England's second city has long been saddled with a grim reputation that may always have been a bit unfair but feels particularly inaccurate these days. Few cities have undergone such an ambitious program of regeneration in recent times and Birmingham now flaunts a thoroughly rejuvenated landscape that glistens with the thrill of the new (and the newly buffed-up) without sacrificing the austere charms of its industrial heritage.

Alongside snazzy new architecture and glamorous commercial spaces Brum can now boast a buzzing cultural scene that is both characterful and singular and an important component of Birmingham's reinvigorated status as part of a wider creative community. In the wake of the city's iconic Bullring Centre – which brought with it a Selfridges and heap of metropolitan chic - Birmingham now feels like a confident, cosmopolitan second city that brims with progressive possibilities and adventurous developments.

There are few cities in the UK that feel as vital as Birmingham does right now and visitors who arrive with a pre-conceived notion of Brum may be surprised to discover a brave new world of tourist attractions, shopping, nightlife and world class accommodation.

Must See Attractions


Ikon Gallery One of the prime examples of Birmingham's cultural vitality, the Ikon Gallery has transformed a neo-gothic school building into an elegantly conceived art gallery that is now among the most important contemporary art spaces in Europe. The Ikon is both well-established (it celebrates its 50th birthday in 2014) and cutting edge, having moved to its stylish current site in 1997, leading the way for much of the new development that has blossomed in Birmingham since. Expect challenging contemporary art in a variety of media.

Nearby hotels: Hyatt Regency – Crowne Plaza

Second City Boats

Birmingham is a city defined by its extensive canal network. Indeed the oft quoted fact that the city has more miles of canals than Venice is not inaccurate, even if it doesn't take into account that Birmingham's are spread over a far greater area. Nonetheless, while a gondola trip is an imperative part of any visit to Venice a trip on the canals of Birmingham is a less celebrated way to see the city. Second City Boats offer regular pay-as-you-go canal trips and a great way to discover Birmingham afresh.

Where to eat


Balti Triangle

Anglo-Indian cuisine won a place in the nation's heart long ago and the evolution of the balti – a twist on the traditional curry that derives its name from the balti bowl it is served in – as a distinct expression of anglicised Indian cuisine is rooted in Birmingham's famous Balti Triangle, a cluster of restaurants just south of Birmingham's city centre. Balti is effectively indigenous to Birmingham and there couldn't be a better place to find out why Britain has embraced curry so enthusiastically over the last few decades. Al Faisal's on Stoney Lane is a bit of an institution while Al Frash on Ladypool Road has been garnering positive reviews.

Nearby hotel: Conference Aston

Purnell's

At the other end of the budget spectrum, Purnell's shows that Birmingham has developed a refined, gastronomic palette in recent years. This Michelin starred restaurant is the flagship establishment of well-liked local boy Glynn Purnell, a celebrity chef familiar from his fairly regular forays onto foodie TV and a popular ambassador for ambitious high-end food done with an appealing lack of pretention. Purnell's is by now something of an institution and continues to stand out as Birmingham's foremost destination restaurant. If you enjoy imaginative, skilfully executed cookery but aren't too fond of the stuffy, overly formal ambiance that often surrounds it you'll be pleased to find that Purnell's is a relaxed and accessible venue in which you'll enjoy some of the finest cooking in the UK.

Nearby hotels: Copthorne Birmingham - Britannia Birmingham

Nightlife


Gin Parlour

Spend an evening at this sophisticated bar (tucked discretely above the Jackyll & Hyde pub on Steelhouse Lane) and you'll quickly come to feel like an urbane Victorian gentleman. Gin Parlour accompanies its vast selection of gins (the largest in the West Midlands apparently, though we're not sure what the competition's like) with classic gentleman's club stylings – think plenty of dark mahogany and purple velvet – and a fittingly louche atmosphere.

Nearby hotel: Thistle Birmingham

Lost and Found

More Victoriana at this city centre drinking and dining den that has quickly won a reputation for some of the finest cocktails in town. This self-styled ‘Victorian botanical hideaway' is housed in an architecturally noteworthy former bank and provides a lavishly decadent backdrop to your cocktail supping.

Nearby hotel: nitenite cityhotels