Birmingham, the heart of England, is more than canals and curry houses. The city is rich in industry, with a vibrant culture and stunning architecture, and Birmingham combines history, innovation, and entertainment in a perfect blend. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, a student discovering your new home, or a resident re-discovering the city, here are the Must Visit Places in Birmingham you shouldn’t miss out on in 2025.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these Must Visit Places in Birmingham reflect the city’s unique charm and evolving character, offering something for every type of traveler.
1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG)
Address: Chamberlain Square, City Centre
Highlights: Pre-Raphaelite art, Anglo-Saxon treasures, Ancient artifacts
BMAG is a treasure of Birmingham’s cultural scene. This 1885 Victorian museum boasts the world’s second-largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and displays on ancient Egypt, local history, and decorative arts. Refurbishment is in process, and by 2025, it will reopen in stages with fresh displays and new interactive facilities.
Why go?
It’s the ideal destination to enjoy world art and the history of Birmingham in equal measure.
2. Cadbury World
Location: Bournville
Highlights: Chocolate-making tours, 4D cinema, interactive exhibits
A sweet escape for families and chocolate lovers alike, Cadbury World offers an immersive journey into the world of chocolate. Learn about the history of the famous Cadbury brand, see how chocolate is made, and indulge in delicious samples along the way. Kids love the adventure zone and the 4D Chocolate Adventure ride.
Why visit?
Tasty, educational, and fun — a number one choice for families or those with a sweet tooth.
3. Birmingham Library
Location: Centenary Square
Highlights: Roof gardens, modern architecture, Shakespeare Memorial Room
The Library of Birmingham is more than a library for books — it’s a work of art. Dutch architects Mecanoo designed this radical library, which has ten floors of information, cultural displays, roof-top terraces with panaromic views, and an exquisitely restored Victorian Shakespeare Memorial Room.
Why go?
Ideal for peaceful contemplation, reading, photography, and cityscapes.
4. The Bullring & Grand Central
Location: City Centre
Highlights: Shopping, dining, Selfridges, iconic architecture
For the authentic Birmingham shopping experience, visit the Bullring & Grand Central complex. This has more than 200 stores ranging from high-street names and designer houses to something for everyone from fashion to food. Don’t miss the stunning Selfridges building with its gleaming silver disc-shaped front.
Why go?
A shopping haven with something for all — fashion to food.
5. The Birmingham Back to Backs
Address: Hurst Street
Highlights: Guided tours of historic working-class homes
Operated by the National Trust, the Back to Backs are Birmingham’s only surviving court of 19th-century housing for the working class. Go back in time as guides lead you through houses restored to various periods of history, demonstrating how real Brummies lived, worked, and socialized.
Why visit?
A living and authentic insight into Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
6. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Location: Edgbaston
Highlights: Victorian glasshouses, exotic plants, peaceful landscapes
Stretching over 15 acres, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are ideal for a relaxing getaway. Visit four Victorian glasshouses with tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean, and arid settings. Outdoor gardens consist of rare plants, bird aviaries, and seasonal flower displays.
Why go?
A serene and green haven best suited for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
7. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Location: Millennium Point, Eastside
Highlights: Planetarium, steam engines, interactive science zones
Ideal for children and inquisitive minds, Thinktank is an award-winning science museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits. Learn about Birmingham’s science and industry contributions, find out about the human body, go on a space journey in the planetarium, and stop by MiniBrum — an adventure play area styled like a model city.
Why go?
Interactive fun for all ages, particularly families and science enthusiasts.
8. Jewellery Quarter
Location: Northwest of the city centre
Highlights: Speciality jewellers, museums, historic atmosphere
Once the world centre for jewellery production, the Jewellery Quarter is still one of Birmingham’s most authentic and historic neighbourhoods. It houses more than 100 specialist jewellery companies, cool cafes, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, and a captivating combination of Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Why visit?
Perfect for independent shopping, heritage walks, and local artisan purchases.
9. Cannon Hill Park
Location: Edgbaston
Highlights: Boating lake, tennis courts, MAC arts centre, wildlife park
This 250-acre park is a popular picnicking and family outing site as well as outdoor activity hotbed. Complete with lovely green open spaces, pedal boats, and the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and exhibitions and drama shows, there’s something in this park to please everyone. Included within its confines is also the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park housing lemurs, red pandas, and reptiles.
Why visit?
A changing space for enjoyment, leisure, and culture.
10. Gas Street Basin & Brindleyplace
Location: Close to Broad Street
Highlights: Historic canal junction, dining by the waterside, nightlife
Birmingham boasts more canals than Venice, and few places highlight them better than Gas Street Basin. A combination of old warehouses, narrowboats, and trendy bars, this precinct links you with the city’s canal system. Brindleyplace, the neighbor, boasts lively nightlife, high-quality restaurants, and entry to the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.
Why visit
Perfect for a water front stroll, boat trip, or evening by the water.
Bonus Mentions
Digbeth & Custard Factory: The city’s creative center with street art, independent music venues, and offbeat cafes.
Aston Hall: Beautiful Jacobean mansion set amongst parkland and history.
Sarehole Mill: Inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, in Hall Green’s suburbs.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether you have an interest in history, the outdoors, shopping, or science, there’s something for every interest in Birmingham. Its changing skyline, warm locals, and mix of the old and new make it a city to be explored. The following Must Visit Places in Birmingham reveal the best of the city’s heritage, innovation, and charm.
If you’re planning a trip or just looking for inspiration, these Must Visit Places in Birmingham offer a perfect blend of culture, leisure, and discovery.
Tips for Visitors:
- Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn for comfortable weather and lively events.
- Transport: Birmingham has a comprehensive bus, tram, and rail network. Most top attractions are walkable from the city centre.
- Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, many close to New Street Station.
Planning a visit or moving to Birmingham? Don’t forget to add these iconic spots to your itinerary. You’ll leave with unforgettable experiences — and probably a few chocolates from Cadbury World too.