Which is the best area to stay in Birmingham?
By Lauren Kendrick. November 03, 2023
Wondering where to stay in Birmingham but not sure where to start? It truly is a diverse city, home to a multitude of cultures and thriving businesses. Birmingham has been built on multiple trades throughout history - it was once the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution and dubbed the “workshop of the world.” This is mainly down to its canals, which beat Amsterdam and Venice in terms of length and can be best seen in the Westside. Birmingham also has music in its veins and is blessed with plenty of music venues, from indie joints to huge arenas. The city is famous for nurturing the likes of UB40, Black Sabbath, and Duran Duran.
The best area to stay in Birmingham is the City Centre as you can tick off all the top sights, go shopping, and dine on the city’s tastiest food with ease. From here, Chinatown, the Jewellery Quarter, and Digbeth are all within walking distance. Plus, there are three major train stations (New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill) and a tramline in the city centre that helps you keep connected to the rest of Birmingham and the West Midlands.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Birmingham, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Birmingham, UK, you may also be interested in where to stay in Brighton, where to stay in Oxford, where to stay in York and where to stay in London.
City Centre, the best area to stay in Birmingham
First time / Sightseeing / Shopping
Birmingham’s City Centre is the best area to stay for first-time visitors who want to enjoy the best shopping, sightseeing, and dining spots. The Bullring Shopping Centre and Grand Central are the main draws of this area. The conjoined spaces are truly a shopper’s paradise, filled with big-name stores and local brands.
While the City Centre offers convenience, entertainment, and a wide range of amenities, it’s also within walking distance of the National Sea Life Centre and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, making it an ideal location for tourists. This area is also where Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market is held each year. Throughout the festive period, this area of Birmingham is completely transformed into a Bavarian wonderland.
Overall, the city centre offers a perfect combination of attractions, shopping, and dining options, making it the best area to stay in Birmingham.
Hotels in Birmingham City Centre
Other areas to stay in Birmingham
The Westside
Nightlife / Young Adults
Stretching from the Sea Life Centre to Five Ways, the Westside is a brilliant place to stay in Birmingham. It’s an ideal location for those who want to experience the city’s nightlife, cultural scene, and entertainment options.
Young adults and party-lovers will want to head to Broad Street to experience Birmingham’s electric nightlife with restaurants, bars, and clubs open until the early hours of the morning. This street also features the Cineworld, the best place to catch a movie in Birmingham. In addition, the Westside is within walking distance of Birmingham’s famous landmarks, including Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place. Both of these hotspots are home to some of the tastiest restaurants in the city. Additionally, visitors can also explore the city’s museums and galleries, such as the Ikon Gallery and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
If you want to immerse yourself in Birmingham’s nightlife scene while also being close to the City Centre, the Westside is perfect.
Chinese Quarter
Restaurants / Nightlife
The Chinese Quarter district (also known as Chinatown) is one of the most culturally significant areas of Birmingham. This is a great place to stay as it is a very short walk from the Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham Indoor Market, and the vibrant gay village.
This area is also famous for the Birmingham Back to Backs. These are four Victorian National Trust properties that have been transformed into a museum to display how life was in Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution.
As well as being home to the best Chinese restaurants in Birmingham, along with plenty of Korean and Japanese dining spots, this neighbourhood has a lively nightlife scene. Once you’ve eaten at one of the many hotpot restaurants along Hurst Street, you can spend the evening at one of the bars in the Arcadian Centre or at the popular Glee Club.
Jewellery Quarter
History / Culture / Art
If you would rather stay just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter is a unique area within walking distance. It’s the perfect base for those who love history, culture, and art and is known for its elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture.
The area takes its name from its important role within the jewellery industry, with hundreds of jewellery stores and workshops nearby. There are several art galleries in the area, including the RBSA Gallery, showcasing local and international artists’ works. Visitors can also explore the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, which offers a fascinating insight into the area’s rich history.
In recent years, the Jewellery Quarter has transformed. Now, you’ll find plenty of independent shops, restaurants, and beauty salons in the area. Whether you want to shop, dine, or soak up culture, the Jewellery Quarter makes for a wonderfully relaxed base.
Convention Quarter
Business / Birmingham International Convention Centre / Arena Birmingham
If you’re travelling to Birmingham for business, the Convention Quarter is an excellent area to stay in. This is because the Birmingham International Convention Centre, Utilita Arena, and Birmingham Library are all nearby. Plus, Centenary Square is one of the most important spots in the entire city.
After undergoing a huge renovation project in recent years, the Convention Quarter is now home to a variety of popular restaurants and bars, providing visitors with plenty of dining options. The area’s central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring Birmingham’s other attractions, such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Town Hall, and the Symphony Hall.
The Bullring Shopping Centre and Chinatown are a 15-minute walk away, which makes this neighbourhood perfect for business travellers who want to be close to their conference venue while enjoying the city’s other amenities.
Digbeth
Art / Music / Culture
Digbeth is the coolest area of Birmingham, located just east of the city centre. With an abundance of art galleries, music venues, and independent shops nearby, it’s a paradise for creatives.
The main reason Digbeth is so popular is that it’s home to the Custard Factory, a buzzing hub that hosts several art galleries, shops, and independent businesses within a set of restored Victorian factory spaces. Make sure to check out Digbeth Dining Club, a street food market that offers a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Digbeth is the top location for those who want to stay in a trendy and artistic area and be within walking distance of Birmingham’s city centre. It’s perfect for young adults, artists, and those looking for a more bohemian atmosphere. Whether you’re in Birmingham for business or leisure, Digbeth is an excellent area to stay in if you want to experience the city’s creative and cultural scene.
Our recommended hotels in Birmingham
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in BirminghamNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
