Birmingham grew from metal-bashing workshops into the “workshop of the world,” and that industrious spirit still hums through its canals, factories-turned-art-spaces, and a dining scene that defies its old reputation. Today, England’s second city is a place for big ideas and bigger flavors, a friendly hub where steel and steam gave way to galleries, indie cafés, and canalside strolls.

Fun facts to prime your wanderings: the Birmingham canal network stretches for more miles than Venice; J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from nearby mills and halls; and the city gave Britain its beloved Balti curry style. You’ll dip into all of that—heritage, chocolate, and contemporary culture—in just three days.

Practical notes: Birmingham is walkable in the center, with frequent trams, trains, and buses. Contactless cards are widely accepted and cap daily fares. Book popular restaurants and Cadbury World in advance, and check performance schedules if you’re keen on Symphony Hall or the Hippodrome.

Birmingham

Start in the compact core around Victoria and Chamberlain Squares, where Victorian grandeur meets bold modernism at the Library of Birmingham and Centenary Square. A few steps away, Gas Street Basin and Brindleyplace set the scene for canal walks, boat rides, and waterside dining.

• Top sights: Library of Birmingham terraces, Gas Street Basin, Ikon Gallery (contemporary art), the Jewellery Quarter (workshops, studios, and timeworn streets), Winterbourne House & Garden, National Trust Back to Backs, and Cadbury World in Bournville.
• For culture-lovers: Symphony Hall (world-class acoustics), Birmingham Hippodrome (home of Birmingham Royal Ballet), and street art in Digbeth around the Custard Factory.
• For foodies: the Michelin-star triangle of Purnell’s, Opheem, and Adam’s; indie stars like Original Patty Men; and the Balti Triangle on Ladypool Road for the city’s signature curry.

Where to stay: Search apartments and townhouses via VRBO Birmingham (great value in the Jewellery Quarter and canalside lofts) or browse hotels near New Street, Brindleyplace, and the Mailbox via Hotels.com Birmingham. Expect mid-range rooms from ~£100–£180 and higher for design-forward or five-star stays.

Getting in and around: Trains from London Euston to Birmingham New Street take ~1h20–1h30 (advance fares can be ~£20–£60). From Manchester, ~1h30–1h45. Compare rail times and prices on Omio Trains in Europe. Flying into BHX? The rail link to New Street is ~10–15 minutes (~£3–£7). For intra-Europe flights, check Omio Flights (Europe); coaches to/from Birmingham also run UK-wide via Omio Buses (Europe).

Day 1: Squares, Canals, and a Warm Brummie Welcome

Morning: Travel to Birmingham. If you arrive early, stretch your legs with coffee and a bun at Medicine Bakery (New Street; cruffins and crullers are the move) or Yorks Café on Stephenson Street for shakshuka and specialty brews.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square to admire the Town Hall, Council House, and public art. Continue to the Library of Birmingham—ride the escalators to the terrace gardens for skyline views and the Shakespeare Memorial Room. Amble down to Gas Street Basin to watch narrowboats slip past the old brick warehouses.

Evening: Dinner by the water: The Canal House (pub classics and rotisserie with canal views) or Bistrot Pierre at Gas Street for French comfort. For a modern Indian feast, book Dishoom (at One Chamberlain Square)—start with the bacon naan or okra fries, end with kulfi. Cocktails after: 40 St Pauls (intimate gin specialist; reservation advised) or The Pineapple Club in the Great Western Arcade for playful signatures.

Day 2: Jewellery Quarter Craft, Canalside Culture, and a Show

Morning: Breakfast in the Jewellery Quarter at Saint Kitchen (eggs and bagels, strong coffee) or Urban on Church Street. Explore the Jewellery Quarter’s artisan legacy—time your morning for one of these: the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (a preserved workshop that feels frozen in time) or the Coffin Works (lovingly restored Newman Brothers factory; fascinating social history). Pop into St Paul’s Square for a leafy breather.

Afternoon: Walk or tram to Brindleyplace for the Ikon Gallery (free contemporary art in a former Victorian school). Grab lunch at Otto (wood-fired pizzas with seasonal toppings) or Viet-Ish (casual, flavor-packed). Consider a narrowboat tour from Sherborne Wharf (60–75 minutes; usually ~£10–£15) to see the canal network and industrial heritage from the water.

Evening: Treat yourself to one of Birmingham’s stars. Purnell’s (creative modern British tasting menus), Opheem (progressive, spice-led Indian cuisine; Michelin-starred), or Adam’s (precise, elegant plates). If you’re in a music mood, check what’s on at Symphony Hall—performances often start around 7:30 pm. Nightcap at Tilt (espresso, craft beer, and pinball) or Couch in Stirchley if you fancy a short taxi for one of the UK’s most inventive neighborhood cocktail bars.

Day 3: Chocolate, Digbeth Murals, and a Balti Farewell

Morning: Head to Bournville for Cadbury World (book ahead: interactive exhibits, a mini “chocolate factory” feel, and plenty of samples). From New Street, trains to Bournville take ~15 minutes, followed by a ~15-minute walk through the model village built by the Cadbury family. Families can expect 2–3 hours inside.

Afternoon: Swing over to Digbeth for a final dose of creative Birmingham—explore the Custard Factory lanes, Red Brick Market (indie vendors), and sprawling murals under the viaducts. For lunch, Original Patty Men (cult-status burgers near Moor Street; order the Alabama Slammer or Pineapple Express) or Baked in Brick (Neapolitan pizza with cheffy toppings). If curry is non-negotiable before you go, taxi to the Balti Triangle (Ladypool Road) for a quick feast at Shababs—authentic balti served in the thin-pressed steel bowl where it’s cooked. Depart in the afternoon.

Where to Stay (and How to Book)

First-timers do well near New Street/Colmore Row (easy arrivals and restaurants), Brindleyplace (canalside calm, walk to galleries and Symphony Hall), or the Jewellery Quarter (character, indie cafés, and loft apartments). Search availability and compare deals on Hotels.com Birmingham or browse whole flats and townhouses via VRBO Birmingham.

Getting There and Around

Trains: From London Euston (~1h20–1h30), Manchester (~1h30–1h45), Bristol (~1h35). Check live fares and times with Omio Trains in Europe. Coaches are budget-friendly and arrive at Digbeth; compare options on Omio Buses (Europe).

Flights: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is connected by frequent trains to New Street (~10–15 minutes). For intra-Europe flights to BHX or neighboring airports (MAN, LHR), search Omio Flights (Europe).

Local transport: Contactless cards cap your daily spend across buses, trams, and local rail; day tickets typically run ~£4–£7. Taxis and rideshares are abundant; walking works well in the center.

Eat & Drink Cheat Sheet

• Breakfast/coffee: Medicine Bakery (heritage bakes), Yorks Café (Middle Eastern-leaning brunch), Faculty Coffee (espresso purists), Quarter Horse Coffee (in-house roaster), 200 Degrees (Colmore Row).
• Lunch: Original Patty Men (burgers), Otto (pizza), Tiger Bites Pig (bao bowls), Hockley Social Club (rotating street food traders, Thu–Sun).
• Dinner: Purnell’s, Opheem, Adam’s (book ahead); Asha’s or Lasan for refined Indian; The Wilderness for boundary-pushing tasting menus; Shababs for a classic Balti.
• Drinks: 40 St Pauls (gin bar), The Pineapple Club (creative cocktails), The Canal House (waterside pints), The Old Crown (historic pub in Digbeth), The Night Owl (soul/funk nights).

In three days, Birmingham’s story unfolds—from canal-side industry and artisan craft to cocoa-scented nostalgia and next-gen dining. You’ll leave with paint-splashed shoes from Digbeth, a bag of chocolate, and a promise to come back for just one more Balti.