Where to stay in Birmingham? Check out our guide of best areas to stay in Birmingham, featuring the travel budget for the second largest city in The UK

So, you had enough from the London crowds, but you still want to enjoy England? Birmingham is a great option in Central England, with plenty of attractions for all types of visitors.

Birmingham Travel: Overview

UK’s second biggest city is a vibrant metropolis where you can find a little of everything. It was just recently that the city was entitled as one of the most multi-cultural spots in England. So wherever you come from you’ll feel welcome in the city.

If now the city holds the title of most diversified place in England, in the past, Birmingham was remarkable for its industrial activity. Those days can still be felt in buildings such as The Moor Street Station, The Victoria Law Courts, and the Stillhouse Lane. All of them are kept in excellent conditions to preserve the image and culture of this glorious and distant past.

Despite not having an underground service, the transportation of the city won’t let you down. You can count on the historical Moor Street Station which operates regional as well as the modern New Street Station (which offers trains for longer distances). Furthermore, you can choose the local bus service that travels all over from 6 am to 10 pm.

Another option to visit Birmingham and its surroundings is renting a car. You can compare rental car prices on RentalCars. It is important to remember thar right hand drive is the standard in the UK, unlike most of Europe which uses LHD.

The nightlife is plenty of options for those who seek entertainment and fun. Besides the bars, the city also counts with many dance clubs, casinos, restaurants, etc.

If you are travelling by bus in Europe, book your tickets using Flixbus. If you are flying, compare and book tickets using Jetradar. For those using the train, buy train tickets on Trainline.

Best Places to Stay in Birmingham

Birmingham Canal

The Birmingham Canal is one of the most exciting points of the city. Its range of attractions include The Malt House, a typical English pub which allows you to drink great beer with stunning views of the canal.

Some steps away from the Malt House, you’ll find another variety of restaurants such as Zizzi with the best of the Italian cuisine, Café Rouge with its famous French dishes, Miller & Carter with the traditional British and Irish steak and many others.

The train station with the best access to the Birmingham Canal is the Birmingham Moor Street Station.

Broad Street

The Broad Street is one of the most exciting addresses in Birmingham. You can start your walking around one of city’s postcards, The Library of Birmingham. It impresses not only for its welcoming yard but als for its interior architecture with includes diversified environments such as The Golden Box, The Shakespeare Memorial Room, and the Photography & Film Section.

Further ahead, you’ll come across attraction points such as The Symphony Hall which promotes excellent weekly events. There is also The Figure of Eight, a welcoming British pub that is ideal for a thirty minute stop. After a break, a must see point in Broad Street is the Grosvenor Casino and the Varanasi Indian Restaraunt.

If you want to find places to spend during the daytime, the Canon Hill Park, is the ideal address. Another option is taking a walk at the Birmingham Botanical Garden.

Budget accommodation in Birmingham – $

Hatters Birmingham – a well-rated hostel located in the Jewellery Quarter, in the city center of Birmingham, right close to the city’s main attractions.

Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Birmingham – $$

Comfort Inn Birmingham – a great option in the city center, located a few minutes walking from New Street Station and the Bullring.

Ibis Birmingham Centre Irving Street – Located in the city center, the hotel has easy access to excellent attractions like The Birmingham Mailbox and the Arcadian Shopping Centre.

Luxurious Hotels – $$$

Hyatt Regency Birmingham – a luxurious hotel is located next to the vibrant Broad Street.

Cost of Travel in Birmingham

Although The U.K is famous for its expensive high cost of living, it doesn’t apply to the Midlands. Even if Birmingham is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, it is more affordable than other large cities in the UK. That is especially the case if you compare it with London or Manchester.

The city offers hotel, restaurants, and pubs ranging from budget to luxurious. So if you want to enjoy a low-cost trip, a great option is staying in suburban areas such as Northfield or Selly Oak (pubs in these areas are equally cozy and spacious).

For those expecting a more sophisticated trip the advice is finding entertainment in neighborhoods such as Edgbaston, Jewelry Quarter and Broad Street, all of them in the commercial hub of Birmingham.

If you are already in the UK and want to get tickets to the city, compare options on GoEuro. If you are flying to Birmingham you can find the cheapest flights on Jetradar.

When to visit Midlands

Considering the midlands are not a top European destination, the prices tend not to change from each season. Birmingham is a little colder than London; however it is rarely freezing. During the Summer and the Spring, it is possible to enjoy of some sunny days in Cannon Hill Park or Victoria Square.

The early fall is marked by the school holidays, so some destinations like malls and public parks can be crowded. In December the city is fully decorated for the Christmas, especially The Queen Victoria Square and its vibrant Christmas Market.

Traveling in the UK? Check our other city guides. Read about where to stay in London, and the best places to stay in Edinburgh.