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:
5. Failing to try the wealth of independent breweries
There are some amazing independent brewers in and around Birmingham. We’re home to Purity, Indian Brewery Snowhill and down in Stirchley, in the south of the city, you’ll find the award-winning Attic Brew Co and Birmingham Brewing Co. (Photo - Rido - stock.adobe.com) | Rido - stock.adobe.com
6. Mispronouncing Birmingham
Unlike the Birmingham in Alabama, US - the Birmingham in England is pronounced without the “g” - so it’s just Birminham when you say it aloud. (Photo - noravector - stock.adobe.com) | noravector - stock.adobe.com
7. Missing out the views from library of birmingham
Library of Birmingham on Centenary Square is first and foremost a library, but it’s also got two balconies open to the public - which gives a great view of the city from up there. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps
8. Not visiting the markets
Birmingham city centre has the Bullring Indoor Market, Bullring Outdoor market and the rag market - where small businesses thrive. The megastores are well and good - but if you want to help out local businesses these markets are the places to go to and shop like Brummies. | Google maps