Introduction
Birmingham gets written off by people who've never spent time there, and absolutely loved by everyone who has. The UK's second city is one of its most ethnically diverse, which means the food scene, from the Balti Triangle to West African restaurants scattered across the suburbs, is genuinely exceptional and largely undiscovered by the rest of the country.
The city centre has transformed significantly over the past decade. Digbeth is now a credible creative district with street art, independent music venues, and craft breweries; the canal network rivals Amsterdam for charm once you actually get down to water level; and the restaurant scene has grown into something that deserves serious attention.
Don't come expecting a miniature London. Come expecting a city that's completely itself, sometimes a little rough around the edges, always full of character, and always extraordinarily well-fed.
Getting There
Birmingham New Street is one of the UK's best-connected stations, direct trains from London Euston take under 90 minutes, and most major northern cities are under 2 hours away. The M6 and M5 make it central by road too. Birmingham Airport serves European and long-haul destinations if you need it.
Areas to Know
- City Centre / Bullring, shopping, nightlife, Grand Central station
- Digbeth, creative quarter, street art, independent venues
- Brindleyplace, canals, gallery, restaurants
- Balti Triangle (Sparkbrook/Balsall Heath), the UK's best curry mile
- Moseley, bohemian suburb, independent cafés, great food
- Jewellery Quarter, artisan studios, independent bars, brunch spots
