With the bulbous Bullring shopping center and the cylindrical Rotunda forming one of the UK’s more curious skylines, Birmingham’s city center is certainly unique on first impressions. Moreover, with modern trams gliding by gleaming new squares, the city has undergone profound and positive transformations in recent years.
However, it’s in Birmingham’s neighborhoods where the real magic has been happening. From Harborne’s fabulous gastronomy to Kings Heath’s lush green parks and beyond, there’s plenty to discover when you venture out from town. Here’s a closer look at Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.
Jewellery Quarter
Best for history and heritage
Walking past the busy al fresco bars of Ludgate Hill into leafy St Paul’s Square – Birmingham’s only Georgian square – is one of the city’s finest introductions for first-time visitors. This historic neighborhood was and still is the beating heart of the UK’s jewelry industry, with charming streets lined with old workhouses and shop windows filled with sparkling diamond rings, often perused by couples on weekends.
With immaculately preserved workshops and live demonstrations, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter acts as a fascinating time capsule into Birmingham’s heritage. Other quirky museums include the Pen Museum and the nearby Coffin Works, celebrating Victorian Birmingham’s fascination with funeral decorations.
Don’t miss the superb bars and restaurants of the area too, including low-lit Japanese cocktail bar Ikigai, jaunty microbrewery Rock & Roll Brewhouse, and the darkly enigmatic fine-dining restaurant The Wilderness.
Moseley
Best for bohemian brunches
Whether you think it’s full of either hippies or hipsters, Moseley gets labeled frequently, but those who live there appreciate its character. Moseley Village’s laid-back community vibe has endured for generations, with colorful pubs, cafes, bistros, and restaurants offering an enduring allure.
From the seductive Middle Eastern aromas of Damascena and Tabule Kitchen to hearty stalwarts like De Maines and Maison Mayci, you can find endless brunch options on Moseley’s vibrant streets. When evening comes, quality additions such as French bistro Le Petit Bois, veggie pizza slice kings Peacer, and sublime Peruvian restaurant Chakana offer every reason to stay.
Make time in between meals to visit attractions near Moseley, such as the eighteenth-century Sarehole Mill and the magical woodlands of Moseley Bog, both said to have inspired JRR Tolkien. The Midland Arts Centre (MAC) has been an artistic institution since the early 1960s.
Digbeth
Best for nightlife and street art
Set beneath hulking coal-grey railway arches, Digbeth’s industrial-chic aesthetic seems tailor-made to showcase Birmingham’s exceptional street art. Just a short walk from the city center, the striking graffiti and shimmering fairy lights of Floodgate Street make Digbeth one of Birmingham’s most distinct neighborhoods.
The Custard Factory’s independent shops, cafes, and bars attract throngs of weekend revelers, but it’s in the evening when Digbeth truly comes alive. From rare Belgian beers at Roberto’s Bar and Tasting Club to neon cocktails at Birdie’s, options abound in this compact area.
Dance the night away to beats under the arches at Mama Roux’s, while DJs at the Night Owl spin everything from funk and reggae to soul and indie. If that wasn’t enough, enjoy games like ten-pin bowling and basketball at Roxy Ball Room.
Kings Heath
Best for parks, pints, and independent boutiques
Just south of Moseley lies Kings Heath, centered around its vibrant High Street. With institutions like legendary record shop Polar Bear Records and modern favorites such as handmade gift store ENKI, Kings Heath serves as a welcoming platform for independent businesses and boutiques.
Pedestrian-friendly York Road is the thriving epicenter, instantly recognized by the imposing Victorian redbrick pub and gig venue The Hare and Hounds (where UB40 played their first-ever gig in 1979). Enjoy street food and craft beer at The Juke, natural wines at the breezy Grace + James, and alfresco woodfired pizza at POLI.
If you need a bucolic escape, nearby Highbury Park offers tranquil trails, serene ponds, and dense green woodland.
Stirchley
Best for craft beer
With its splendid old pubs and casual modern taprooms, Stirchley serves as the lively focal point of Birmingham’s craft beer scene. Furthermore, it boasts its own dedicated “beer mile” for enthusiastic ale aficionados to enjoy as they stroll down the understated Pershore Road and its various tributaries.
Bright and airy Attic Brew Co is located across Mary Vale Road from Bournville Station, while Glasshouse’s canalside spot offers ample outdoor seating in summer. In winter, cozy locations like Cork & Cage and Wildcat provide ideal spots to sample their sours, stouts, and hazy pales.
In a previous life, Stirchley was known for its proximity to the famous chocolate haven, Cadbury World, which remains a popular site today, especially for family outings.
Harborne
Best for foodies
No city in the UK outside of London has more Michelin stars than Birmingham, which has become a gastronomic hotspot due to the creativity and passion of its chefs. While the leafy neighborhood of Harborne doesn’t hold any stars yet, it is arguably the city’s best location for consistently high-quality dining experiences.
Sitting proudly at the top end of the High Street, The Plough offers delightful paprika-smoked chicken Cubanos that exceed typical pub menu expectations. Further down the road, The Cods Scallops sets a high standard for fish and chips, especially when paired with freshly shucked oysters.
Highlights include the succulent slow-cooked ox cheek at the wonderful Italian Tropea, while the relaxed fine-dining and imaginative drinks pairings at Harborne Kitchen offer some of the best value quality dining in the city.
