Expert Birmingham Itinerary - See the Sights in a Weekend
You’ve packed your case and booked travel tickets, but do you have a trustworthy Birmingham itinerary?
In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to spend a few days in Birmingham. From nighttime recommendations to day excursions, we’ve covered the highlights to make planning easy. Scroll down to become an expert now.
Spending the Evening in Birmingham
Assuming you’re arriving on a Friday afternoon and have just checked into your hotel, we’re starting our Birmingham itinerary with evening activities. So, freshen up and hit the town for a night of culinary delights and delectable tipples.
Explore the Jewellery Quarter
Before you settle in and enjoy a swanky restaurant, head to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. This hub is home to over 100 shops, workshops, and diamond dealers and is a very atmospheric place to walk around and soak in for an evening.
The Georgian buildings, 18th-century St. Paul’s Church, and the church’s grassy surroundings make for great photo spots.
You can even visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter in a stunning 1980s workshop building. But maybe save this for the daytime!
Dinner in Birmingham
It's time for dinner once you’ve soaked up the city’s ambience.
Whether you’ve booked a weekend break in Birmingham or only a day, don’t neglect the city’s vibrant foodie scene.
Cafe Lovelife in nearby Digbeth is an excellent option if you want to try something new. This aesthetic restaurant is ideal for a Friday night with a relaxed social dining concept, Mediterranean-inspired plates, and plenty of cocktails.
It also offers veggie, vegan, halal, and gluten-free food, ensuring everyone can taste the Med without restrictions. Book now.
Alternatively, popular dinner picks include Otto (a pizza restaurant), Hen & Chickens (modern Indian cuisine) and 24 Carat Bistro (Caribbean dishes). The city is jam-packed with flavour!
Cocktails and Drinks in Birmingham
Keep the good vibes going. After a delish meal, treat yourself to a cocktail (or a few).
If you dined at Cafe Lovelife, consider staying for a round before heading to a bar. Cocktail favourites on the menu include Sunset Mai Tai, Negroni Sbagliato, Grapefruit Bellini, and Hugo Spritz.
Other hotspots for an evening refreshment include fruity cocktails at Gas Street Social, mixologist-approved creations at The Alchemist, refined gins at The Distillery, or craft beers at Purecraft Bar and Kitchen.
Daytime in Birmingham
Spending a day in Birmingham is always a good idea. But what should be on your to-do list? Here are some top tips for all visitors.
Shopping at the Bullring & Grand Central
Calling all keen shoppers. A morning at the Bullring & Grand Central is a must.
The Bullring & Grand Central are two massive shopping centres that are joined together. The Bullring was built in 2003, and the Grand Central part in 2015, but this part of Birmingham has been a market since the Middle Ages.
Even if you’re not a fan of retail therapy, consider a walk here to marvel at the architecture and grab a coffee.
Brunch Time
Bruch is a must if you’re on a city break, so add a pitstop to your Birmingham itinerary.
Cafe Lovelife is also a strong contender for brunch dates. With Mediterranean takes on the full English breakfast, steak breakfast plates, scrambled tofu, egg dishes, and focaccia sandwiches, everyone can enjoy a morning meal. Don’t forget your coffee!
You should also consider brunch at Cosy Club Birmingham, which has a vintage interior. Or head to Cherry Red’s Cafe Bar for a classic fry-up.
Soak in the Culture With Birmingham’s Museums
Next, it’s time to learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage. There are plenty of museums for all interests.
The top museums for a day in Birmingham include:
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Coffin Works
- Barber Institute of Fine Arts
- National Motorcycle Museum
- Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Alternative Birmingham Tours
Not a fan of museums? Absolutely no problem. Birmingham has plenty of alternative tours and quirky experiences for all ages.
Top your Birmingham itinerary up with these unique options:
- Birmingham Peaky Blinders Tours
- Birmingham Walking Tours
- Treasure Hunts around Birmingham
- The Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham
- Birmingham Public Art Walking Tours
You can find these highly-rated experiences on TripAdvisor or with a quick Google search.
Consider Colliding With an Event
Our final advice for your Birmingham itinerary is to book your visit during one of the city's many events and celebrations.
There are many events to enjoy, from Birmingham Pride in May to the Birmingham Weekender Arts Festival in September.
Other top festivals include the Mostly Jazz Festival held in Moseley Park, Birmingham Design Festival, and the Moseley Folk and Arts Festival.
You can also check the Birmingham NEC venue's website to see if the UK's largest event space has anything that appeals to you.
Your Birmingham Itinerary - Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time or not, having a trusty Birmingham itinerary can help you see more without stress. Safe travels, and enjoy our fantastic city!