
Places to visit on a short break in Birmingham
The birthplace of the balti, the home of the real-life Peaky Blinders, and with an entire quarter dedicated to jewellery, Birmingham sparkles with cultural legends – but there’s so much more to this former powerhouse of industry. Looking for places to visit in Birmingham? Why not step back in time at a living museum, take part in a Peaky Blinders heist and sleep like a rockstar in boutique hotels? And we haven’t even mentioned its cabaret and comedy scene yet. Read on to discover the top places to visit in Birmingham.
Day 1
Go time travelling
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Step back in time at the Black Country Living Museum. It’s a rare glimpse into Britain’s industrial past, where you can stroll recreated streets, visit vintage factories and shop in retro boutiques – all revealing what life was like in the 1800s to early 1900s. Meet costumed characters, go underground in an old mine and watch traditional artisans in action. One of the top places to visit in Birmingham.
Discover local treasures
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has a huge collection of art and artefacts, from renowned paintings to ancient treasures and stunning jewellery. Explore the region's history through archaeological finds, decorative arts and natural curiosities. Don't miss the breathtaking collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and extensive jewel displays.
Go racing at F1 Arcade
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Looking for fun places to visit in Birmingham? Rev up your afternoon with F1 racing thrills – no driver's licence needed! Whether you're a Hamilton in the making or a total rookie, Birmingham's F1 Arcade offers social gaming for all skill levels. Choose your race mode, grab a cocktail and snacks, and feel the adrenaline rush. It’s time to hit the fast lane!
Indulge in Ruby Murray (curry)
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
Birmingham is the home of the balti, so you’re in for a legendary lunch. Enjoy a family-style meal at the riotously bright and lively Tamatanga , whose freshly cooked and locally sourced food is served as soon as it’s ready. Try the tandoori meats still sizzling from the clay oven, or the biryani and salad bowls if you’re looking for something lighter.
Stay at Malmaison Birmingham
- Accommodation
- Suggested time at location: Overnight
Tonight, book into the boutique Malmaison Birmingham, in the city centre. If you’re looking for a stay with an edgy vibe, opt for the Nirvana room, with its anarchic mix of punk-rock art and lighting features, including a rock’n’roll-esque raised bed and mirrored jacuzzi, complete with a disco ball!
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Day 2
Tour Birmingham by kayak
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours

Start the day with a splash! Grab a paddle for Roundhouse Birmingham’s three-mile kayak tour around the city’s canals, with regular stops along the way at iconic spots to give you a breather. This award-winning guided tour is suitable for all levels of experience and lets you see from an entirely different perspective on the city. One of the best places to visit in Birmingham.
Lunch at a local gem
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Refuel with a well-deserved lunch at 1000 Trades, an independent pub which was formerly a jewellery workshop and pin badge factory. While real ales, craft beers and wines are on tap, the kitchen features food from a rotating team of up-and-coming guest chefs; check out the Posh Sandwiches, stuffed with everything from jerk chicken to veggie samosas.
Be dazzled by the Jewellery Quarter
- Shopping
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Discover Birmingham’s roots as a jewellery-making star at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, before hitting the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and studios to shop for a sparkler of your own. Combine this with a visit to the Pen Museum and Coffin Works with the JQ Pass, which saves you 15% on admission – your chance to discover some of the top places to visit in Birmingham.
Join the Peaky Blinders
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours

Fans of Peaky Blinders can step into the world of the infamous Shelby gang at The Raid escape room. It puts you on the team tasked with finding and destroying incriminating evidence before Campbell and his police thugs bust down the bookies’ door. Work fast, Shelby gang! You have one hour to save Tommy and the family from jail.
Dinner, drinks and cabaret
- Show
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Give your Birmingham getaway a glittering finale with dinner and cocktails at The Glee Club – the home of comedy, live music and cabaret in the city, and one of the most entertaining places to visit in Birmingham. It frequently hosts mixed-bill weekend shows and major comedians on tour, Pre-book your meals to dine at your table during the show.
Top Tip - Botanical Gardens
- Sightseeing

Get in touch with nature at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the 15-acre green heart of the city – which features more than 10,000 plants across four Victorian greenhouses, woodlands and Alpine gardens. One of the top places to visit in Birmingham.
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