Home to more canals than Venice, legendary architecture and beautiful parks, Birmingham is full of history, a vibrant dining scene and family-friendly activities. Its reputation as a working city is as true today as it was in the days of the industrial revolution. Birmingham is known for its factories, curries, ‘spaghetti’ junction and that accent that nobody quite understands. However, Birmingham is an ocean (or canals!) of hidden gems and secrets. We’ve summarised the best our home has to offer in this Birmingham City Guide.
Birmingham’s Essentials
The city centre is well calibrated for pedestrians. Walk around, there’s much to be seen. Or get a taxi if you must. Additionally, our brand new tram system is currently under construction. This will offer you a quicker alternative to walking!
If you want an alternative tour of Birmingham city centre, take a barge-tour on the canal. They leave daily from Brindley Place and always come with an informative guide.
Birmingham has one of the best road systems in the UK. We advise using the city’s internal transport as parking is limited in the city centre. Do your research beforehand and don’t just expect to be able to street park in front of the Bullring or the Mailbox.
The Two-hour City Tour of Birmingham
Great Western Arcade
Directly opposite Snow Hill train station, is a little arcade that is home to some pioneering independent retailers. Loki (wine merchant and tasting house), Anderson and Hill (delicatessen), Liquor Store (curated rare clothing store) and Bistro 1847 (vegetarian restaurant) are all worth a look.
Ikon Gallery
Started by a group of University of Birmingham Art Students 20 years ago, Ikon is the place to go for modern art, books and gifts. Or even coffee.
Moseley
This beautiful suburb just south of the city centre is home to an annual jazz festival in a picturesque private park. Also, Moseley is home to some brilliant pubs, bars, eateries and independent retailers.
Jewellery Quarter
Steeped in history, Birmingham’s trendy “JQ” is a must see national treasure. A vibrant area, with almost weekly bar and restaurants openings, this lively area of the city has everything to offer, from healthy brunches to one of a kind beer gardens and outdoor rooftops hidden amongst its small streets featuring over 200 listed buildings.
Where to Eat in Birmingham?
Breakfast
Dishoom – Crisp and organised café serving Bombay comfort food, located in the new Paradise Complex.
Business Breakfast
Urban Coffee (Church Street branch) – They offer an amazing coffee selection roasted by Origin, as well as home-made food & brunch.
Mid-morning coffee
Pause – This coffee shop in Kings Heath opened during lockdown. It is famous for its high-quality coffee and quirky bakes.
Working lunch with colleagues
St. Paul’s House – A casual yet exciting Shoreditch-like place located in the Jewellery Quarter on St Paul’s Square perfect for a quick bite.
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Adam’s – Adam Stokes’ Michelin starred restaurant is a luxurious and tasteful choice, bringing out the beauty in food without overdoing the extravagance.
Lunch on your own
Yorks Cafe – Al fresco or dine inside at the Ikon’s restaurant café, overlooking the enchanting Brindley place.
Afternoon tea/drink
1565 Bar – Located on the 4th floor of the Park Regis Hotel, 1565 Bar & Outdoor Terrace offers a copiously diverse Afternoon Tea for all afternoon drinks and delicacies enthusiasts.
Dinner on your own
Fumo – An Italian family owned chic restaurant, cocktail bar and late lounge part of the San Carlo group located just off Colmore Row, at the centre of Birmingham business’ district.
Dinner with colleagues
Indus – A brand new restaurant on the 4th floor of the Park Regis Hotel, inspired by a love of India, and a menu filled with traditional dishes exploring all the richness of tastes that Indian cuisine has to offer.
Private Dinner
Purnell’s Restaurant – An eloquent yet playful Michelin starred restaurant located on Cornwall Street, serving flamboyantly presented and enjoyable dishes.
Drink after dinner
Jukeboxers – Nonstop request based piano all night, with a lengthy cocktail menu and more fancy booze to match.
1565 Bar & Terrace – Beautifully lit space which serves up an extensive menu of creative cocktails and for those looking for something a bit different, the fabulous 1565 Outdoor Terrace allows guests to enjoy the cityscape throughout the year.
Late bite
Chapter – If your appetite calls after the sun goes down, Chapter serves food until 11pm. Tuesday – Saturday. Moreover, Chapter prides itself on its source of high-quality produce from dedicated farms and fishermen from around the British Isles.
On the tiles
The Rainbow Venues – A vibrant place in Birmingham’s more alternative Digbeth area with a length long wooden-deck Mezzanine balcony ideal to enjoy a breeze of summer sunshine
Where to shop in Birmingham?
For Him
For Her
For Kids
Out of the Ordinary
Birmingham’s city centre has much to offer, from places to eat and drink, visit or shop at.
Park Regis Birmingham is located on Broad Street, which means we are are only a few minutes walk away from the charming Brindley Place. Meanwhile, we are also a short walk away from Grand Central, the Bullring and the Mailbox. Our amazing views of the city and our 1565 bar and terrace make the Hotel the perfect place for your Birmingham weekend getaway. Our rooms starting from under £100 for a double-room.
Get in touch today if you would like to discuss your needs and requirements, and to book your stay with us!
