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Birmingham is a lively and exciting city in England. Second only to London, this city is known for its industrial revolution and trades. In the early 1900’s canals were built to make a network of more canal ways and bridges then Venice. Now a days this city is well known for the many companies and musical groups that originate here. These include Cadbury Chocolate, Black Sabbath, HP Sauce, and the Lunar Society. The Mini car even calls this city home. JRR Tolkien, Washington Irving, who wrote Rip Van Winkle, and Judith Cutler and Jim Crace wrote some of their most famous works in Birmingham. Come see why so many college students travel to Birmingham and what all the excitement is about.

Birmingham Pictures

Things to do in Birmingham

There are so many things to do in Birmingham the list goes on and on. Trams, trains, and water buses can take you all around the city to the various sights. Walk through the city to get the full experience of the hustle and bustle. The crowds flow through the canal bridges and walkways. Stop for an ice cream and take a seat on a park bench while you enjoy this incredible place. Check out Cadbury World. Take the tour through the chocolate factory and find out the history, factory floor, and even get a free tasting. Aston Hall, Ikon Gellery, and Birmingham Museum are a good place to brush up on your artistic side and learn about some of the interesting Birmingham history. Sarehole Mill is a mill museum with a working mill. This is where Matthew Boulton made buttons and metal rolling. His house, the Soho House was once the elegant home of him as well.

Nightlife in Birmingham

There are many nightclubs and other fun nightlife in this city. Some of the best places to go include Risa, Oceana, Snobs, and Ramshackle. Snobs is a college crowded atmosphere and you will be able to dance and hang out with English young adults. Oceana is a little more on the expensive side, however is still worth a night out there. Gatcrasher is the largest club in Birmingham on Broad Street. Show up early if you choose to go here because the line fills up fast. And make sure to dress to impress when going to some of these clubs. Some are more strict then others, but its always a good idea to leave behind the sneakers. Also bring an ID. The drinking age is 18 in England and they are strict about carding before serving.

Dining in Birmingham

The Balti was invented in 1977. The Balti triangle in Birmingham has over fifty restaurants. They span Ladypool Road and Straford Road. Cheap eats for college students are easy to find. You can always get a good deal with tasty food here. Cafe Face offers plates loaded with roasted vegetables and jackpot potatoes for a reasonable price range of three to seven pounds. Edwardian Tea Rooms serve nice plates of snacks and tea food with delicious tea pots. If you are looking for something a bit more expensive for dinner check out Hudson’s, The Green Room, Pasta Di Piazza, and Chung Ying Garden. There are all sorts of varieties of foods and restaurants. Just keep looking if you don’t see your preferred type of food.

Shopping in Birmingham

The Pavillions and Bull Ring Complex are two great shopping areas to buy anything you could think of. The Pavillions have all the cool shopping opportunities. HMV, Marks & Spencer’s, and Virgin Mega stores are just to name a few. Martineau Place is a bit smaller then the other shopping centers. However it has a classy charm. Here you will find stores you may be more accustomed to. Gap, Freespirit, and even H&M are here as well as Starbucks. If you are in the taste for something a bit more luxurious, check out the Jewelery Quarter. There are small shops and workshops, as well as larger retailers all centered in this quarter. It is a bit north of the city, but worth the visit. You may even get an opportunity to see jewelers at their craft.

Birmingham travel tips

• 999 or 112 (on a land-line phone) are the local emergency contact numbers for fire, police, and ambulance.
• Be cautious in city center during football games as crowds are known to get violent and rowdy.
• Aston and Sparkbrook are the only notable crime areas.