Planning a city break in Birmingham? Three days is the perfect amount of time to discover the city’s highlights, from historic streets and beautiful green spaces to independent cafés, destination restaurants, vibrant bars and some of the best shopping in the Midlands.
With so much to see and do in Birmingham city centre, a little planning goes a long way. From a leisurely morning coffee to an evening cocktail, here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Birmingham.
Day One: Breakfast, Birmingham’s Green Spaces & Colmore Row
Start your Birmingham city break with breakfast close to home. At aparthotel Birmingham, our on-site Nisa makes it easy to pick up everything you need for a relaxed breakfast, including a selection of fresh food, snacks and drinks. You can also grab a Costa Coffee to take with you before heading out to explore the city.
From the aparthotel, make your way towards Pigeon Park, one of Birmingham’s most charming little green spaces. Located beside Birmingham Cathedral in the heart of the city, it’s a lovely place to slow down and take in some of the city’s architecture. Birmingham Cathedral is well worth a visit too, particularly for its beautiful interior and famous Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows.
From Pigeon Park, continue your walk towards Colmore Row, one of Birmingham’s most stylish areas. The streets surrounding Colmore Business District are filled with impressive architecture, cafés, restaurants and bars, making this a great area to explore at your own pace.
When it’s time for lunch, Cow & Sow in Chamberlain Square is a great option, serving up British favourites in a relaxed setting. If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, Six by Nico on Colmore Row offers an ever-changing tasting menu that makes lunch feel like an occasion.
After lunch, spend some time wandering through the city centre before settling down for an afternoon drink. Colmore Row is home to plenty of stylish places to enjoy a drink, from classic pubs to cocktail bars. The Alchemist Colmore Row is ideal for creative cocktails, while Eighteen, located high above the city, offers an impressive setting for an afternoon drink with a view.
For dinner, make your way back towards Colmore Row and settle in for an evening at Pasture Birmingham. Known for its open-fire cooking and quality steaks, it’s a fantastic choice for a memorable first-night dinner.
After a busy day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to your own apartment. Put your feet up, make a drink and enjoy the space and privacy of your aparthotel Birmingham apartment.
Day Two: Breakfast, Bullring Shopping & Birmingham After Dark
Day two is all about shopping, food and experiencing some of Birmingham’s lively city-centre atmosphere.
Start the morning with breakfast at Grand Central Kitchen, a popular city-centre spot known for its generous breakfasts and relaxed atmosphere. If you’d rather enjoy a slower start, make the most of your apartment’s fully equipped kitchen and have breakfast at your own pace before heading out.
Next, it’s time to shop. No Birmingham city break would be complete without a trip to the Bullring. One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Bullring brings together some of the biggest names in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and retail. From high-street favourites to luxury shopping at Selfridges, you can easily spend a few hours browsing the stores.
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, take a break from the crowds and explore some of Birmingham’s quieter streets. Wander through the surrounding areas towards Digbeth, where colourful street art, independent businesses and creative spaces offer a completely different side of the city.
When evening arrives, Birmingham’s food scene really comes into its own. You’ll find restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, alongside modern British dining and independent favourites. For something relaxed, La Galleria offers classic Italian dishes in the city centre, while Gaucho Birmingham is a great choice for a more sophisticated evening meal.
After dinner, make the most of Birmingham’s nightlife. The city has no shortage of places to enjoy an evening drink, from cocktail bars and rooftop venues to traditional pubs. Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere and discover why Birmingham has become such a popular destination for food, drink and nightlife.
And when the evening is over, your apartment is waiting. There’s no need to navigate a long journey back to a hotel room across the city — simply return to aparthotel Birmingham and relax in your own comfortable space.
Day Three: The Jewellery Quarter, Parks & A Slower Pace
After two busy days, slow things down on your final morning with a visit to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Just a short distance from the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter is packed with history, independent businesses, cafés, bars and some of Birmingham’s most distinctive architecture.
Take a stroll through the neighbourhood before heading towards St Paul’s Square, Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square. Surrounded by historic buildings and mature trees, it offers a peaceful change of pace from the busy shopping streets.
If you’re looking to spend a little more time outdoors, Birmingham has plenty of green spaces to discover. Eastside City Park provides a modern green space close to the city centre, with landscaped areas and plenty of room for a leisurely walk. It’s an easy way to enjoy a little fresh air without venturing far from Birmingham’s central attractions.
For lunch, head back towards the city centre and choose from the many independent restaurants and cafés dotted throughout Birmingham. Take your time; one of the best things about a city break is not having to rush from one attraction to the next.
If you still have time before heading home, take one last wander through the city. Pick up a coffee, browse a few independent shops or simply find a bench and watch Birmingham go by. Three days gives you enough time to see the highlights while still leaving plenty of room to explore at your own pace.
Where To Stay For Your Birmingham City Break
After three days of walking, shopping, eating and exploring, having somewhere comfortable to return to makes all the difference. aparthotel Birmingham combines the freedom and space of an apartment with the service and convenience of a hotel.
With fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces, superfast Wi-Fi and a 24-hour concierge, you can enjoy all the benefits of a city-centre hotel while still having the freedom to make your stay your own. The on-site Nisa also means you can easily pick up breakfast, snacks, drinks or ingredients to enjoy in your apartment.
Located close to Birmingham Snow Hill station and St Chad’s tram stop, aparthotel Birmingham gives you a convenient base for exploring the city while providing a calm space to retreat to when the day is done.
Ready For Your Birmingham City Break?
Birmingham can be busy, exciting and full of energy- but your accommodation doesn’t have to be. Escape the chaos and enjoy your own space at aparthotel Birmingham, where you can relax, recharge and feel at home in the heart of the city.
For the best value, book direct with our Book Direct, Stay Rewarded offer. You’ll receive 15% off our Best Available Rate on all apartments, plus a complimentary upgrade when available, early check-in on request and flexible booking conditions.
So, pack your bags, leave the everyday behind and give yourself 72 hours to discover Birmingham at your own pace.
Book direct. Stay rewarded. Make aparthotel Birmingham your home away from home.