Birmingham Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Birmingham

As a city, I find Birmingham rather ugly. And there aren\'t many tourist attractions to lure a person into sightseeing... But there are a few large shopping centres where you can while away the time, or if you like, you can always hit the local pubs and get wasted early in the evening. On...more As a city, I find Birmingham rather ugly. And there aren\'t many tourist attractions to lure a person into sightseeing... But there are a few large shopping centres where you can while away the time, or if you like, you can always hit the local pubs and get wasted early in the evening. On the whole, the city\'s not very well lit, with a few really dark alleys which one would be wiser to avoid late at night.close

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by rosieonvacation – posted on Nov 24, 2007

3

I wish Birmingham well, but can't give it a great review. Oh, I know they've been doing wonders with the city center and new avant-garde architecture and so on, but the place still looks like it has teeth missing. It reminds me of Dublin in the 1970s - full of brownfield sites being used as...more I wish Birmingham well, but can't give it a great review. Oh, I know they've been doing wonders with the city center and new avant-garde architecture and so on, but the place still looks like it has teeth missing. It reminds me of Dublin in the 1970s - full of brownfield sites being used as temporary car-parks until better times come along. Maybe they have, but the place still needs something to give it a sense of cohesion. And I have to say the filthiest McDonald's I have ever been to was in Birmingham (I ended up there cos I arrived at 11pm and couldn't find a restaurant to accept me, so McDonalds it was). Don't get me wrong, there are some nice central areas and the shopping district isn't bad; I just expected a lot more from the place. Very good ethnic food mind you!close

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by Donal – posted on Aug 9, 2007

129

Birmingham is changing and that is obvious when you look around. Its a bit of a mish-mash of buildings at the moment. Too many old poorly maintained buildings is city centre. No or little thought seems have gone into planning. The streets were strewn with litter which detracts from...more Birmingham is changing and that is obvious when you look around. Its a bit of a mish-mash of buildings at the moment. Too many old poorly maintained buildings is city centre. No or little thought seems have gone into planning. The streets were strewn with litter which detracts from changes that do take place.close

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by Hpmfleming – posted on Mar 23, 2007

7

what my friend and i experienced there was great! we were very comfortable and had a great time just chilling at the hostel. the hostel is very close, just a 10 min. walk to the bull ring and maybe a 20 min. walk to the birmingham symphony hall. the staff was absolutely awesome and would...more what my friend and i experienced there was great! we were very comfortable and had a great time just chilling at the hostel. the hostel is very close, just a 10 min. walk to the bull ring and maybe a 20 min. walk to the birmingham symphony hall. the staff was absolutely awesome and would recommend anyone to stay there!! lisa-wisconsinclose

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by rista260 – posted on Jan 28, 2007

4

The city itself wasn't that impressive. The only major draw was the shopping. They say it's the new shopping capital of Europe and I believe. I've never seen a shopping mall like the Bullring. Definitely worth checking out. The best part was the day trips outside the city to...more The city itself wasn't that impressive. The only major draw was the shopping. They say it's the new shopping capital of Europe and I believe. I've never seen a shopping mall like the Bullring. Definitely worth checking out. The best part was the day trips outside the city to Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickclose

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by mcyoun – posted on Sep 29, 2006

9