Birmingham, the Second Major City of England

Birmingham is the second major city in England’s West Midlands region, with multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks that speak to its 18th-century history as a manufacturing powerhouse. It is also only 20 min away from Coventry via the train. I visit Birmingham quite often because it reminds me of Vancouver. Both Vancouver and Birmingham have waterfronts, large shopping malls, and a lot of hipster-vibe pubs and restaurants. The fare to Birmingham New St. Station from Coventry station is about £8 on an Any Day Return Ticket and can be cheaper if you select a specific time for returning, instead.

My favourite place to go shopping in Birmingham are the Bull Ring and the Grand Central, which are literally next to the Birmingham New St. Station. The Bull Ring has various different stores with high-end brands inside Selfridges & Co. The store has a very dope architecture on the outside with bubble-like shaped building that has a very interesting curve to it.

Another place to visit in Birmingham is Victoria’s Square, which is often considered to be the centre of Birmingham. Near the square are additional shopping stores, the Town Hall and the Council House. If you walk behind the square, you’ll see Birmingham’s Library, the convention centre, and Brindleyplace where the famous canalside can be seen. This area is also where Peaky Blinders is filmed.