Districts of Birmingham: Explore the Hidden Gems of the Midlands

From the historic Jewellery Quarter to the vibrant Balti Triangle, and from family-friendly Sutton Coldfield to bustling Chinatown, all of the districts of Birmingham have something fresh and exciting to offer visitors. So whether you're marvelling at the modern glass towers of the Colmore Business District or enjoying the cricket at historic Edgbaston stadium, exploring Birmingham's neighbourhoods is like embarking on a journey through every facet of British life and culture. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff or a family looking for a fun day out, here’s everything you need to know about the delightfully diverse districts of Birmingham.

The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham's most historic and iconic neighbourhoods. This charming district has more than 800 jewellery businesses, so it's home to the largest concentration of jewellers in Europe. Expect narrow streets lined with beautifully restored Victorian buildings and traditional workshops, as well as dozens of trendy bars and independent restaurants. Discover the history of the industry at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and then take a guided tour to explore the unique boutiques and artisan retailers selling everything from handmade jewellery to vintage clothing. You could even visit the Pen Museum, which has interactive exhibits on the evolution of writing instruments and traditional pen-making. In the evenings, the Jewellery Quarter comes alive as locals and visitors enjoy the bars and restaurants, including the Button Factory, a renovated Victorian factory with rooftop seating and a contemporary vibe.

• Getting there: It's a 20-minute walk northwest from Birmingham New Street Station.

Bordering Balsall Heath, Sparkhill and Sparkbrook about 3 kilometres southeast of the city centre, Birmingham's Balti Triangle is famous for its delicious Indian and Pakistani cuisine. This vibrant neighbourhood once had dozens of balti restaurants but very few of the original outlets that sprung up in the 1970s remain. Those restaurants, cafés and takeaways that have survived competition from burger bars and fine-dining restaurants – such as Shababs and Shahi Nan Kabab – serve mouthwatering curries, biryanis and street food.

The balti itself takes its name from the wok-like carbon-steel dish called a balti, while the meal is essentially a spicy curry made with marinated meat or vegetables in a rich sauce. Exploring the Balti Triangle reveals colourful streets and bustling Asian markets selling everything from spices and fabrics to jewellery and gifts. In the evenings, the area sizzles with the aroma of enticing spices.

• Getting there: It's a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Around 13 kilometres northeast of Birmingham city centre, Sutton Coldfield is a charming family-friendly district that's perfect for a day out with your children. Historic Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and offers visitors a range of activities including walking, cycling and horse riding. You can also explore the park's lakes and cafés before heading into the town to discover premium shops and high-class gastropubs and restaurants serving everything from sizzling steaks to traditional Italian cuisine. Sutton Coldfield is also home to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, a stunning Victorian building that hosts dozens of events and exhibitions throughout the year. You could even enjoy a golfing experience of a lifetime – or just a spa day – at The Belfry, one of the most famous championship courses in the world.

• Getting there: A 30-minute drive from the city centre, or a direct train from Birmingham New Street Station on the West Midlands Railway to Sutton Coldfield Station.

Birmingham's Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinese districts in the UK. This exciting neighbourhood in the city centre is home to dozens of Chinese restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, including the famous Chinese Gate, which marks the entrance to the area. Here, you can enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes and modern fusion food, as well as shopping for Chinese clothing and exotic ingredients in the bustling street markets. In the evenings, Chinatown is lit with ancient lanterns that create a captivating atmosphere.

• Getting there: It's a two-minute walk south of Birmingham New Street Station, along Hill Street.

The Colmore Business District is Birmingham's financial hub and commercial heart. As home to the city's big businesses, it's a hive of corporate activity during the day but it lets its guard down at night. This vibrant neighbourhood is a great place to explore and you can find everything from the city's cultural treasures at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to classy cocktails at Bijoux Lounge on Colmore Row. Foodies will love the range of cuisine, from American-style comfort food at Isaac's to a slice of Parisian chic on Colmore Row at Madeleine. Here you can expect French Champagne, signature cocktails and classic bar snacks. The business district is also home to Birmingham Cathedral, a stunning Anglican church dating from the 18th century. There are plenty of accommodation options in the city centre, with the ibis Styles Birmingham Centre particularly well placed for exploring this area.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

• Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH
• Open: The Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery, Tearoom, Museum Shop, the new family gallery, Wild City and a series of exhibitions are open from 10am to 5pm every Wednesday to Sunday
  
• Admission: General admission is free but some exhibitions and events may charge

Edgbaston and Harborne are two of Birmingham's most affluent and interesting suburbs. Stunning Victorian architecture, beautiful parks and attractions like Edgbaston Cricket Ground and plenty of fine-dining restaurants draw visitors from across the world. You can take a guided tour of the iconic cricket ground, which includes the historic pavilion and the stands of the famous old stadium, then visit Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club. The club hosts prestigious tournaments like the Rothesay Classic Birmingham but it's also a spectacular venue for indoor and outdoor swimming, squash and the rapidly growing sport of padel. If you prefer to take life at a slower pace, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an oasis of colour only a few kilometres from the city centre. The 6-hectare site has four Victorian glasshouses, Alpine gardens and an adventure playground for children. The gardens also host live music and craft events throughout the year.

Harborne is known for its leafy parks, independent retailers on the high street, and exceptional restaurants. If fine dining is your thing, Tropea is a hidden gem serving classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Harborne Kitchen delights guests with its award-winning modern British cuisine, while Cuubo keeps things simple with a menu of British dishes that draws inspiration from southern Italy.

• Getting to Edgbaston: An eight-minute drive southwest from the city centre, or take the X22 bus towards Bartley Green to the Warwick Crescent stop.
• Getting to Harborne: A 15-minute drive southwest from the city centre, or take the 24 bus towards World's End from Brindley Place, stopping at Grays Road.

Birmingham's diverse districts offer a rich and rewarding experience for any visitor. From the historic charm of the Jewellery Quarter to the culinary delights of the Balti Triangle and the sporting prowess of Edgbaston, each neighbourhood contributes to the city's unique character. The city's excellent public transport system – trains, trams, buses and taxis – makes it easy to discover all that Birmingham has to offer, whether you're here for a day or longer. Travelling to Birmingham from across the UK is very easy via the Midlands' motorway network. Birmingham International Airport is also only 15 minutes from New Street Station by direct train, so international visitors are well catered for too.