Why Birmingham is the Place to Be

Birmingham has its own brand of magic

Birmingham has long been one of the most popular cities in the country, but what is it exactly that makes Brum so special? While it might not have the edgy appeal of Bristol or Brighton, Birmingham has a charm all of its own, a certain magic that draws people in and keeps them coming back, time and time again. With so many attractions, events and experiences to be had here, we take a look at some of the reasons why Birmingham is the place to be.  

Art

Birmingham is absolutely packed with galleries and art events, making it one of the best places to discover art. From the Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery and the Café Artum, to The Bond Café Gallery and Medicine Bakery, Café and Gallery, the sheer number of places that you can visit and have lunch while taking in beautiful artworks is staggering. Artists and art lovers are spoiled for choice with places to explore and exhibit and around 20 different galleries and art cafes to visit, not to mention the regular art shows, festivals, and film events that take place. Birmingham’s School of Art feeds into this booming art scene, with students in the city beginning their artistic journeys before they even start studying. 

Nightlife 

Never let it be said that Birmingham has a dull nightlife! Birmingham is packed with incredible bars, nightclubs, casinos, and gaming venues that all cater for an incredible night out. The takeaway scene is unbelievably good in Birmingham, so it’s entirely possible to have an amazing night without even leaving the house. Whether it’s New York-style pizza (Peacer), incredible vegan food (Ba-Ha), or mouth-watering Persian food (Colbeh Persian Kitchen & Bar), Birmingham has got it all. There is also a wealth of glamorous nightclubs to dance the night away in such as The Engine Room or The Castle & Falcon or, for a more rambunctious evening, the gaming bars at MeetspaceVR Gaming Arena and The Floodgate might be just the ticket.  

The iconic Selfridges building is something to behold 

Fine Dining 

As well as top-notch takeaways, Birmingham is well known for its 5 Michelin star restaurants and a plethora of amazing options for eating out. Serving cuisines originating from more than 30 countries all over the world, if there is something that you’ve been craving then the chances are that you will most definitely find it in Birmingham. Head to Tattu on Barwick Street for modern Chinese food with a twist, or the stunning Alchemist for a sense of drama while you’re sampling retro meal options. Gaucho is for those special occasions when only five-star service will do, while Kuula Poke offers Birmingham’s first Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re after Thai, French, Argentinian, Syrian, Italian, Mexican, or Japanese food, diners really are spoiled for choice in Birmingham! 

Architecture 

Birmingham might not be up there with London and Bath for its architecture, but it certainly has more than enough to amaze and inspire lovers of good architecture. The stunning Town Hall with its impressive colonnades and the Victoria Law Courts with its gothic spires are well worth a visit; however, it is the modern buildings that have really put Birmingham on the architectural map. From the impressive Rotunda and the striking Cube, to the curved Holloway Circus Tower and the environmentally friendly Library of Birmingham, this city has a design trailblazer at every turn. However, it is the iconic Selfridges building that really draws the crowds; the distinctive design cost more than £60million and has remained one of the most recognisable landmarks in Birmingham since its opening in 2003. 

Whether you’re looking for art, culture, architecture, dancing, or the finest cuisine around, you can’t go wrong in the amazing city of Birmingham. With so many experiences to choose from and memories to be made, the only trouble will be deciding which one to do first.