Birmingham City Centre guide
The city we live, eat and breath in.
”Welcome to Birmingham City Centre”
With an area of 80 square miles and a population of over one million people, Birmingham is England’s second city and one of the largest cities in Europe. Significant investment in recent years has transformed the cityscape from a grotesque, brutal victim of post-World War Two town planning into a blossoming major business and tourist location.
The redeveloped Bullring shopping centre coupled with the award-winning Water’s Edge development at Brindle Place, the Mailbox and Millennium Point, have conspired to create a vibrant, modern and dynamic city centre that gives London a run for its money.
Getting around: A Birmingham City Centre guide
Travelling into the city centre is not always the most pleasurable experience. The main ring-road around Birmingham – aka Spaghetti Junction – is frequently congested but, once you have negotiated the traffic you will be relieved to know that there are over 70 car parks and space for over 24,000 vehicles in the city centre. Unsurprisingly, the best way of travelling to work in the morning is via public transport, with this said Birmingham City Centre is in the process of revolution and on a mission to make living and working in the city even more exciting.
Grand Central Station
As part of the New Street Station Gateway Plus redevelopment, Grand Central underwent a major overhaul. The mall has been redesigned with a glass atrium roof as the centrepiece and is home to over 60 stores across 500,000 sq ft with John Lewis as the main anchor tenant. Many of the shops, restaurants and cafés are new to the city including Cath Kidston, The White Company, Kiehls, Giraffe and Tapas Revolution. It reopened in September 2015 along with the modernised New street station.
All areas of the centre are well-served by bus routes, operated almost exclusively by National Express West Midlands. There is no central station for local services, buses depart from various locations in the city centre – principally Bull Street, Colmore Row, Corporation Street and Stephenson Street with Digbeth Road used primarily for long-distance services. Luckily, a 24-hour service operates throughout the city which is always useful to know on a Friday night after work!
New Street station, right in the heart of the city, is where all local, regional and national rail services go through, whereas Snow Hill is just ten minutes away and Moor Street stations run routes on the Malvern, Worcester and Stratford lines via the Metro Network. Plans are afoot to extend the service out to Five Ways, via the City Centre and along Broad Street.
Eating, drinking and shopping
Being the second-largest city in the country, you can expect to find a thriving shopping sector. And Birmingham doesn’t disappoint. The new Bullring shopping centre which replaced its 1960s predecessor, houses all the familiar high street stores that you would expect to find in any city. But its biggest coup is the fact that almost half of the building is dedicated to Selfridges.
For an alternative shopping experience, there are a series of Victorian arcades and markets whereas a choice of exclusive boutique shopping is found at the Mailbox with Harvey Nicholls and many designer labels. There are more than 500 jewellery businesses in the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham has one of the liveliest club scenes in the country as well as bars, music venues and restaurants, including over 50 different restaurants within the famous ‘Balti Triangle’ alone. Elsewhere, The Mailbox area is home to a growing number of quality restaurants with a wider selection of reasonably-priced eateries and café bars concentrated around the Chinese Quarter – conveniently located within walking distance to New Street station.
For pubs, Broad Street and the Convention Centre locale offer the best choice for both the usual weekend drinkers and delegates enjoying some wind-down time after a long conference. And once the lights go out in the pubs, the clubs come to the fore.
Birmingham city centre has one of the best club scenes catering for lovers of all musical genres. But for something a little less hectic, don’t overlook the city’s cultural aspect. Birmingham Royal Ballet is based at the Hippodrome, whilst Symphony Hall is the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
There are numerous theatres and galleries including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, with its collection of Pre-Raphaelite works. The Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art is Birmingham’s newest venue for contemporary art, with the stylish Ikon Gallery displaying the best of international and British art.
Alternatively, you could take in a film at Star City, a new leisure complex housing a 30-screen cinema and the National Exhibition Centre stages major exhibitions and pop concerts, take a trip to Cadbury World – the home of chocolate, or while away a few hours in the stress-free environment of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses.
Sports-wise, the city is home to two football teams – Birmingham City and Aston Villa – and Test and County cricket are played at Edgbaston. The National Indoor Arena hosts many national sporting events and there are a number of health and fitness clubs, including David Lloyd, Bannatyne, and Fitness First. Ten-pin bowling, golf, go-karting, ice-skating, squash, tennis and swimming are all on offer.
Well connected?
University station takes you to Birmingham New Street in eight minutes (every 10 minutes at peak). You could walk to the city centre (15 mins at best), though you’d run the gauntlet of dual carriageways and roaring roundabouts.
Schools
Chad Vale, St Mary’s Catholic and Water Mill are “outstanding”, says Ofsted. Secondaries: private King Edward’s does a lot of creaming; otherwise, the best state schools are Lordswood Girls, which has a mixed sixth form, St Paul’s for Girls and Selly Park Technology College for Girls.
Main residential areas in Birmingham City Centre
Like many cities, Birmingham has embraced modern and cosmopolitan living in a big way with a number of city-centre developments around the network of canals and in the traditional Jewellery Quarter. Elsewhere, luxury residential developments are springing up in New Street and Hill Street, and the Rotunda building, next to the Bullring, is also being redeveloped as upmarket living accommodation. Despite still being a city on the up, people looking to buy in Birmingham will find that prices are still relatively competitive.
Families who prefer a more suburban lifestyle may consider the likes of Sutton Coldfield on the outskirts of the city. Or for something a bit pricier and upmarket, Edgbaston is home to affluent and well-educated professional people employed in senior managerial positions.
Small Heath is a predominantly Asian and student community with a plethora of rented accommodation.
If you’re thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current properties available to buy or let in Birmingham.
Welcome to Birmingham City Centre, the vibrant heart of England’s second-largest city. As a bustling urban hub with a rich history, diverse culture, and thriving shopping and dining scene, Birmingham City Centre offers an exciting and dynamic experience. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, this area guide will help you navigate and make the most of your time in Birmingham City Centre.
- Bullring and Grand Central: Start your exploration at the Bullring and Grand Central, Birmingham’s premier shopping destinations. This iconic retail complex is home to a wide range of high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and independent stores. Indulge in a shopping spree, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Selfridges building.
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This renowned institution houses an extensive collection of art, including works by the Pre-Raphaelites, as well as historical artefacts and exhibitions. Explore the diverse range of galleries and learn about Birmingham’s rich heritage.
- Symphony Hall: Experience world-class performances at Symphony Hall, one of Europe’s finest concert halls. This acoustically stunning venue hosts renowned orchestras, classical concerts, jazz performances, and other cultural events. Check the schedule and treat yourself to a memorable evening of music and entertainment.
- Library of Birmingham: Discover the impressive architecture and wealth of knowledge at the Library of Birmingham. This modern library is a hub of learning and culture, featuring a vast collection of books, multimedia resources, and exhibition spaces. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace and explore the various levels dedicated to different subjects.
- Jewellery Quarter: Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its rich heritage in jewellery-making. Wander through the quaint streets lined with independent jewellers, boutiques, and art galleries. Visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to learn about the area’s history and craftsmanship. Don’t miss the chance to browse unique jewellery pieces or even design your own.
- Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place: Take a stroll along Gas Street Basin, a picturesque canal area that showcases Birmingham’s industrial past. Admire the narrowboats, canal-side pubs, and charming architecture. Nearby, Brindley Place offers a modern waterfront setting with an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Enjoy a leisurely meal or drink while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Cadbury World: Indulge your sweet tooth at Cadbury World, located just outside the city centre. This interactive attraction takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate and the Cadbury brand. Discover the chocolate-making process, enjoy immersive experiences, and indulge in delicious treats. It’s a must-visit for chocolate lovers of all ages.
- Birmingham Hippodrome: Catch a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the UK’s busiest theatres. From West End musicals to ballet, opera, and drama, the Hippodrome offers a diverse range of productions. Immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre and enjoy a memorable night out.
- Victoria Square and Birmingham Cathedral: Visit Victoria Square, the city’s main public square, and marvel at the impressive architecture, including the iconic Birmingham Town Hall and the statue of Queen Victoria. Nearby, you’ll find Birmingham Cathedral, a stunning example of English Baroque architecture. Take a moment to explore the cathedral’s serene interior and admire its intricate stained-glass windows.
- Food and Drink: Birmingham City Centre boasts a diverse and thriving food scene. From traditional pubs and international cuisine to trendy cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the city’s famous Balti cuisine, a spicy and flavourful style of Indian cuisine that originated in Birmingham.
Birmingham City Centre’s blend of history, culture, shopping, and entertainment makes it an exciting destination for both residents and visitors. Explore the diverse attractions, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and create lasting memories in the heart of Birmingham.
