Birmingham has secured a prestigious spot on a national list of must-see destinations, being hailed as one of the best places to visit in Britain.
A Top Ten Finish for the Second City
In a new ranking by global culture and travel authority Time Out, Birmingham clinched the ninth position out of 14 selected cities, towns, and villages across the UK. The list, compiled from the recommendations of local experts, places the West Midlands capital alongside celebrated locations such as Edinburgh, Cirencester in the Cotswolds, and the National Landscape of Anglesey. The top spot was taken by the historic Scottish city of Stirling.
Why Birmingham is a Must-Visit Destination
The city's inclusion was championed by Richard Franks, a born-and-bred Brummie and seasoned travel writer. He pointed to the vibrant energy of Birmingham's Creative Quarter in Digbeth, spotlighting its acclaimed pubs, bars, and dynamic event spaces. Franks also highlighted the area's cultural pedigree, including its connection to the Peaky Blinders phenomenon and the forthcoming relocation of the BBC to the neighbourhood.
Further strengthening the case for a visit is what Franks termed Birmingham's 'street food renaissance'. Key developments like the openings of Saint Pauls Market and Society Birmingham were noted, alongside plans for the launch of Alfred Works, a massive 17,500sq ft food hall set to open this year.
Major Sporting Events on the Horizon
Looking ahead to 2026, the city is set to build on its reputation for hosting world-class events. Following the hugely successful 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham has been selected to host the European Athletics Championships in August 2026. This will mark the first time the event has been held in Great Britain, with over 250,000 tickets already on sale for the spectacle.
This is not the first time Time Out has celebrated Birmingham's appeal. Last year, the Digbeth district earned a place on the publication's list of the Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World, ranking higher than globally renowned areas in New York and Sydney.
The latest accolade solidifies Birmingham's status as a dynamic and evolving destination, offering a compelling mix of culture, cuisine, and major sporting events for visitors in 2026 and beyond.
