Birmingham is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural cities in the UK and more and more people who want to explore the UK beyond London visit Birmingham. Not only does Birmingham have amazing attractions but it renowned for its food scene, with the most Michelin starred restaurants outside London.
Once upon a time, Birmingham was known for industrial works but it has had a facelift since then - and is now a modern and glitzy city but, with it’s uniqueness intact.
The things that make Birmingham unique can sometimes be difficult for visitors to understand and they may end up making mistakes. For instance, “You all right bab?” just means “Are you OK, my love?”
If you don’t want to get caught making a cultural faux pas - there are some things to keep in mind when visiting Birmingham.
Below are 17 mistakes tourists make (and, I did too when I first moved here in 2021 from New Delhi) and how to avoid them:
1. Not travelling beyond Birmingham city centre
Birmingham city centre is amazing but the suburbs are wonderful too. For instance, if you don’t travel beyond the city centre, you would never be able to visit the chocolate village of Birmingham - Bournville - the home of Cadbury. (Photo - suttonbaggies - stock.adobe.com)
2. Not digging into a balti
Indian food is popular in all parts of the world but a balti curry from the place where it originated - the Balti Triangle - should not be missed. (Photo - Google Maps)
3. Thinking everyone wears Peaky Blinders caps
Peaky Blinders is one of the biggest shows that has come out of Birmingham in recent years, but to assume everyone still dresses like that is a folly. It’s not the 1920s after all. (Photo Credit: Johan Persson)
4. Not visiting the parks & hills
From Sutton Park to Lickey Hills - these large open places are set at the edge of the city and only those who venture away from the built-up area will be able to discover what nature has in store for them. (Photo - Adobe Stock images)