Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Birmingham?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Birmingham?
Many visitors spend one to five days in Birmingham during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to listen to some live music, spend time at the museums, take in a show, and enjoy an evening out.
Birmingham was historically a manufacturing hub and today it has many landmarks that reflect its past. The city also has canals, cafes, and a very livable atmosphere. It can make for a fun stop for a few days.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Birmingham? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Birmingham?
Three days in Birmingham is often considered best, as many tourists spend one to five days for their trip here. This would usually give you enough time to listen to some live music, spend time at the museums, take in a show, and enjoy an evening out. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
How to spend 3 days in Birmingham
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Birmingham, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.
Live music is very popular in Birmingham, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.
Birmingham is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many parts of the city are very walkable.
Shopping in Birmingham is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Birmingham is known for its wide range of shows. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Walsall, UK ($10)
- Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Birmingham by Operation City Quest ($10)
The public transit in Birmingham is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Birmingham is Victoria Square, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.
Is 4 days enough time in Birmingham?
Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Birmingham, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Listen to some live music, spend time at the museums, take in a show, and enjoy an evening out. You could also use Birmingham as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Birmingham, England
How to spend 4 days in Birmingham
If you have more than 4 days in Birmingham, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Birmingham offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The city is filled with history and offers easy access to many quaint nearby villages.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Discovering Birmingham 2 hour Walking Tour to the Jewellery Quarter ($19)
- From Canals and Victorians to Today's City: Birmingham Walking Tour ($19)
- Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm) ($15)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour ($70)
Is 5 days enough time in Birmingham?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Birmingham at your own pace to experience the live music, the famous sights and museums, the theatre, and the nightlife scene. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Birmingham
Having 5 days in Birmingham will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Birmingham, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Birmingham, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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