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Whether you're flying into the airport for a visit, or exploring from somewhere more local, England’s second city is just a comfortable coach journey away with our fantastic Day Return deals.
Start your travel plans with a look at our cheap tickets to Birmingham, then scroll down as we take you through the best places waiting to be discovered...
Birmingham is a city on the up, and now is a fantastic time to check out its famed shopping and nightlife. A melting pot of different cultures, Birmingham has a great and varied culinary scene that has something for everybody. Here, we take you through the very best of Birmingham to help you plan your visit.
Just a short walk from our coach station in Digbeth, you'll find some of the city's most popular attractions such as Ghetto Golf and The Floodgate. While you're in the area, take some time to visit some traditional Brummie favourites like the Custard Factory - an independent shopping and business centre and The Old Crown, Birmingham’s oldest pub dating back to 1368!
Meanwhile, in the city centre, you'll be able to treat yourself at the Bullring shopping centre, packed with high-street favourites, restaurants and more. Or, why not check out a few hidden gems in Birmingham's shopping arcades? We recommend the Great Western Arcade for traditional gift buying, as well as Piccadilly Arcade for a rest in Faculty, one of the city's top independent coffee shops.
Finally, take on the Birmingham nightlife with a meal out at a huge range of restaurants, including the infamous curry houses of the Balti Triangle. Then enjoy a nightcap at St Paul's Square, home to some of Birmingham's favourite bars.
The Bennetts Hill area
Discover the up-and-coming Bennetts Hill area, leading to Colmore Row and down Temple Street. With plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from including established pizza place, Rudy's, Bodega, and London imports, Franco Manca and The Ivy, you’re spoilt for choice down these connecting city-centre streets.
Tiger Bites Pig
Proof that good things come in small packages, Tiger Bites Pig may only be able to seat a handful of people but this rice bowl and bao bun specialist is a must-visit. With friendly staff, 90s hip-hop on the stereo and the fluffiest little buns filled with fresh meats and veggies, it’s quickly becoming a local favourite. Find out why one bun is never enough!
Original Patty Men
In the heart of Digbeth lies a burger hideout that has become a staple in the lives of people across the city. From a post-work treat to a lunch break dripping with decadence, Original Patty Men is your place to try brilliantly unique and classic burgers, craft beer, sides and more.
The Old Joint Stock
Part pub, part restaurant, part theatre, The Old Joint Stock is one of the most unique watering holes in Birmingham. Forever alive with its charming, jovial atmosphere, the pub’s beautifully traditional decor only adds to the feeling of stepping back in time for an evening. If you’re planning on eating or seeing a show too, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially to get a table for dinner on the balcony.
NQ64
The rise of the barcade (bar-arcade for the uninitiated) has been a beautifully nostalgic thing to see, and none come better than NQ64. Play all your old-school favourites on consoles and in arcade form, all while enjoying some specialty cocktails.
Broad Street
A staple of student nights, post-work drinks and stag and hen do’s for years, Broad Street is one of the liveliest parts of Birmingham. Sample bars, restaurants and pubs of all kinds, from the quieter areas of Brindley Place to the dance-all-night vibes of the Coyote Ugly Saloon and the city’s biggest nightclub, Pryzm.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of the best things to do in Birmingham for free! Take a trip through history and art, featuring Anglo-Saxon gold, ancient Egyptian artefacts and 19th century masterpieces at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. After all your discoveries, ensure you stop off at the lovely cafe inside, it’s one of the city’s true hidden gems.
Library of Birmingham
For those looking for a little peace and quiet during their time in the second city, the Library of Birmingham is second to none. With ten floors of books, learning spaces and a children’s library, there’s a quiet corner for everyone inside. Plus, the giant balconies offer incredible views of the city, perfect for alone time or to share with friends and family.
Symphony Hall
The stunning Symphony Hall is home to the acclaimed City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Birmingham. Time your trip to catch some of the inspiring shows and concerts staged here. From classical music to brass band performances, there is something for all music, comedy and theatre lovers.
The NEC
The UK's largest exhibition arena with over 20 halls, set in grounds of 611 acres. The NEC is home to annual events such as Crufts dog show, The Clothes Show Live and the BBC Good Food Show. We operate regular services to Birmingham Airport, whereby you can use a connecting shuttle service to the NEC.
Other popular attractions:
The Bullring & Grand Central
One of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings, the disk-covered Bullring houses your favourite high street brands under one roof. From the delights of Selfridges to River Island; the Bullring now stretches through to the pop-up shops of Link Street and into Grand Central. With dozens of stores including Whittard, The White Company and more, it’s easy to spend the money saved on coach tickets!
Some of the UK’s largest stores
Did you know Birmingham is home to two brands’ biggest stores? The world’s biggest Primark is five floors of highstreet bargains, including the largest Duck & Dry beauty studio, an in-store barbershop and the ever-popular Disney Cafe. Then just down the street in Dale End, the HMV Vault is 25,000 sq ft of DVDs, Vinyl, CDs and more! If you’re lucky you may even find a famous face on stage when you arrive.
Great Western Arcade
One of Birmingham’s most cherished buildings, The Great Western Arcade is a purveyor of independent shopping and hosts everything from sweet shops to barbers and shoe stores. For lovers of a truly unique find and those who enjoy a bit of an old-fashioned experience, this Victorian arcade is a must-visit.
National SEA LIFE Centre
From clownfish (of Finding Nemo fame) to the strangely-shaped guitarfish, the National SEA LIFE Centre is a true haven for rare, beautiful and endangered underwater life. Meet the family of Gentoo penguins, walk through the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel and take a seat at the 4D cinema to get interactive!
Cadbury World
Birmingham is the proud home of Cadbury World, one of the UK’s most popular family attractions. Like a real-life Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, Cadbury World celebrates the most famous chocolate bars around, with plenty of exhibits to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to visit the world’s biggest Cadbury shop for some sweet-toothed souvenirs too!
Thinktank
Thinktank is a unique science museum that offers a rewarding day out and redefines what it is to learn through exploration. From steam engines to human intestines, this marvellous museum has over 200 hands-on displays of science and technology, past and present. Don’t miss the incredible digital planetarium dome to see the solar system like never before.
Lego Discovery Centre
A utopia for Lego fans big and small, the Discovery Centre has everything from a soft play area to interactive rides and a 4D cinema. And yes, there’re plenty of tiny building blocks to build whatever your heart desires too. You can even meet your favourite lego characters for a quick selfie!
The Electric Cinema
More than just somewhere to see the latest blockbuster, The Electric is part of Brummie culture. As the UK’s oldest working cinema, it’s steeped in history and offers an intimate viewing experience like nowhere else. Order tickets at the traditional office window, buy classic snacks and drinks at the bar and get cozy in the iconic plush red seats for your movie. A must for cinephiles.
Indian Brewery Snowhill
Expect affordable Indian cuisine at this unique brewery, just a stone’s throw from Snow Hill Station. One of the best places for a relaxed bite to eat, day or night, Indian Brewery Snowhill serves tasty street food and sharing plates. Plus, as you’d expect, there’s a great range of bottled and draft beers on offer!
Bacchus Bar
Hidden in the depths of the Burlington Arcade, Bacchus Bar is a medieval-themed bar and restaurant that leaves you feeling like you’re celebrating victory in battle as much as relaxing with friends or family. Enjoy impressive gastro pub food or simply a good glass of wine or ale under the candlelight and flowing banners.
Routes to Birmingham
Popular routes from Birmingham
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