Birmingham Attractions for Tourists
The UK’s Second City is buzzing with things to do.
We’re here to help you decide what are the must-sees. These are our top tourist Birmingham attractions (in alphabetical order). It really was very hard to get it down to this shortlist, but here goes. Please do check opening hours before setting off as these are liable to change at short notice. Many places require advance booking now too. We are more than happy to help you devise a plan – just get in touch.
BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS
Feeling jaded? A tour of this group of tiny, nineteenth-century houses is an excellent way to appreciate things we take for granted such as running water, indoor toilets, washing machines, the internet and privacy!
Most of the historic houses you can visit in the UK belonged/belong to the rich and powerful whilst the Back to Backs shine a light on working-class history. Fascinating stuff
ESCAPE LIVE
Escape Live is the new kid on the Birmingham attractions block and it’s proving to be a big Birmingham attraction. This could be the perfect choice if you fancy having your grey matter challenged while getting mildly hysterical and laughing a lot.
What’s it all about? You get locked in a room and then solve clues to escape. Choose from Dr Wilson’s Office or the (rather more disturbing) Room 13. A Peaky Blinder’s Escape Room also features.
Escape Live is based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, which is a wonderful place for a mooch.
LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM
If you are a big reader then clearly this new, huge library will be your idea of heaven. However, even if you’re not, the Library of Birmingham should be on your list.
Don’t just admire it from afar: the interior is very beautiful and photogenic, the views are excellent and there are some very groovy café bars to check out. And did we mention that there’s an old Shakespeare room perched on the top of this ultra-modern building?
The library is located handily next to Symphony Hall
You know you are having a proper night out when you enter Symphony Hall – it’s a magnificent venue. Musicians from all genres love to perform here as the acoustics are excellent.
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
Birmingham Hippodrome never fails to wow us and that’s before the performances have even started. The auditorium is splendid. We realise that splendid is an old-fashioned word, but you’ll see what we mean when you get there.
It’s not just about the lavish interior. The Hippodrome sells more tickets every year than any other theatre in the UK and that’s because it stages world-class entertainment. Choose from panto, musicals, serious drama, stand up, opera, ballet (it’s home to Birmingham Royal Ballet), contemporary dance… The list is endless!
Summer is traditionally a quiet time for theatres but the Hippodrome doesn’t rest on its laurels. Enjoy entertainment in the streets and squares around the Hippodrome at Summer in Southside.
BMAG (closed for refurbishment works until 2024)
Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries is a thing of wonder. The buildings are big on civic grandeur, but what we love most about BMAG is how forward-thinking its team is. They have a wonderful foundation of art and precious objects, but they go out of their way to keep BMAG fresh. It’s just a couple of minutes away from our apartments and popping in always pays dividends. Free entry is the cherry on the BMAG cake. And – speaking of cake – BMAG’s cafe aka the Edwardian Tearooms is most excellent.
ELECTRIC CINEMA
You can’t beat a good rep cinema and The Electric is one of the best. It’s the oldest working cinema in Britain and a world away from a multiplex. It offers real soul plus imaginative programming.
Go VIP and curl up on a
Where to stay in B irmingham
The Birmingham attractions we’ve highlighted are just the tip of the tourist iceberg in the city. If you’re planning on coming to Brum (and we hope we’ve persuaded you that you should), take a look at our chic serviced apartments.
- Stellar location right at the heart of the city
- Easily walkable from both of the city’s main train stations
- Frankly, they’re swanky!
