City guide - Birmingham

Published on Thursday 11 December 2008 16:46

IF BIRMINGHAM was a box of chocolates, it would be a giant tub of Heroes. Like the sweets produced there, the city has something to satisfy everyone, as you might expect from the home of such diverse talents as chocolate entrepreneur John Cadbury, wild man of rock Ozzy Osbourne and Barbara Cartland, purveyor of romance to generations.

Birmingham is a city that never does things by halves, and whether you're into live music, entertainment of the shop-till-you-drop variety or simply want to stare at the stars (the state-of-the-art science museum boasts the UK's first purpose-built digital planetarium), you won't be disappointed. All this and more make it the perfect place for a weekend break and even if you don't manage to sample everything the city has to offer, you'll surely be inspired to go back and give it another Twirl.

Before you go Make time to check out www.visitbirmingham.com, and get ready for a fun-packed trip.

Planes, trains, automobiles Getting to Birmingham couldn't be simpler. Flights from Edinburgh can be as little as 10.99 with bmibaby (www.bmibaby.com) and you'll be there within an hour and a half. Alternatively, you could hop on a train – National Express (www.nationalexpress.com) prices start from 14 for a single and will get you there in just over four hours. By road, the journey is approximately five and half hours.

Tourist trail The famous 500m Bullring is brimming with shops – 160 to be precise – and is a day out in itself. And when you need a break from the changing rooms, visit the Hippodrome, where the Birmingham Royal Ballet performs regularly throughout the year.

For a further injection of culture, Ikon is one of Europe's leading contemporary art galleries exhibiting the best in British and international art.

Nightlife The city is bristling with attitude and a music scene that caters to all tastes, from hip hop to cheesy house and nu jazz to Cuban funk. Broad Street is a well-known mecca for club-goers, but don't be afraid to venture off the beaten track and head for the Jam House, Jools Holland's live music bar, hidden in the contrasting calm of St Paul's Square.

If that isn't enough to get you into your glad-rags, then head to Mechu on Summer Row, where upstairs you'll find a VIP club lounge complete with champagne bar. For something with a little less bling, check out the legendary Q Club, which has seven rooms and hosts regular events such as Cream and Raveology.

Where to stay Rooms at the centrally located, four-star Birmingham Marriott (www.marriott.co.uk), with fitness centre, pool and spa, cost from 78 per night at the weekend and from 100 during the week. If you prefer to save your money for shopping, the three-star Birmingham Britannia Hotel (www.britanniahotels.com) in New Street starts at around 48.

Where to eat Chung Ying Garden on Thorp Street has an affordable and delicious banquet menu that starts at 17 per person when six or more are dining. The stylish Opus on Cornwall Street, offering a modern, British menu with the likes of braised faggots and roasted squab pigeon, promises free-range meat and freshly caught wild fish delivered on a daily basis.

What to buy A trip to Birmingham wouldn't be complete without a visit to the space-age Selfridges building at the Bullring, whose curvaceous 'skin' comprises 15,000 spun aluminium discs. And if you have any money left over after revitalising your wardrobe in the Bullring's many shops, the 200-year-old Jewellery Quarter is home to hundreds of jewellers, who will be happy to relieve you of the rest.

Having worked up an appetite, now would be the time to head for the New Street Farmers' Market, offering a dazzling array of fresh fruit and veg, meat, eggs, chutneys, cheeses and sausages, as well as freshly baked bread, cakes, pies and pastries.