Must Have Guide To Birmingham

Travel and Health Articles

Written by Julian Gregory

Monday, 14 December 2009 16:03

by JulianGregory

Over the past few years, Birmingham in the UK has undergone significant change. It is increasingly regarded as a must visit shopping venue, is a popular tourist base, and is high on the list of partygoers destinations. There are many hotels and restaurants to enjoy, whilst major events take place through the year. This quick guide to Birmingham gives you some highlights

At the upper end of the hotel market, The Hyatt Regency and Malmaison hotels are well worth a mention and well located in the center. However, these will get much mention in any guide to Birmingham. Others that aren't so well known are Hotel du Vin and Jury's Inn; which are firm favorites for regular visitors.

Towards the budget end of the market, many popular chains are available. These are well covered in any guide to Birmingham, though visitors may prefer a stay in a guest house or independently run hotel which can be found locally.

Many a guide to Birmingham will extol how the quality of restaurants in the city has moved on over recent years. Michelin starred Purnell's enjoys its location just yards from Hotel Du Vin, whilst the city also boasts two more Michelin restaurants in Simpson's and Turner's just outside the city center.

There are high quality restaurants for any budget across the city however. Particular local favorites are The Living Room, next door to The Hyatt and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen; again in the Mailbox development. There are a host of Indian restaurants in the city too, most of which are excellent and maintains Birmingham's position as the Curry capital of the UK.

Those desperate for a touch of retail therapy are more than accommodated for in the city. There is Bullring of course; one of the largest shopping spaces in the region; with over 140 stores. Many are drawn to Selfridges which, with its innovative styling is the showpiece of the development. More shops are to be found within the Mailbox, headed up by Harvey Nichols.

Any guide to Birmingham will show these highlights of course, but there are hundreds more shops to enjoy, including a host of independents which offer something a little different. Look out for LivStyl, one of the best kitchen supply stores outside of London.

A number of major sporting and musical events happen in Birmingham now; many in the world renowned National Indoor Arena, (NIA). With both the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in close walking distance too; more classical and intimate concerts can be enjoyed too. Smaller venues continue to pump out the entertainment through the week across the city.

There are a host of clubs too; on the city's main entertainment "strip"; Broad Street, highlights include Gatecrasher and Risa. There are many others to choose from, and it is well worth taking in those that are offered at The Custard Factory in Digbeth or at the Arcadian; both just away from the center.

Only so much can be covered in such a quick guide to Birmingham. Christmas visitors heading into the city should be sure to look out not just for the German Market that takes residence each year, but also for the array of events around the canals, theaters and museums.

About the Author:

When you visit certain locations you may want to think of using a coach hire. It's an easier way of getting around and not having to pay attention to those laws of driving. Look at coach hire birmingham for your next visit.

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