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United Kingdom
Things to do in Birmingham
541 attractions · United Kingdom
Photo: Jo Turner, CC BY-SA 2.0
West Midlands, United Kingdom · 52.483, -1.900
About Birmingham
Birmingham is the United Kingdom's second-largest city and a historic powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, famously known as the 'City of a Thousand Trades.' It features a massive canal network that historically powered its manufacturing growth and now anchors modern recreational hubs like Brindleyplace. Visitors can explore the city’s scientific heritage at the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum or discover its creative arts scene at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The city also offers unique family experiences, such as the immersive chocolate-themed exhibits at Cadbury World.
Good to know
- 1
Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, a network originally constructed in the 18th century to transport coal and raw materials.
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The city's 'Jewellery Quarter' produces approximately 40% of all the jewellery manufactured in the United Kingdom today.
- 3
Birmingham was the first city in the world to be identified as a 'City of Sanctuary' for its commitment to supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
- 4
The iconic Bull Ring shopping area has been the site of a market since the 12th century, retaining its commercial importance for over 800 years.
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Birmingham serves as the home of the world's oldest manufacturing firm, the Birmingham Mint, founded in 1794.
Plan your visit to Birmingham
Best time to visit
May to September, when the city's extensive park network and canal-side dining are most accessible during warmer, drier weather.
How many days
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the city center, key museums, and one or two outer-ring attractions like Cadbury World or Villa Park.
Getting around
The city center is largely walkable, supplemented by the West Midlands Metro tram system and an extensive local bus network.
Where to stay
Stay in the City Centre or Brindleyplace for proximity to major cultural venues and transport hubs.
Budget
Mid-range; the city offers a wide selection of competitively priced accommodations and dining compared to London.
Highlights of Birmingham
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Cadbury World
Explore the heritage and production history of one of the world's most famous chocolate brands.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Attend large-scale theatrical performances and musicals at the city's premier arts venue.
Cannon Hill Park
Visit this large Victorian-era park for its boating lake and community events.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
See rescued marine life and walk through the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel.
Villa Park
Tour the historic home ground of Aston Villa, one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
View one of the largest public collections of Pre-Raphaelite art in existence.
Brindleyplace
Dine and socialize in this mixed-use development set along the city's historic canal network.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Interact with industrial machinery and steam engines that defined the city's scientific past.
Top things to do in Birmingham
The 541 most popular places in Birmingham.
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181
Temples Hidden gem
Ar-Rehman Trust & Masjid Usman
Ar-Rehman Trust & Masjid Usman is an active Islamic community center and mosque located on Slade Road in the Stockland G...
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182
Parks Hidden gem
Batchelors Farm Recreation Ground
Batchelors Farm Recreation Ground is a local public green space situated in the Bordesley Green / Alum Rock area of east...
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183
Temples Hidden gem
Shree Ram Mandir (SSPC Birmingham UK)
Shree Ram Mandir, managed by the Shri Sita Ram Foundation, serves as a prominent Hindu spiritual center in the Sparkbroo...
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184
Temples Hidden gem
Handsworth Mosque & Islamic Centre
Handsworth Mosque & Islamic Centre is a prominent community hub serving the diverse Muslim population of the Handsworth...
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185
Temples Hidden gem
Deeper Life Bible Church
Deeper Life Bible Church in Birmingham is a Christian place of worship located on Bacchus Road in the Winson Green area....
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186
Places of interest Hidden gem
North Gate
North Gate is an architectural and historical landmark situated on the Edgbaston campus of the University of Birmingham...
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187
Temples Hidden gem
Acocks Green Masjid
Acocks Green Masjid is an active Islamic community center and mosque located on Alexander Road in the Acocks Green area...
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188
Temples Hidden gem
An-Noor Masjid & Community Centre
An-Noor Masjid & Community Centre is a prominent religious and social hub located in the Bordesley Green area of Birming...
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189
Parks Hidden gem
Smethwick Hall Park
Smethwick Hall Park is a historic green space situated off Stony Lane in Smethwick, near Birmingham. The park occupies t...
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190
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Taqwa
Masjid Taqwa is a prominent community mosque located in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham, operating as a hub for local...
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191
Temples Hidden gem
Jamia Masjid Qadria Trust Community Education Centre
Jamia Masjid Qadria Trust Community Education Centre is an active Islamic religious institution and educational hub loca...
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192
Historical places Hidden gem
Weoley Castle
Weoley Castle is a ruined 13th-century fortified manor house located in the Birmingham suburb of Weoley Castle. Original...
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193
Temples Hidden gem
St Edward's R C Church
St Edward's R C Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located on Raddlebarn Road in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham....
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194
Temples Hidden gem
St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church is a notable place of worship located on Bristol Street in Birmingham, United King...
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195
Temples Hidden gem
Gas Street St Luke’s
Gas Street St Luke’s is a repurposed Anglican church site functioning as a dynamic campus of Gas Street Church in Birmin...
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196
Temples Hidden gem
St Laurence Church
St Laurence Church is a Grade II* listed building located in Northfield, Birmingham, with its oldest sections dating bac...
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197
Temples Hidden gem
Stechford Mosque
Stechford Mosque is a prominent Islamic community hub located on Albert Road in the Stechford area of Birmingham, United...
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198
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid At-Taqwa
Masjid At-Taqwa is an Islamic community center and mosque located on Villa Road in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, Un...
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199
Temples Hidden gem
Wat Santiwongsaram
Wat Santiwongsaram is an active Theravada Buddhist temple established to serve the spiritual needs of the local Thai com...
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200
Temples Hidden gem
Saint Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic Church.
Saint Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic Church is an active parish church located on Lakey Lane in the Hall Green area of Bi...
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201
Temples Hidden gem
Christ Embassy Birmingham Central
Christ Embassy Birmingham Central is an active branch of the Believers' LoveWorld network, situated in the Hockley area...
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202
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Noor-Ul-Uloom مسجد
Mosque Noor-Ul-Uloom is a community place of worship located on St Oswalds Road in the Small Heath / Bordesley Green are...
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203
Temples Hidden gem
Minhaj-ul-Quran International, UK (Birmingham)/ Mosque
Minhaj-ul-Quran International Birmingham Mosque, located on Naseby Road in the Alum Rock area, serves as a prominent loc...
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204
Venues Hidden gem
West Midlands Circus Centre & RoguePlay Theatre
The West Midlands Circus Centre & RoguePlay Theatre is a dedicated professional training and performance space located i...
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205
Temples Hidden gem
Birmingham Buddhist Vihara
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206
Temples Hidden gem
The Rock - New Testament Church of God
The Rock is a prominent New Testament Church of God located in the Hockley area of Birmingham. It functions as a multi-g...
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207
Temples Hidden gem
Jamia Masjid Haroonia
Jamia Masjid Haroonia is an established local mosque situated on Alum Rock Road in the Alum Rock area of Birmingham, Uni...
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208
Temples Hidden gem
The Catholic Church of Saint Michael and the Holy Angels
The Catholic Church of Saint Michael and the Holy Angels is a prominent Roman Catholic place of worship located on High...
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209
Temples Hidden gem
MahmudSabir Masjid
MahmudSabir Masjid, also known as MahmudSabir Al-Furqan Masjid, is an active neighborhood mosque located on Formans Road...
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210
Temples Hidden gem
St Peter's Church, Harborne
St Peter's Church in Harborne is an active Anglican parish church with roots dating back to the 12th century. The curren...
Around Birmingham
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Birmingham on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Birmingham?
Aventuro lists 541 curated attractions in and around Birmingham, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Birmingham?
Cadbury World is the most popular place to visit in Birmingham right now.
What kind of attractions does Birmingham have?
The largest category is temples, with 373 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
