Although Birmingham is the second biggest city in England after London, its prices for food and accommodation are not nearly as high. While there are a few high-end luxury hotels in the city centre and other inner-city neighbourhoods, there are plenty of budget hotels too. As the city is becoming more and more popular with tourists, there’s a number of hostels cropping up throughout too.
Birmingham city centre is the most convenient location to stay in, as this is where you’ll find the Bullring shopping centre and New Street Station, which offers cross-country connections, and it’s within walking distance to most of the attractions. The centre is also populated with many top pubs and bars that come to life almost every night of the week.
The real parties, however, are usually found in Digbeth, the city’s industrial neighbourhood that transformed many of its derelict warehouses into rave clubs. As well as its electronic rave culture, hipsters love this area for its creative flare, which is reflected in the iconic street art.
Moseley and Kings Heath are also hipster hangouts, as there are a number of popular bars, independent shops, and intimate event venues around the area. Its popularity in recent years has made it one of Birmingham’s most sought after locations for young professionals, giving it a classier edge over Digbeth.
If you’re looking for a more refined city experience, head to St Pauls and the Jewellery Quarter, located on the opposite side of the city centre. As well as luxury boutique hotels and Airbnb’s, this area boasts award-winning gin bars and Michelin-star restaurants. As these neighbourhoods are a 5 to 10 minute walk from the city centre, they are much quieter and family-friendly.
Located about 5 km from the city centre, Harborne and Edgbaston, are beautiful Victorian city suburbs with pretty parks like the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. These affluent areas are well-connected to the city centre by train, although they tempt you to stay put with local Michelin-star restaurants.
Birmingham is an extraordinarily large city and although some of its neighbourhoods and attractions are within walking distance, it would be a bit ambitious to walk everywhere. Fortunately, there is an efficient tram service that runs throughout the city, as well as frequent local trains that will take you to the suburbs from Birmingham New Street.
