I visited the massive UK city overlooked by tourists – I can’t wait to go back | Travel News | Travel

Having lived in the UK for years, I had never visited one of its largest cities until recently. Over the years, I have been given many recommendations from people who have grown up in the UK about where to visit, from the historical charm of Bath to the vibrancy of Bristol to the seaside fun of Brighton, all of which are places I thoroughly enjoyed.

However, there is one of the country’s most major cities that I find gets looked over. After a day trip there, I am surprised why it has the reputation it does. When I told people I was going to Birmingham for a day out, many were quite sceptical. So, I didn’t have high hopes for my time there. When I mentioned it, I was met with an occasional “really?” and a frequent “Why are you going there?” But I wanted to see more than the touristy highlights of the UK.

Considering Birmingham is the country’s second-largest city, it seemed silly that I hadn’t been there in the years I have lived in the country. I’m so glad I went.

My coach pulled in ten minutes from the Bull Ring, the city’s famous shopping centre. I walked there on what was a gloriously sunny day, and I cut through Birmingham New Street Station. This, in itself, was impressive. The station was better than some airports I’ve been in, with plenty of shopping and dining choices.

Once I reached the Bull Ring, I picked up what I needed, had a nosy around Selfridges and set off for my day of exploring. My first stop? The trendy neighbourhood of Digbeth. Walking here from the centre, it struck me why someone who isn’t willing to dig a little deeper might dismiss Birmingham.

It does look rough around the edges, but there is more to discover if you let yourself. I went straight to the Red Brick Market, a treasure trove of vintage clothes, gifts, jewellery, accessories and art.

From vintage beer mats to naughty t-shirts to retro jackets, I must have spent about an hour in here exploring. It is one of the better markets I’ve been to in the UK, and it was certainly one of the highlights of my time in the city.

After that, I went across the road to the Alfred Works food hall, which had almost too many tasty vendors to choose from. After a few laps trying to narrow down my choices, I landed on a delicious Greek gyros for £10, which did not disappoint.

As it was a sunny day, I sat outside the back of the hall, where there was a lovely little square hidden away behind the surrounding buildings. It was here that I discovered I was right beside a laser tag spot and a lovely board game cafe, neither of which I had time to visit, but both of which my friends and I were intrigued by.

The day kept going, and we decided to walk along the canal to Gas Street Basin, where there were some gorgeous pubs with outdoor seating, where we could bask in the sunshine. On the way, we walked past Chinatown, where there were delicious-smelling eateries that piqued our interest. Once we arrived at our canal-side destination, we opted for The Botanist, a truly unique eating and drinking venue.

However, there were plenty of well-reviewed options such as the Canalside Bar and Waterside Tap. If I had more time, I would have visited more than one pub, sitting outside and taking in the view of the canal boats, geese and passers-by.

That was by far the highlight of the day, especially because it was a sunny and hot day, making the water sparkle and this spot incredibly attractive.

It was at this point that my friends and I started to question why people talked so poorly of the city. I was told a number of times that there was nothing to do there, and that it was strange I was choosing to go there on my day off.

In fact, there was so much more to the city that I didn’t even see. Apparently, the city has an Irish quarter, which, as an Irishman, I would have loved to visit if I had the time.

There is also the Gay Village, where you find vibrant cabaret and cocktail bars. It soon struck me that Birmingham was not dead, but that people weren’t willing to put in the effort to properly explore it.

Other highlights I didn’t get to experience include Cadbury World, SEA LIFE Birmingham, Birmingham Back-to-Backs, the Library of Birmingham, Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Birmingham Botanic Gardens.

I think Birmingham’s reputation as somewhere not to bother visiting is unfair, and I can’t wait to go back and spend more time there.