Visiting Birmingham - What to See and Do

(Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK)

The United Kingdom's second biggest city, Birmingham is a thriving, multi-cultural centre for business, leisure, sports, culture, the arts and much more.

The city has been tastefully redeveloped in recent years and boasts modern buildings alongside much older architecture that reflects its rich heritage.

Tourist attractions in and around Birmingham include museums and art galleries, beautiful natural surroundings, excellent shops and restaurants, and groovy bars and nightspots.

Ten things you must do in Birmingham

• Put your best foot forward for a guided walking tour of the city or take a bus tour if you feel less energetic. A number of tours taking in the city's main historical sights and attractions are available.
• Visit Cadbury World, the famous chocolate factory with displays, exhibitions and tours to satisfy even the most sweet-toothed visitors.
• Visit one of Birmingham's superb museums, such as the Birmingham and Midland Museum of Transport, Birmingham Railway Museum and the Black Country Living Museum.
• Take a ride on the Shakespeare Express Train, a steam train which travels from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of the bard. Other excursions on restored steam trains are also available.
• Visit the National Sea Life Centre, home to all kinds of underwater species including sharks and giant turtles, and featuring an underwater glass tunnel.
• Enjoy the art on display at Birmingham's excellent galleries, such as the Ikon Art Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Broad Street Art Gallery and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
• Spend a night at the theatre. Birmingham has a number of excellent theatres which stage operas, dance, concerts, musicals, drama, comedies and more.
• Board a boat for a canal tour of Birmingham. The city has more miles of canals than Venice, and cruises are available with several companies.
• Take the children to Dudley Zoo and Castle, home to endangered species including Asiatic lions and Sumatran tigers, and learn about life in the old castle.
• Dine out at one of Birmingham's many renowned restaurants. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at one of the city's lively pubs, bars or nightclubs.