Lifestyle in Birmingham

The relaxed lifestyle in Birmingham is one of the city’s best assets, and new arrivals are sure to find something to pique their interest among the wide variety of sights, shopping, outdoor activities and restaurants.

Shopping in Birmingham

Arguably the country’s best shopping hub outside of London, Birmingham is a paradise for big spenders and bargain hunters alike. Bullring & Grand Central, a megamall comprising two shopping centres joined by a bridge, offers everything from high-street fashion to household shops. The sprawling buildings and unusual design make this shopping centre a Birmingham landmark and a must-see.

But the city’s shopping offerings don’t end there. Other popular shopping centres include The Fort Shopping Park, The Square Shopping Centre, and Mailbox Birmingham. There are also plenty of markets to explore, including one nestled between the Bullring and Grand Central buildings.

Eating out in Birmingham

From Michelin-starred fare to mouthwatering street food, Birmingham has a wide variety of cuisine to explore. Food from every corner of the globe can be found here, and the city has the English tradition of afternoon tea down to a fine art.

Birmingham is the birthplace of the balti, a type of curry made in a flat-bottomed steel bowl with two handles. This unique piece of equipment was first designed by a Pakistani restaurant owner in the ’70s and manufactured locally. The best place to sample this dish is in the ‘Balti Triangle’, which is made up of several Pakistani restaurants.

Outdoor activities in Birmingham

With forests, public gardens, lakes, canals and parks, Birmingham residents looking for a breath of fresh air are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking to go for a stroll, enjoy a picnic or go for a bike ride, there are plenty of picturesque places to do so. Highlights include Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Reservoir and Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.

See and do in Birmingham

The city’s vibrant culture and fascinating history mean there’s always plenty to see and do in Birmingham. Here are our top picks for a day out.

Cadbury World

A delicious day out awaits those visiting Cadbury World, which is situated at the original Bournville manufacturing site. Learn about the history of chocolate and the Cadbury company, enjoy a chocolate-themed high tea, and embark on the 4D Chocolate Adventure, a unique cinematic experience that includes motion seats.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

This hidden gem is nestled at the heart of the University of Birmingham’s bustling main campus. Although it’s a fairly small gallery, it’s well worth a visit. It’s packed full of paintings from the greats, including Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Botticelli, and Van Gogh.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Cute critters abound in this lovely park. You’ll be able to spot a few of its furry residents, such as red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, otters, and monkeys. A visit to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is more than just a fun afternoon out, as the support of visitors helps the park in its mission to conserve a number of endangered species.