The city offers a wealth of sights, entertainment and a vibrant and diverse culture
Birmingham is made up of a diverse range of cultures and characteristics that really give it a unique atmosphere. Incorporating everything from the latest fashion and greatest dining, the liveliest bands to the most relaxing canal rides and festivals throughout the year, there's always something new to discover in Birmingham.
We have gathered together local food bloggers, property experts, sports editors and other brilliant Birmingham writers for the LIVE Birmingham magazine. Full of recommendations, reviews and information, it's a brilliant read for those new to the city.
We know there is an endless choice of places to visit and activities to take part in around the city, so we have made planning your trip a whole lot easier by creating a travel guide with a fantastic collection of must-see places and activities to discover.
Get ready to experience cuisines from the world over, some of the UK's best gourmet street food, the world famous Balti Triangle, four Michelin star restaurants and food markets full of locally sourced produce.
Birmingham is home to one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, the Bullring, which boasts a wealth of well known stores and independent shops including the iconic Selfridges.
The Mailbox celebrated its 15th year anniversary with a £50million redevelopment which transformed the retail destination with its newly designed flagship retailer - Harvey Nichols.
With the opening of Grand Central Birmingham, the city now boasts an additional 60 premium fashion shops, restaurants and cafes including a new John Lewis store.
Birmingham is renowned for its wealth of luscious green areas and canal-side stops. Many urban parks have tennis courts, children's play areas, cafes and award winning green spaces. The city has also been awarded European gold for its entry to Entente Florale Europe, the ‘Eurovision’ of city horticultural and environmental achievement, proving Birmingham really is a city with floral excellence.
There is a great mix of artistic talent across Birmingham. Within the centre you can find museums, art galleries with music and film festivals of all genres.
The internationally famed City of Birmingham Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet have also made their home in the centre. Visit the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum full of interactive family fun or discover how this town became a city at Birmingham Cathedral. Modern art and theatre are also widely available across the city with Digbeth, the Jewellery Quarter and Eastside contributing to the art scene.
Many exciting sports venues can be found across the Birmingham area with international and national athletics at the Alexander Stadium, Cricket at Edgbaston Cricket Ground and unmissable events in the world of golf, football, badminton, tennis and rugby taking place throughout the year.
With star-filled theatres and comedy clubs, stylish bars and the hottest nightspots, there's always something happening in Birmingham. A vibrant mix of bars hosting some of the most exotic drinks in the city, there is also a selection of traditional pubs including the Old Joint Stock, one of the grandest pubs in the city centre. The Mailbox and Southside offer champagne and cocktails bars, alongside independent pubs offering contemporary twists such as The Lord Clifden.
Whether it's a chart-topping singer at Arena Birmingham, a gig at the Jam House or a majestic serenade from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham has a fantastic selection of venues for every genre of music.
Keep up with the latest events, festivals and entertainment going on across the UK's second city with Birmingham's official visitor website for Birmingham and the region.