Birmingham, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a unique blend of the past and present. From its industrial heritage to its thriving arts scene, Birmingham has something for everyone. Let's explore some of the city's hidden gems and must-visit spots, from the Peaky Blinders' trail to the best places to eat, drink, and stay.
Culture - Shelby Murals and Sabbath Shrines
The Peaky Blinders TV drama has undoubtedly left its mark on Birmingham, with the city becoming a pilgrimage site for fans of the show. The Black Country Living Museum, with its authentic recreations of streets and houses, is a must-visit for those wanting to step back in time. The museum's attention to detail is remarkable, and it's easy to imagine the scenes from the TV show unfolding before your eyes.
For those wanting to delve deeper into the world of the Peaky Blinders, a walking tour of the city with a guide dressed as Edward Shelby is a great option. The tour takes in key locations from the show, and the guide's knowledge and passion for the subject are infectious. The West Midlands Police Museum is another fascinating stop, with historic mugshots, artefacts, and the original cells where members of the real-life Peaky Blinders gang were once held.
Birmingham has also become a pilgrimage site for heavy metal fans, especially since the final Black Sabbath concert at Villa Park last summer and Ozzy Osbourne's passing just over two weeks later. The city is dotted with Ozzy and Sabbath landmarks, including Mr Murals' artworks on Navigation Street, near New Street station. The Crown pub, where Sabbath played their first gig, is now sadly closed, but the memories of the band's early days remain.
Where to Eat - From Fried Chicken to Fine Dining
Birmingham's food scene is diverse and exciting, with something to suit every taste and budget. John Bright Street is a great place to start, with brunch at kitsch indie cafe-bar Cherry Reds and cider and speciality sourdough pizza spot The Stable. For those with a hankering for fried chicken, Bonehead, a grungy, rock-themed joint on adjacent Lower Severn Street, is a must-visit. The Osbournes, Slipknot, Jason Momoa, and Mogwai have all been spotted there.
The Jewellery Quarter is home to Saint Paul's Market, a food hall with seven indie kitchens serving up Persian, Indian, Thai, and more. Birmingham is also a city of fine dining, with Opheem becoming the first Indian restaurant outside London to be awarded a Michelin star in 2019. The Wilderness, an alternative, goth-black restaurant housed in a former factory, has just won its first Michelin star, taking the city's total to five. Chef-owner Alex Claridge's modern British fare, using seasonal ingredients, is a must-try.
Where to Drink - From a Pint of Mild to Craft Beers
Birmingham's pub culture is very much alive, with Mitchells & Butlers and Ansells being famous breweries that once employed someone in every family. Traditional pubs serving similar ales from around Birmingham and the West Midlands pepper the city, with Black Country Ales' The Craven Arms, The Jewellers Arms, and The Wellington being great starting points. Don't forget to order a cheese and onion cob to go with your pint for the full West Midlands experience.
The modern craft beer revolution is also very much alive in the city, with Attic Brew Co.'s Intuition being the most poured craft pint in Brum. Sample their wares at their central taproom, The Barrel Store, in Stirchley. The Stirchley Beer Mile takes in three major brewers, all within a half-mile radius, as well as two award-winning bottle shops and at least 10 pubs and bars. Don't miss Bonehead's Deadbeat dive bar, a similarly grungy rock bar that sells Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap and often hosts NYC-style pizza slice pop-ups.
Nightlife - From Irish Boozers to Experimental Music
Digbeth, Birmingham's original Irish quarter, is home to some of the city's best nightlife. Pubs such as Nortons, The Old Crown, Cleary's, and The Anchor offer some of the best Guinness, trad music sessions, and craic this side of the Irish Sea. Digbeth is also the city's creative quarter, and home to experimental concert promoter Capsule, which brings peculiar and brilliant musicians to Brum who might otherwise skip the region completely.
After hours, dance to northern soul at The Night Owl, or head to venues such as Dead Wax, Suki10c, Lab11, and Mama Roux's for parties ranging in genre from house to jungle. Capsule's Supersonic festival, an award-winning event running since 2003, takes over venues in Digbeth, including Centrala, an experimental arts centre and exhibition space that supports central and eastern European migrant communities.
Stirchley - The Hipper Hotspot for Cocktails and Breweries
A 10-minute train ride south of New Street station is Stirchley, a neighbourhood of award-winning indies that continues to thrive. Couch, named the UK's number one at the 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards, is a must-visit for cocktail lovers. South African-British fusion restaurant Riverine Rabbit was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin. Stirchley is also known locally as the beer hub of the city, with three major brewers within a half-mile radius, all with taprooms.
Where to Stay - Georgian Hotels and Modern Townhouses
Boutique hotel Saint Pauls House in the Jewellery Quarter sits on the city's last remaining Georgian square and offers comfortable rooms, waterfall showers, and plush beds. Doubles start from £99. Alternatively, stay around the corner at the modern Frederick Street Townhouse, connected to the popular Button Factory pub. Doubles also start from £99.
Birmingham is a city that truly has something for everyone, from its industrial heritage to its thriving arts scene. Whether you're a fan of the Peaky Blinders, a lover of heavy metal, or simply looking for a unique dining or drinking experience, Birmingham has it all. So, why not plan your next trip to this vibrant city and discover its many hidden gems for yourself?
