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Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom and is known for its lovely lush green streets, several important historic buildings, and the celebration of local classic British pub foods. There's so much to experience in this city from its football frenzy to its world-famous Christmas Market which is the largest in Europe, along with its stunning Venice-like canals. The New Street Rail Station in Birmingham makes its connectivity brilliant with several nearby cities in the UK.
Here's a guide to the places to visit and hotels to stay in at the Birmingham city centre.
Places To Visit In Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery
Located in a Grade II listed landmark building in the Birmingham city centre core, this stunning museum and art gallery was built in 1885 and houses artworks and artefacts from all over the world from oil paintings and tapestries to stained glass pieces and ceramics, with boast-worthy collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. Overlooking Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, this museum is home to over 800,000 objects that are spread out over nine venues. The collection includes British and European art and textile, the history and archaeology of the region, ancient civilizations, natural science, engineering, and several other important categories. However, it is important to note that the museum and art gallery is closed for renovations and are set to open on an undisclosed date in 2024.
Birmingham New Street Station
The New Street Station is the primary railway station in Birmingham and also has the Grand Central Shopping Centre attached above it. It offers both local and national railway line connections which make it easy to travel to and from Birmingham. The station was part of a 600 million pounds renovation in 2016 which resulted in a state-of-the-art station with several stores within it including John Lewis. The building was first constructed in 1838 and is Grade I listed. The metro line ends at the station after having stopped at Jewellery Quarter, Bull Street, and several other prominent localities.
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Image Credit: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, The Times
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra in Symphony Hall Birmingham. The orchestra performs over 150 shows a year so it's very likely that there would be a concert that you can attend while visiting and we highly recommend visiting. They play both contemporary and classic music, as well as film music. The orchestra group currently has around 90 members.
Bullring Shopping Centre
Birmingham has been called "the city of a thousand trades" for a reason, with the Bullring being an important historical part of it for years. What used to be a popular market square where the trade of meat and horses took place, which is now one of the most famous shopping centres in the city centre. The trade also included buffalos, which is why this centre is now called Bullring.
Top Hotels In Birmingham City Centre
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
Image Credit: Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
Located close to the theatre district and Chinatown, the Holiday Inn in Birmingham City Centre is designed to feel like a home away from home. Modern clean rooms with amenities such as a mini fridge, room service, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi help make the stay as comfortable for you as possible, this hotel is also just a 5-minute drive from the International Convention Centre, making it perfect for if you're in town for a conference, and they also offer junior suites for that extra luxurious stay. For some shopping, the Mailbox, the Grand Central Shopping Centre, and the Bullring Shopping Centre are all within walking distance.
Grand Hotel, Birmingham
Image Credit: Grand Hotel, Birmingham
The famous Grand Hotel in central Birmingham City first opened its doors in 1879 and has always been associated with one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, host to several prominent celebrities throughout the years. The hotel underwent 50 million pounds worth of restoration recently, making it equipped with all the modern luxury amenities you would need, while still having that preserved classy feeling of the original royal hotel. The hotel also provides free WiFi, a flat-screen TV in every room, and several luxury amenities. They have a restaurant that serves international cuisine including delectable French food. Shoppers can thoroughly enjoy the nearby Corporation Street which is one of the main shopping regions in Birmingham.
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