Should You Visit Birmingham?

Is Birmingham worth visiting?

This city is a good place to visit for one to five days. 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.

Birmingham, England

Reasons to Visit Birmingham

Music
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.

Museums
Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Theatre Productions
The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Nightlife
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.

Shopping
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.

Food
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.

Authenticity
Birmingham has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Birmingham worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Birmingham is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.

Is Birmingham worth visiting in the Autumn?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Birmingham, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Birmingham is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, appreciate the quaint setting, and listen to some live music.

Is Birmingham worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Birmingham. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Birmingham can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, spend an evening at the theatre, and taste delicious cuisine. Also, you can check out the nightlife and the live music scene.

Is Birmingham worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Birmingham. Even though Birmingham is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The weather in Birmingham can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the famous sights and museums, and the quaint atmosphere. Also, you'll be able to listen to some live music and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Related

What is Birmingham most famous for?

Birmingham is most famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. People visit this impressive city for its great music. It is also known for its great museums, theatre productions, nightlife, and shopping. And many visitors also come to this city for its food. It is often described as bustling, historic, vibrant, and fun-filled.

What is the most famous sight in Birmingham?

The most popular sight in Birmingham is Victoria Square. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Birmingham on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Victoria Square and other attractions here.

How touristy is Birmingham? Is it a popular city to visit?

Birmingham is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road: $15
• Private Birmingham Canal Kayak Tour: $63
• Taste of Shrewsbury Food and Drink Tour with Guide: $114
• Pride History of Birmingham Tour: $51
• Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
• 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

How long should I spend in Birmingham?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Birmingham is one to five days. Since Birmingham has a variety of activities such as music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Birmingham?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Birmingham?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Birmingham?.