Birmingham is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. One of the great things about this colourful metropolis is that it combines a wide range of interesting attractions with a richly varied nightlife scene. As well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, which means that people of all ages and interests will find plenty to keep them amused and entertained here.
Birmingham has recently had a facelift. It is quickly becoming one of the brightest and most attractive cities in the UK. Wandering the streets of the historic section of the city can be an uplifting experience and will take visitors pas impressive buildings and monuments such as St Chad's Cathedral and the impressive Ikon Art Gallery.
Getting to Birmingham
Several airlines connect Birmingham airport with the rest of the UK or mainland Europe. FlyBe is the airlines with frequent services to/from Birmingham as the city is their home base. The city has heaps of accommodation options, from cheap hostels to affordable hotels. There's something for every kind of traveller.
Old meets new
If old buildings are not really your thing, there are plenty of more modern attractions just waiting No true chocoholic could resist paying a visit to Cadbury World. This old chocolate factory is now open to tours. It gives visitors the chance to discover how chocolate is made and munch their way through a few free samples. The National Sea Life Centre is another attraction that never disappoints. Animal lovers will also want to make sure that they allow plenty of time to explore the large Drayton Manor Park Zoo.
Birmingham for foodies
When it comes to dining, visitors will find more than five hundred quality restaurants and other types of eateries scattered throughout the city. They serve up everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian dishes as well as burgers, balti, pizza and paella. Curry lovers will want to head to the city’s so-called ‘Balti Triangle’, which can be found along Stratford Road and Ladypool Road. Chinatown is the place to head for authentic Asian fare.
Travellers on a tight budget will still be able to dine in style while visiting the city. A number of cheap and cheerful restaurants can be found in the Selly Oak area of Bristol Road and this area is particularly popular among students.
All night long
The great thing about Birmingham is that there is plenty happening here every hour of the day and night and this is a great place to party after dark. Evening entertainment options here range from pop concerts and live music clubs to casinos, cinemas and live theatre. Bars, pubs and nightclubs can be found in abundance throughout the city with large numbers of venues spread throughout several popular areas. Broad Street offers the largest selection of clubs and pubs in the city and becomes particularly busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Also, there are more upmarket bars and restaurants to be found in St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter including select establishments such as the Jam House.
A number of festivals are held in the city throughout the year and this is a great time to visit. Not only will you be treated to free entertainment in the form of music, dancing and street performances, these occasions also bring out the best in the local people and festivals are great times to make new friends and get a feel for local life. Some of the festivals not be missed include the Vaisakhi event in April and the Simmer Down Festival in August.
Explore Birmingham the easy way
Don't want to miss a thing in Birmingham. Check out the cheap hop-on/hop-off bus tours. A great way to explore the city the easy way. Guided bus tour through Birmingham.
