Hristina Lozanovska 
Welcome to Brum, commonly known as Birmingham to anyone who’s not a local or, better said, a Brummie. Located in the county of West Midlands, in the center of England, this is the second biggest city in the United Kingdom, so deciding where to stay in Birmingham can be a bit tricky!
I want to ensure that your stay in Birmingham goes perfectly, so I compared all the neighborhoods and chose the top 5.
The Birmingham city center is the ultimate place to stay in this vibrant city, with its gorgeous architecture, numerous museums, and many, many pubs and restaurants.
To make your choice even easier, I went through all the accommodation options on various booking sites and handpicked only the very best hotels in the city. Plus, I sorted them by price. The only thing left for you to do is pick one of the recommended hotels and book your stay as soon as possible because the accommodations sell out super fast in Birmingham.
If you are in a hurry
Check out this list of the best accommodations in the Birmingham city center:
Here’s a map of Birmingham’s 5 best neighborhoods to help you visualize them better:
- City Centre: for first-timers
- Shopping District: for shopping
- Westside: for nightlife
- Digbeth : the coolest area
- Jewellery Quarter: the oldest neighborhood
1. City Centre – where to stay in Birmingham for the first time
If it’s your first time in Birmingham, the city center, where most of the urban regeneration has taken place, is for sure the right place to start! Having been pedestrianized, this area bustling with life is ideal for walking from the biggest cultural highlights to the best dining areas and enjoying a picnic in the city center gardens in between.
With new innovative bars, shopping centers, and restaurants, the Birmingham city center has been completely rejuvenated. It blesses the city with the perfect mix of traditional and modern architecture, new fountains and ancient statues, leisure attractions, and historical museums.
If you’re into museums, here you’ll be spoilt for choice. In the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, you will discover the city’s history, while admiring some modern art. And Thinktank Science Museum is perfect for a myriad of fun activities with your kids or friends; on your visit to the museum, you’ll get to see the Smethwick Engine, the oldest working steam engine in the world!
Sports fanatics will be happy to find Villa Park, home to England’s football team Aston Villa, or Edgbaston Stadium (map), an international cricket ground a bit further away, in the residential neighborhood of Edgbaston!
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out the stunning green spaces. I suggest you also visit the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park and The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
If you like to visit religious buildings there is the stunning 18th-century Birmingham Cathedral (map), as well as plenty of mosques and pagodas that will take you on a journey through Birmingham mixed cultures and traditions.
Foodies will also love the multicultural side of the city! Here, you’ll find not only amazing restaurants from 30 different countries but also great spots for nightlife – everything from traditional British pubs and lively clubs ideal for a hen party! And if you like fine dining, you’ll be happy to hear that Birmingham hosts several Michelin-star restaurants – I personally recommend Opheem and Purnell’s, both in the city center.
If you have time left after visiting everything in the center, you can easily reach any other neighborhood thanks to the well-connected train station. Basically, Birmingham city center is the perfect place where to stay in Birmingham for… anyone!
Located in the heart of Birmingham city center, this stunning 5-star hotel will give you easy access to all the city’s main attractions while spoiling you with all the comforts you need. Choose among a wide range of luxury rooms and order a complimentary breakfast in your bedroom for a special treat!
Other accommodation options in the City Centre
This comfortable hotel is situated near the Utilita Arena and offers a free buffet breakfast and dry cleaning services
In the heart of the city, this budget-friendly accommodation provides air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and on-site dining
Bright Airbnb with perfect location, 1 bedroom, an open plan living area with a kitchen, and all the necessary amenities
Things to do in the City Centre
- Learn about the city’s history at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Have a day full of fun at the Thinktank Science Museum
- Watch a cricket match at Edgbaston, the international cricket ground
- Wonder around Centenary Square and Victoria Square
- Attend a sports event Villa Park football ground
- Stop by to admire the architecture of the Birmingham Cathedral
- Join a walking tour of Birmingham city center
2. Shopping District – nicest area in Birmingham for shopping
Welcome to a shopaholic’s paradise! Birmingham Shopping District, just South of the city center, can satisfy the desires of the most casual and disinterested shopper (here I am), to those of you into high fashion. This is a very lively area and offers a wide array of activities, so even if you’re not into shopping, you’ll certainly find something to do!
Check out the Bullring and Grand Central (map), Birmingham’s largest shopping center with more than 200 shops and the Selfridges Birmingham department store (map). This district also hosts Birmingham’s principal shopping venues like New Street, Corporation Street, and High Street, but also historic shopping arcades, like Piccadilly Arcade, where you’ll find all the independent traders.
The famous TV show Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, and there’s a large mural dedicated to the show on Birmingham’s Hill Street, close to New Street Station.
When you want to take a break from all the shopping, head to the nearby Chinese Quarter to explore the vibrant streets and have a delicious meal in one of the many eateries. However, I also recommend you explore the Birmingham Back to Backs museum or attend one of the events at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
We all know how tiring shopping can be, especially with so many diverse shops, so take the time to take a break and relax in one of its great coffee shops, tea rooms, cafes, restaurants, and pubs! You already like the idea, right? Then don’t waste more time and book your hotel immediately – this is one of the most touristy districts and spots are quick to go!
AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham
Elevate your holiday in this luxury hotel, where contemporary comfort meets European design. Located close to the Bull Ring shopping center, the hotel’s strategic position will give you access to all the top shopping, dining, and entertainment spots, right in the surrounding area.
Other options in Birmingham Shopping District
Stay in these spacious apartments and enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi access, central heating, and private parking
Conveniently located for shopping, this affordable hotel offers guest rooms with private bathrooms, luggage storage, and a 24/7 front desk
Enjoy the stunning view from this fully equipped, luxury apartment and the comfort of the queen-sized bed
Things to do in Birmingham Shopping District
- Enjoy some retail therapy at the famous Bullring and Grand Central
- Do some window shopping in New Street
- Check out independent traders’ shops at the Piccadilly Arcade
- Spend a day exploring the nearby Chinese Quarter
- Catch a play at The Alexandra Theatre
3. Westside – nice place to stay in Birmingham for nightlife
Even though Westside is technically part of the city center, its alternative character and unique atmosphere will make you feel like you are in a completely different area! All you need to do is head West of downtown, and you’ll be in Westside, discovering the best nightlife the city has to offer!
Huge clubs, local pubs with a view of the canal (known as the Gas Street Basin), cocktail bars, fun karaoke joints, and cozy bistros… you don’t have any excuse not to spend the night out here!
Check out Broad Street, where all the dances begin… This is the main bar and club road, offering an infinite choice of music genres and drinks for all to enjoy!
Around the Westside, there’s the Gay Village, where you can have a blast in some of the best LGBTQ+ venues in the country. I also suggest you see a live music show at the O2 Academy Birmingham, or if you’re more into classical music, check the schedule at the Symphony Hall.
Even if nightlife is the main reason people come to this neighborhood, you can also find some family-friendly attractions. The perfect example is the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, an aquarium where you’ll see some stunning sea creatures. It’s also a good idea to visit the Ikon Gallery and see some contemporary art – and admission is free, too!
If you head a bit further North from the Westside, you’ll reach the famous Utilita Arena Birmingham, the top spot for major sports events and large concerts. So, if you’re in town for such an event, it’ll probably be held at Utilita Arena, so Westside is the ideal place for your stay in that scenario as well!
Here you will find a wide variety of all possible accommodation options from high end luxury to self-service apartments, let’s see my hand-picked options:
This upscale hotel features a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop on the premises, as well as spacious rooms, each with a private bathroom with a power shower and free toiletries. Guests can order room service and benefit from the on-site parking and laundry facilities.
Other accommodation options in Westside
Guests at the hotel can use the 24-hour gym, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy the breakfast buffet
Although a bit lower-rated, this hotel is a great option for budget travelers or if you’re traveling with pets
Modern and stylish apartment with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, a large terrace, and free parking
Things to do in Westside
- Attend an exceptional event at the O2 Academy Birmingham
- Do some bar crawl in the buzzing Broad street!
- Discover the best LGBTQ+ venues in the country in the Gay Village
- Listen to some music at the Symphony Hall
- See the animals at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
- Relax in Sutton Park (map)
4. Digbeth – the coolest neighborhood to stay
Digbeth is one of the city’s areas that flourished the most from the Birmingham renovation. Situated Southeast of the city center, this area was transformed from a gray industrial area into a trendy and creative epicenter of arts, independent producers, and retailers.
This vibrant district is now full of artisan and independent traders, vintage shops, and cool art venues that attract many tourists, but also a large number of digital nomads that tend to stay in Digbeth for longer periods of time.
Some of the best things you can do here include spending the day at Golf Fang Birmingham, an indoor golf course that also serves delicious cocktails and amazing food, and attending a music performance at O2 Institute Birmingham.
One of the must-do things in Digbeth is exploring Deritend, a smaller neighborhood in the area and Birmingham’s original Irish Quarter. Here, you’ll see old Victorian factories that have been converted for modern purposes – the Custard Factory (map) is one such example and now serves as a business center and a shopping hub.
Talking about factories, the most famous one in the Birmingham area is the Cadbury Factory, the company behind the magical Cadbury World, a theme park dedicated to chocolate. If you want to visit this amazing spot, you’ll need to head to Bournville, a village situated 4.5 miles (7 km) Southwest of Digbeth.
If you’re traveling with a dog but still want to stay in a high-end hotel, there’s no better choice than the Adagio. Offering luxurious studio and apartment accommodation with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked kitchens, and private bathrooms, the hotel also provides free access to a fitness center and paid parking near the property.
Other accommodation options in Digbeth
Enjoy these clean and spacious apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area, and a separate bedroom
Cozy hotel set in Birmingham’s oldest secular building, with an on-site restaurant, karaoke, and luggage storage services
This modern apartment boasts 1 bedroom, a comfortable seating area, and an open-plan kitchen – ideal for longer stays
Things to do in Digbeth
- Have a unique golfing experience at Golf Fang Birmingham
- Attend one of the performances at O2 Institute Birmingham.
- Check out The Custard Factory
- Catch a movie at the Mockingbird Cinema
- Plan a day trip to Cadbury World
5. Jewellery Quarter – the oldest neighborhood
Located a 20-min walk Northwest of the city center, the Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham’s oldest neighborhoods and distinguishes itself for having been the center of jewelry creation in the UK for more than 200 years – around 40% of all UK jewelry is produced here!
The Jewellery Quarter has a serene atmosphere to it, and as you walk along the streets, you’ll be able to feel the historical significance of this neighborhood.
In recent years, people have referred to the Jewellery Quarter as the ‘Golden Heart of Britain’ due to its longstanding jewelry production.
Home to over 500 jewelry shops, most of them located between Warstone Lane and Vyse Street, the quarter also includes small independent art galleries and several museums, the most known of which is (no surprise) the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, where you’ll discover the history of jewelry making in Birmingham.
Other cool spots you can visit in the area are the Pen Museum and RBSA Gallery, which is situated in an old converted warehouse. I also recommend spending a relaxing evening listening to live music at The Jam House or sitting down for a hearty meal at The Button Factory.
With trendy bars and stylish restaurants, cafes, and pubs, your only concern will be deciding where to have a delicious dinner and enjoy a refreshing cocktail before going to sleep in one of the excellent hotels in the area.
During your stay in this luxurious hotel, you’ll be able to attend a daily manager’s reception, try the local cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or just grab a delicious brunch before you go on to explore the city. The hotel offers concierge services, and the staff is friendly and always willing to assist you with anything you may need.
Other accommodation options in Jewellery Quarter
This eco-certified accommodation offers perks such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary tea and coffee in the hotel lobby
A spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms that can accommodate 4 people, also offering free parking and Wi-Fi
Modern and large apartment situated in the Jewellery Quarter, perfect for a stay with family or friends!
Things to do in Jewellery Quarter
- Go see The Chamberlain Clock (map), the Jewellery Quarter landmark
- Visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
- Spend a couple of hours at the Pen Museum
- Check out the RBSA Gallery
- Have a chill night out at The Jam House
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Button Factory
- Admire the stunning St. Paul’s Church (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍 Best area: | Birmingham city center |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Grand Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Holiday Inn Express |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Premier Inn Waterloo Street |
FAQs about where to stay in Birmingham
🏨 Which are the best places where to stay in Birmingham?
If you’re in Birmingham for the first time, stay in the city center to be close to the top attractions. The best hotels for your stay in downtown Birmingham are The Grand Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express.
🟢 Is it safe to travel to Birmingham?
The city of Birmingham is totally safe for tourists, especially the touristic areas such as the city center and shopping district. If you’re wondering where not to stay, you should steer clear of Aston, Small Heath, and Acocks Green due to the prevalence of street crime.
📷 What are the best things to do in Birmingham?
During your stay in Birmingham, you should visit the city’s main attractions, such as the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, and try traditional English food at some of the local restaurants.
✈️ What are the best hotels in Birmingham near Birmingham Airport?
Birmingham International Airport lies on the outskirts of the city, near NEC (National Exhibition Centre). If you’re in the city for the weekend exhibition, it’s a good idea to stay near the airport, either at the Hilton Garden Inn or The Arden Hotel & Leisure Club
🏨 Which hotels are the most popular ones to stay at in Birmingham?
The most popular hotels in Birmingham are The Grand Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express in the city center, while the most popular accommodations outside the center are the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Westside and the AC Hotel by Marriott in the shopping district.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all from my side! I hope I was able to help you decide where to stay in Birmingham and pick the perfect accommodation for your stay!
I know we’ve been through tons of options for hotels, so here are my top 2 favorites, both located in the Birmingham city center:
- The Grand Hotel – luxury hotel with all comforts in the heart of the city center, close to the main attractions
- Holiday Inn Express – a comfortable hotel with modern amenities and a free breakfast buffet
Don’t forget that these are the best hotels and they can disappear quickly, so make sure you book them far in advance!
If you have any other suggestions or questions about Birmingham, don’t be shy and leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to answer!
Have a good trip,
Hristina
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