BIRMINGHAM
FORWARD. CULTURE. DIVERSITY. YOUTH. INNOVATION. HISTORY. CREATIVITY. PROGRESSION. OPPORTUNITY. INDUSTRY. UNDERESTIMATED. CHANGE. CENTRAL. RESILIENT. HOME.
Thanks for stopping by to read more about the best city in the World.
There's so much we can't show and tell you on our tours, so here’s our insight into the Best of Birmingham’s Central Neighbourhoods.
DIGBETH
It was upon the River Rea flowing through Digbeth’s heart, that the Beorma tribe, Birmingham’s first settlers, made home.
We think 1400 year old Beorma would we brushing his shoulders off knowing his neighbourhood is now the Coolest in Britain.
An adults playground and (street)art gallery on acid. You’ll find things in Digbeth that you won’t find anywhere else in the World.
CHECK OUT
Mockingbird Cinema / DJ GYM / Graffitiartist.com / NQ64 Arcade Bar / Chance & Counters (Board Game Café) / Ghetto Golf (Mini Golf) / Clean Kilo (Eco Friendly Supermarket) / Red Brick Market (Independent Market) / High Vis Festival (Annual Street Art Festival) / Old Crown Pub (Brums Oldest Pub 1368) / Dead Wax (Pizza & Vinyl) / Roxy Ballroom (Ball Games)
#ONLYINDIGBETH
CITY CENTRE
Today it’s one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, but Brum’s shopping heritage dates back to our 12th Century Bullring Market.
Where did the Bullring get it’s name from? Back then they thought setting angry dogs on poor bulls tied to rings would make their meat more tender (absolute bull sh!t if you ask us)
Victoria Square marks the very centre of Birmingham (& the distance all road signs are measured to). Just start here and take any of it’s adjoining streets for the beauties that await you.
CHECK OUT
The Bull Statue by Laurence Broderick / Birmingham Central Library (Secret Garden on the 7th Floor for views of the city) / Centenary Square / Dishoom / Victoria Square / Town Hall / Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery / Selfridges / The Rag Market / The Worlds biggest Primark / Colmore Row / The Great Western Arcade / St Phillips Cathedral (aka. Pigeon Park)
#BIRMINGHAMYESBIRMINGHAM
BRINDLEYPLACE
Homage to James Brindley who created our World-famous canals, Brindleyplace is now THE place to eat, drink, work and play.
Our canals allowed Birmingham to thrive during the Industrial Revolution and become the workshop of the world, literally making and supplying the entire world with products.
Expect idyllic water-side views, friendly boaters (give em a wave!) and gorgeous architecture, old and new.
CHECK OUT
The Lovelock Bridge / Student Nightlife on Broad Street (Players, Rosies, The Soloman Cutler, Fugure of Eight) / The Canal House / The Roundhouse (National Heritage Building Tour providers) / Legoland / SeaLife Centre / The Alchemist / The Mailbox / Marco Pierre White at the top of The Cube (highest City Views) / Everyman Cinema / "The Lovely People" Public Art
#BETTERTHANVENICE
JEWELLERY QUARTER
A whopping 40% of the UK’s Jewellery is made in our beloved JQ, so it’s no wonder it’s been described as a (literal) national treasure by English Heritage and the place Banksy chose to make his mark.
Victorian Cemeteries and quirky residential apartments await you in this small and special area, with a flourishing independent food and drink scene, boutique hotels, industry museums and creative workshops to stop off in.
CHECK OUT
St Paul's Square / Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries / The Rose Villa Tavern / The Pig & Tail / The Pen Museum / 1000 Trades / Hockley Social Club / The Jam House / Otto Pizza / 202 Kitchen / Banksy's Reindeer / The Chamberlain Clock / Selina Hotel / Damascena
SOUTHSIDE
Our very own China Town, Gay Village & Theatreland rolled into one colourful, fun & fabulous street.
Try walking down Hurst Street and resisting the smells, smiles and sights that await. We dare you.
CHECK OUT
Hurst Street / Birmingham Pride Festival / Hippodrome Theatre / Nightingales / Sidewalk / Miyako Teppanyaki / Topokki / "It's like a Jungle Sometimes" Street Art by Gent 48 / #Crosswithpride / Look up on the Bromsgrove Street intersection to see the Rhinestone Rhino Public Art / The Arcadian Venues / Glee Club Comedy
#PROUDBAB
EASTSIDE
Witness the build of HS2 unfold before your eyes within the leafy oasis of our newly named ‘Knowledge Quarter’, campus of BCU.
Almost three-quarters of the inventions copyrighted in the UK each year come from the West Midlands, and this inventive accolade reaches far back in history.
The Steam Engine, Cadburys Chocolate, the computer & the vacuum cleaner were all invented in Birmingham among many many other things.
You can’t help but feel inspired to be the next inventor sat peacefully in this place either.
CHECK OUT
The Eagle & Ball (Your SU Pub - say hi to Glen!) / The Woodman Pub / Thinktank
#BRUM
Get more ideas on what to do on the Kayak Birmingham Travel Guide.
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