Birmingham City Guide - overview

Birthplace of the industrial revolution, Birmingham is shaking off its dreary manufacturing reputation to reveal a cosmopolitan world city. Situated in the geographical heart of England, the UK's second largest metropolis is a mixed bag of cultures, dotted with a colourful array of continental eateries, modern shopping arcades, sweeping plazas and vibrant markets.

Birmingham came to life in the mid 1800s as a major manufacturing town owing to the large deposits of exploitable coal and iron nearby. Despite heavy bomb damage during World War II's 'Birmingham Blitz', much industrial heritage is still present in Britain's 'canal city', which has more waterways than amorous Venice. Built over 200 years ago, the canals, which once bore the raw materials that would spawn the industrial revolution, are now principally used for pleasure and provide a moody backdrop to the historic buildings, restaurants and pubs that site alongside, most notably at charming Brindley Place and the Gas Street Basin.

Churning out the likes of JRR Tolkien, Robert Plant, Black Sabbath and The Streets, the Brummies have done their fair amount of creative contribution. An impressive live music scene now illuminates the evenings and an exhaustive listing of events can be found in the free fortnightly publication, The Fly.A rich bounty of cuisine and culture make up the world renowned Balti Triangle and the curvaceous Selfridges store with its mottled futuristic 'skin' is not to be missed at the Bullring centre, a commercial hub that has been in use since the Middle Ages. For a breath of fresh air, head to one of Birmingham's five Green Flag status parks and enjoy the shade of the city's dense oak tree cover. Much of the area now covered by Birmingham's metropolis was originally the northern corner of the ancient Forest of Arden.

Getting around: The best way to explore Birmingham is on foot as the majority of the city centre is now pedestrianised and the canals, which have been cleaned up, make for attractive walkways. The majority of transport used in Birmingham and the West Midlands area are buses. There is no central bus station, but a bus stop can be found on almost every corner. Travel West Midlands is the main operator; a single fare costing between £0.80 to £1.10 and a Daysaver ticket, allowing unlimited bus travel for one day costing £3. An exact fare is required when boarding the bus, as drivers will not give change. Black cabs can be hailed in the street or reached at one of the many taxi ranks in the city centre, the main ones situated at New Street Station, Stephenson Street and Digbeth Coach Station. New Street and Moor Street train stations provide rail connections to destinations throughout the UK. For coach transfers to other major towns and cities, National Express is a good bet.