What to do in Birmingham: The ultimate Birmingham travel guide.

When you finally arrive in the city of Birmingham, it can be hard to miss the iconic Bullring. The impressive bubble-like appearance will definitely stop you in your tracks. This shopping centre has a diverse selection of stores for you to take a shopping spree at. Also, the nearby Bullring Rag Market is worth taking a look at to get some quality clothing and produce. Be sure to say hello to the famous Bullring bull too!

Discover the secrets of the ocean with SEA LIFE Birmingham for an activity in Birmingham that the whole family will love. At SEA LIFE, you can find over 2,000 different creatures to marvel at. Not only can you find all of your favourite sea critters such as clownfish and turtles, but SEA LIFE is also home to the UK’s first and only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola! With tastecard, you can get discounted tickets so you can have family fun on your Birmingham trip without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a kid or a big kid, you’re going to want to check out Cadbury World. For the chocolate connoisseurs out there, there couldn’t be a more ideal place to get your cocoa fix. Located in Bournville (one of their chocolate bars is even named after this model village), Cadbury World features a self-guided tour around their factories that is complete with a 4D experience, family-friendly ride and of course plenty of chocolate treats to pick up along the way!

With over 800,000 objects in their collection, you’re bound to discover plenty of interesting sights in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Their collection includes fine art, local history, jewellery, ceramics and archaeology just to name a few. Entry is free, so it's ideal for those taking a trip on a tight budget, though certain additional exhibitions may require an entry fee.

Sheldon Country is the best place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This beautiful space spanning over 300 acres features a farm for the little ones to spot all of their favourite farmyard animals and lots of pretty rural views to see too. If you’re a little tired after all of your city exploring, take the time to enjoy a picnic at the Rectory Lawn Picnic Area in the midst of these tranquil surroundings.

All of that tourism and walking around will make anybody peckish, so you’ll need to find somewhere to eat. Fortunately, Birmingham has a wealth of food spots for all types of diets and cultures. Luckily, tastecard has compiled lists of the best places to eat in Birmingham, including the best vegan restaurants, family-friendly restaurants, Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants and much more.

You can read about all of the wonderful restaurants in Birmingham on the tastecard blog.

If you’re staying in Birmingham, you’re in luck as there are plenty of accommodation choices on offer. If you would like to go a little fancier with your options, there are luxurious hotels towards the outskirts of the city. If your stay is a little shorter, there are budget-friendly hotels right in the middle of the city centre for those who can’t wait to explore.

Specifically, you will be able to find lots of accommodation options towards the Jewellery Quarter and Westside that will put you on the doorstep of Birmingham’s top sights and activities. Accommodation that is a little more upmarket can be found near Castle Vale and Harbourne.