Birmingham, the “Second city” of England, is also often the most underrated in the country. The city made its name as an Industrial centre, a hotbed for manufacturing, aided by the intricate canal system that runs through it. It underwent extensive bombardment in 1940 but rose like a phoenix after the “Birmingham Blitz” to redevelop as a cosmopolitan and important trade centre of the country.
Birmingham now is a completely different story. The shift has been gradual, but over the last couple of decades, it has re-invented itself once again as a city that provides the locals and its visitors alike with ample opportunities to experience the good things in life be it culture, food, cinema, entertainment, education, architecture, or the chance to simply admire the hospitality of the multicultural residents that have made Birmingham an admirable destination.
There’s something for everyone in Birmingham; Want to catch a film in UK’s oldest working cinema or have an authentic Asian meal in the famous Balti Triangle? Maybe spend a day relaxing under the summer sun at the park or take the kids out for some educational fun at one of the many museums and playcentres?
How about some dance lessons learning Bhangra or you could be a flâneur for a day walking around the city centre appreciating the architecture and sculptures that dot the region? Birmingham is a wealth of experiences.
The strongest characteristic of the city is its multiculturality that has helped Birmingham become an amalgamation of traditions, experiences, and events that cover the entire world. Culture and art is seeped into it with multitude of local events taking place throughout the year that celebrate the diversity that Birmingham is so proud of.
To know Birmingham is to know its people, but even though most of the activities in the city are usually confined to the centre, it can be a daunting task to discover them all. Here is a list of 20 Things to Do, Eat, or See in Birmingham that makes this city special and one that should be part of your travel plans.