Your guide to Birmingham / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in Birmingham
Only 24-48 hours in Birmingham
If you only have a day or two to spend in Birmingham, you can still create a memorable experience for yourself and your traveling companions. With so much to choose from, it takes careful planning, but you can put together an itinerary that lets you appreciate all the city has to offer. Check out these tips for some ways to fill one day in Birmingham with fun and excitement.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Birmingham Starting at Yorks
Start your day with breakfast at Yorks. Located in the heart of Birmingham and just steps away from the New Street Station, this restaurant serves up delicious dishes and coffee. You're probably not far from your hotel, and after your meal, you're within walking distance of transportation to your next destination.
Walk Off Your Breakfast Calories With a Visit to The Cube
196 Wharfside Street Birmingham
A walk of about 10 minutes along Navigation Street from Yorks takes you to The Cube, which is a wonderful place to start your trek. This unique building is home to restaurants, living spaces and event venues. Take some time to browse inside.
You can also stay at The Cube while you're visiting Birmingham. For example, the Hotel Indigo Birmingham, which is located right inside The Cube, offers comfortable rooms and excellent dining options.
Once you've explored The Cube, cross the bridge to Gas Street Basin. As you continue on your stroll, you find some lovely photo opportunities of the narrowboats and the arch at Broad Street Tunnel. This route will take you onto the Birmingham City Centre Path.
Take In All the Sights of Brindleyplace
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
When you reach the Pitcher & Piano, turn left to find a treasure trove of restaurants and galleries at Brindleyplace. If you're visiting in the spring, look for the blossom trees in Oozells Square. The display follows the pattern of the famous gardens of Asia. Continue following the canal and then take the suspension bridge across. Stay on this path to reach Centenary Square for a view of the Library of Birmingham.
Continue to the walkway, which takes you across Paradise Circus Queensway, and then veer right. You will come upon the former site of Fletchers Walk on your left. When you reach Birmingham Town Hall, you'll find some beautiful spots for pictures to commemorate your day. Behind it, you can see the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. On the next leg of your journey, head northeast via Colmore Row until you come to St. Phillip's Cathedral.
Enjoy Lunch Along Colmore Row
If you started in the morning, this should bring you to lunchtime, and you're in an excellent place for it. You can find some fantastic coffee shops with sandwiches, macaroons and more all along Colmore.
200 Degrees is a quirky independent coffee shop that houses a barista school in the basement. Along with the flavorful cups of Joe, you can grab a sandwich as well. Rudy's Neopolitan Pizza prides itself on outstanding service along with its sourdough crust and toppings that are anything but ordinary. The Indian Streatery is a lovely place to sit down and enjoy lunch, but if you don't have time, check out the grab-and-go offerings.
Hop the Train to a Chocolate Wonderland
From the New Street Station, any Cross City train can take you out to Bournville, home of Cadbury World and the world-famous chocolate of the same name. The tours through the home of Cadbury are self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace. Check out the examples of some of the company's iconic advertising over the years as well as its manufacturing process. Delight in the samples available along the way and let yourself be a child again at the Cadabra ride and interactive displays.
Enjoy a Drink and a Snack on New Street
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
After the excitement of Cadbury, you're probably ready to take a break with a drink and maybe a snack. Take the train for a short 15-minute ride to New Street and then take a short walk to Chamberlain Square. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) and the Edwardian Tearooms have an excellent selection of teas and cakes. When you're ready to move on, spend some time in the museum. This iconic location exhibits some of the most unique artifacts and paintings in the country.
Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet at the Library of Birmingham
A walk of about 10 minutes from the BMAG brings you to the Library of Birmingham, which houses more than 400,000 books and two beautiful secret gardens. You will be delighted by the peaceful atmosphere at the BMAG.
Discover the Night Life of the Gas Street Basin
As the sun begins to set, a 10-minute walk along Bridge Street brings you back to the Gas Street Basin, just as it comes to life for the evening. The canalside bars are ideal for a drink to start, and the food options are some of the best in the city. Pizza is a specialty at The Stable for dinner. Cherry Reds and The Victoria are some other excellent choices in this area. By following the canal's networks, you can easily find your way around and explore without losing your planned route.
Stay Up Late for the Music
If you're up for some late-night live music, check out The Sunflower Lounge. This bar has a basement that can accommodate up to 120 guests and has helped launch the careers of acts such as Royal Blood and Dua Lipa. Wrap up your night at Snobs, probably the best-known club in Birmingham. Three floors fill with live music three times a week, every week, just as they have for more than 40 years.
See How Much You Can Squeeze Into 24 Hours
Birmingham is an eclectic city with neighborhoods that have a personality all their own. Historic buildings, arts districts and happening nightspots all coexist in this melting pot. If you plan your time carefully, you can get a taste of it all, even if you only have 24 hours to spend in Birmingham. Start by choosing a hotel that's strategically located in proximity to what you want to see. Then see how much fun you can pack into a single day.