Destination Birmingham

Yet while its skyline and streets may look different, Birmingham’s spirit remains unmistakably the same. Its energy lives on through its heritage, its thriving food and drink scene, in its green spaces and in its dynamic sports, music and arts communities.

It’s a city that still feels like home and for alumni Ellen Pugsley (MSc International Business, 2022), Irina Iovu (BSc Business Management with Marketing and Year in Industry, 2021; MSc International Business, 2022), Ashily Feng (MSc Marketing Communication, 2018) and Alex Best (BSc Human Biology, 2021) it still is. Below they share their own recommendations on the best places to visit in the city today.

Alex says: ‘Birmingham's canals tell the story of the city. They were once the engine room of the Industrial Revolution and today they're lined with independent businesses, bars and restaurants. Walking along the canals is one of the best ways to understand where Birmingham has come from and where it's heading.’

Ellen says: ‘You can’t beat the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery; the pre-Raphaelite gallery is my favourite but there is always something new to see and even better it’s free so a great place to go when the weather isn’t the best!’

Ashily says: 'My recommendation is the University’s Exchange building in Centenary Square. The building originally opened in 1933 as the headquarters of Birmingham Municipal Bank, and today its café and public spaces regularly host fascinating exhibitions and events. The Exchange is much more than an impressive historic building. It has played an important role in my journey from being a University of Birmingham student to becoming an entrepreneur as a member of the first cohort of the Elevate Programme, which is based out of the building. To me, The Exchange represents Birmingham particularly well: a historic building given a new purpose as a home for ideas, enterprise, learning and community.'

Ellen says: ‘Rajdoot, a tandoori restaurant on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter and the city centre is a hidden gem. The food is the best you can find, and all customers get treated like royalty a perfect spot for a special occasion. Also, Colbeh is a Persian restaurant where the food is authentic, generous and delicious. Hidden away on the Hagley Road, where you can also find other Persian outlets, it’s a great place to pick up some herbs and spices and very reasonable prices.’

Ashily says: ‘Medicine Bakery on New Street, close to Birmingham Town Hall, is a wonderful brunch spot. Its high ceilings, greenery and beautiful gallery-style interior make it feel almost like stepping into a garden. The historic setting also gives visitors a glimpse of another side of Birmingham’s character and development. I have a soft spot for the mango smoothie from Happy Lemon in Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter. It is a cheerful and comforting taste of home for me.’

Alex says: ‘If you leave Birmingham without eating at Bonehead, you've done the city wrong. For me, it's the benchmark for fried chicken – simple, unapologetic and consistently brilliant. It's one of those places I recommend to anyone visiting the city.’

Ellen says: ‘The Edgbaston Reservoir is a lovely place to walk around and check out the views of Birmingham skyline, an oasis in the city.’

Alex says: ‘The Lickey Hills are hard to beat. Great views, proper walking trails and one of the best places to escape the city for a couple of hours.’

Irina says: ‘Cannon Hill is one of the more popular parks in Birmingham and my favourite picnic spot when the weather allows it. In spring, there are lots of beautiful blooms which makes it a beautiful place for a spot of photography. I like visiting the MAC when I go to the park as there's always some craft activity on or lots of unique displays.’ 

Ashily says: ‘It is a shame that I never visited Birmingham Botanical Gardens while I was a student, especially as student concession tickets are available! I finally went six or seven years after graduating and was amazed by the variety of plants. It is both beautiful and educational and I would strongly encourage students not to wait as long as I did.’

Alex says: ‘As a Leeds lad, I'm staying firmly out of Birmingham football politics! But Edgbaston deserves a mention. Even if you're not a huge cricket fan, there's something special about a packed-out Test match or a big summer event there.’ 

Ashily says: 'I attended an operatic performance at Symphony Hall while on a date with my husband. It was my first experience of feeling the full emotional and physical impact of opera performed live, and I was completely overwhelmed by its power. The occasion remains a very special memory for both of us.'

Irina says: ‘I love the Birmingham Artisan Markets because they pop up every now and again in different places and you can get lots of lovely handmade goods. I love cakes and sweets, so I definitely recommend the markets for delicious treats like cinnamon buns.’ 

Alex says: 'The Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath is a Birmingham institution. It hosted UB40's first ever gig and has welcomed artists such as Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding long before they became household names. It's proof that some of the best music venues in the country aren't arenas – they're pubs with character and a proper sense of community.'

Alex says: '‘Thinktank gets it exactly right – educational without feeling like school. There are loads of hands-on activities for kids and enough interesting things for adults too. It's one of those places you can spend an entire day and still not see everything.’

Ashily says: '‘The canals around Brindley Place and Gas Street Basin are wonderful for families. Walking beside the water offers a calmer view of the city, while still being close to restaurants, cultural venues and many of Birmingham’s main attractions. It is a lovely area for an unhurried family walk.’

Irina says: ‘I really enjoyed visiting the West Midlands Police Museum which is located in an actual police block cell which stopped operating in 2016. If you like the Peaky Blinders, you get to find out about the real deal guys and get to see what holding cells look like, including discovering the darker history of Birmingham's criminals.’

Alex says: ‘Stirchley is one of Birmingham's true hidden gems. In the space of one high street you've got great independent businesses like the British Oak for a pint, Cork & Cage for wine and small plates, Eat Vietnam for incredible food, Attic for some of the city's best beer and, of course, Burger-Me-Up. It still feels like a proper community and that's what makes it special.’

Ellen says: ‘The Coffin Works – such a quirky museum where you can learn a lot about Birmingham’s industrial past.’

Ashily says: ‘One of my favourite hidden gems is St Paul’s Club, based at Edgbaston Hall within Edgbaston Golf Club. On a warm summer day, there is nothing better than enjoying a coffee or a steak while looking out over the beautiful green lawns, with a gentle breeze passing through. The setting feels peaceful, elegant and far removed from the pace of the city, even though it is only a short distance from the city centre. As it is a private members’ club, I would particularly recommend experiencing it as a member or a member’s guest if the opportunity arises.’