622 6010; Arcadian Centre, Ladywell Walk.

Travelodge

Bland but ideally placed for exploring Brindleyplace's nightlife, this is a good bet. Tel: 0870 191 1564 UK only; 230 Broad Street