Discover Birmingham

The Second City like you've never seen it before

Birmingham is the UK's fastest-growing city is and rich in history, culture, attractions and diversity. With visitor numbers growing rapidly, people are flocking to Birmingham for colourful and unique weekenders.

Whether you're a true Brummie or have never been before, Birmingham is a one-stop destination for work and play. We've gathered our best tips for getting around the city, the top 10 recommendations of things to do in Autumn 2022 and some tips from some local Birmingham Pharmacy Professionals. Make sure to keep scrolling down to find our hidden gems!

Our Top Insider Tips

Free WiFi

Loads of Birmingham's public spaces have free public WiFi including the Bullring and Library. Look for 'Bham Free Wifi'.

Get a Swift Card

Cut down on your travel costs and buy a Swift Card - which can be used on trains, buses and trams.

Be prepared for the weather

October weather in Birmingham could be anywhere between 7-14°C. While you'll be protected from it all within The Pharmacy Show event, you may need an umbrella while our exploring the city.

Download Travel Apps

Turn your phone into your personal travel guide and download the West Midlands Network App orCitymapper app to help you get around.

Visit world-famous attractions

The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery itself is an exceptional day out - with amazing collections of Pre-Raphaelite art, metalwork and ceramics (without the queues and tourist clusters of some other major city museums - ahem London). There's also a raft of niche museums the whole family will love - like the Sarehole Mill - a 250-year-old working watermill.

Eat at a Balti House

No Birmingham experience is complete without enjoying an authentic Balti curry - served in a traditional steel Balti dish. Visit the Balti Triangle - a cluster of balti houses along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road. Experience some other delicacies from the area's rich food heritage including groaty pudding, Shrewsbury cakes or traditional faggots (savoury duck meatballs).

Explore the canals

The world-famous Birmingham canal network doesn't just boast more miles than Venice - they are both stunningly beautiful and functional. Float along on a boat tour or use the gorgeous towpaths to explore the city centre. Don't forget a pitstop at a canalside bar like the Flapper or The Malthouse.

Relax in a (sunny) park

Birmingham has more public open space than any city of equal size in Europe with 571 parks – nearly 200 more than Paris! Don't miss the spectacular Winterbourne House and Garden, the gardens in Cannon Hill Park or plan a hike through Lickey Hills Country Park.

Live music and sports

Birmingham offers major venues like the Barclaycard Arena and Town Hall as well as amazing independent music venues and cinemas, all of which host artist's for all tastes. If sports are more your thing - you can visit venues like Villa Park, Edgbaston Cricket Ground or even some of the venues that will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games!

Retail therapy

A focal point of the city is the Bullring & Grand Central - the glamorous heart of Birmingham. With more than 240 shops, it's one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe. If you're looking for independent shops, check out Great Western Arcade or Piccadilly Arcade - two gorgeous, undercover rows of local retailers to explore.

Kid-friendly fun

Family in tow? There's plenty happening right next to the NEC Birmingham to keep kids of all ages entertained. Why not test yourselves in the escape rooms - Escape Hunt Resorts World? Or go to Vortex Gaming - an immersive, state-of-the-art family entertainment centre. Outdoors type? Visit The Bear Grylls Adventure - with ropes courses, archery, assault course and even indoor skydiving!

Indulge, wind down and relax

Maybe your trip to Birmingham is a few days of well-deserved downtime. If so, why not spend time boosting resting, boosting wellness and nourishing your soul at a spa? You don't even need to leave the NEC area - Resorts World boasts Santai - offering facials, massages and body treatments. Then enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, snooze on the hot-stone loungers and yet another dip in hydrotherapy jets - all inside an ionised salt cave.