Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for a weekend of fun, Birmingham offers the perfect blend of culture, food, shopping, and green spaces. From canalside strolls to Michelin-starred dining, here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Britain’s Second City.

Getting There

Birmingham is extremely well-connected by road and rail. Trains arrive frequently into Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill stations from across the UK. From London, it’s just over one hour by train. The city is also easily accessible via the M6, M5, and M42 motorways.

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Saturday: Canals, Culture and Culinary Delights

Morning – Brindleyplace and the Canals

Start your day at Brindleyplace, a vibrant canalside area filled with restaurants, cafes and public art. A walk along the Birmingham Canal Old Line provides scenic views and a sense of the city’s industrial heritage.

Late Morning – Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG)

Head into the city centre to explore the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, home to one of the finest collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, as well as artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. If BMAG is closed, the nearby Ikon Gallery offers thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions in a beautiful converted schoolhouse.

Lunch – Medicine Bakery or Yorks Café

For lunch, Medicine Bakery on New Street is a popular choice, serving artisan breads, creative brunch options and specialty coffee in a gallery-like setting. York’s Café, just around the corner, also offers a strong brunch menu with global influences.

Afternoon – Bullring, Grand Central and the Markets

Spend the afternoon exploring the Bullring and Grand Central for a mix of high-street and designer shopping. Don’t miss the Birmingham Rag Market and Indoor Market nearby for independent stalls selling everything from fabric and spices to handmade crafts.

Dinner – Dishoom or Original Patty Men

In the evening, book a table at Dishoom, a stylish Bombay-inspired restaurant known for its flavourful small plates and rich black daal. If you prefer a more casual option, head to Original Patty Men, a cult burger spot with bold flavours and a laid-back atmosphere.

Evening Drinks – The Canal House or The Alchemist

End the day with a drink at The Canal House, which offers views over the water and a cosy, rustic setting. For something more modern, The Alchemist on Colmore Row serves creative cocktails with dramatic presentation in a sleek rooftop environment.

Sunday: Parks, History and Local Neighbourhoods

Morning – Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Begin your Sunday at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston. These historic gardens feature glasshouses, exotic plants, and peaceful walking paths – an ideal place to start a slower-paced day.

Late Morning – Jewellery Quarter and the Coffin Works

Next, make your way to the Jewellery Quarter, a historic district home to over 100 jewellers and goldsmiths. Explore the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter or take a tour of the Coffin Works, a preserved Victorian factory that tells the story of Birmingham’s manufacturing past.

Lunch – Otto Pizza or The Button Factory

For lunch, Otto Pizza is a local favourite for authentic wood-fired pizzas using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Nearby, The Button Factory offers a menu of modern British classics and has a rooftop terrace if the weather is good.

Afternoon – Winterbourne House or MAC Birmingham

If you have time before heading home, consider visiting Winterbourne House and Garden, a beautifully preserved Edwardian home surrounded by seven acres of botanic gardens. Alternatively, head to MAC Birmingham in Cannon Hill Park, which hosts independent films, live performances, exhibitions and family-friendly activities.

Bonus Tip: Explore Digbeth or Harborne

If you’re looking to see more of the city, explore one of its distinctive neighbourhoods:

• Digbeth: Known for its creative energy, Digbeth features vibrant street art, the eclectic Red Brick Market and Digbeth Dining Club.
  
• Harborne: A leafy suburb with independent shops, cafés and gastropubs such as The Plough and Harborne Kitchen.
  

Before You Go

Birmingham is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Purnell’s, Opheem and Simpsons, making it a leading destination for fine dining. Be sure to book in advance if you’re planning a special meal.

Final Thoughts

From its industrial roots to its growing cultural and culinary scenes, Birmingham is a city full of surprises. Whether you’re interested in history, food, art or shopping, a weekend here offers the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation.