11 reasons you can't ignore little sister Birmingham

Big sister London might be infinitely prettier, but as Dilvin Yasa discovers, England’s second-largest city, Birmingham, might very well be the one packing all the personality. Here’s 11 can’t-misses in the city.

1. Check out Birmingham’s new look

Birmingham’s image problem has a lot to do with being heavily bombed during the Second World War and its post-war regeneration efforts that saw attractive Victorian buildings torn down to make way for new developments, leading to its ‘concrete jungle’ reputation. The architect-designed Library of Birmingham, which opened in 2013, is part of the city’s plan to shake this off. With a sunken amphitheatre, rooftop gardens and a shimmering façade that references Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, it is now Europe’s largest library and a cultural destination in its own right.

2. Tour Birmingham’s famed canals

Birmingham canals things to do — Birmingham out canals Venice (distance wise).

Tired of listening to your friends talk about the time they toured the canals of Venice and ate all that great pizza? Alert them to the fact that their fabled city is sinking, and promptly book a scenic tour of Birmingham’s canals instead – reported to have many more miles of canal to explore than the Italian city. Currently undergoing a gargantuan restoration project which is seeing all manner of gin bars, cafes and more gin bars open up alongside the waterways, the one-hour cruises from Sherborne Wharf feature entertaining commentary on the history of the canal system, refreshments , plus an opportunity to become a new-wave travel bore.

3. Visit the home of Cadbury chocolate

In 1824, 22-year-old John Cadbury opened his first shop, on Birmingham’s then-fashionable Bull Street. He sold tea, coffee, even hops and mustard, as well as cocoa and drinking chocolate: until then a luxury only the elite could afford. The rest is history, and today the chocolate-curious can visit Cadbury World to learn all about it, and eat their body weight in sweet treats. Experience what it’s like to dive into a pot of Cadbury Dairy Milk in their (incredibly realistic) 4D cinema; get dressed up and take choc-themed photos with the family, or simply load on five years’ worth of supplies at Cadbury World’s discount store.

4. Live out your Medieval fantasies at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle Birmingham things to do — Medieval Warwick Castle is not technically but it’s totally worth the short drive.

Geography buffs will point out that Warwick Castle isn’t located inside Birmingham’s city centre, but is a pleasant 40-minute drive away. Anyone who writes in to tell us that should absolutely join the history geeks who make the daily pilgrimage to what experts consider to be the best modern-day example of what Medieval life was all about. Visitors can expect opportunities to view realistic battle scenes, feasts, themed evenings, tower sleepovers, and even ‘birds of prey jousting’. Extra brownie points awarded to those who can complete the Horrible Histories Maze without having a nervous breakdown.

5. Turn up the heat at Balti Triangle

Right up there with other important questions such as ‘What is the meaning of life?’ is ‘How on Earth do I choose the right Balti restaurant for me out of the 200-odd that make up the city’s infamous Balti Triangle?’ Indeed, in what has become known as the curry capital of the UK, it can be a challenge to choose only one or two (and don’t even get us started on all the jewellers, traditional dressmakers and sweet shops dotted in between them), but local guides swear by the Balti (a curry served in a steel bowl, accompanied with a rather large naan bread) at Shababs and Al Frash. Visit Balti Birmingham to make up your own mind and check out our ‘5 best curry houses in Birmingham‘.

6. Get fancy at Hampton Manor

Hampton Manor Birmingham things to do Downton Abbey — Downton Abbey-esque Hampton Manor harbours one the UK’s finest gin menus.

The show might be long-gone but fans with Downton Abbey-esque dreams can continue to keep them alive by visiting majestic Hampton Manor for an evening of wining and dining. Formerly a private home, Hampton Manor now plays host to not only one of the country’s finest gin menus and tastefully decorated boutique guest rooms, it also offers up the Michelin-starred Peel’s Restaurant where guests can enjoy anywhere between a two- to seven-course menu.

7. Visit the British Motor Museum

Is there no end to the extraordinary things England continues to give us? First came the hot men (author’s note: husband is a Brit), then came Duran Duran (see hot men), and then of course there are all those automobiles we continue to lust after and here at this museum, you can see over 300 classic Aston Martins, Jaguars, Land Rovers and Minis housed in this museum – many of which belonged to notable people such as Lady Diana, and others which were prototypes and now valued in the millions. In the words of one distinguished journalist (OK, me), “Wow, I wouldn’t normally give a stuff about cars, but that was fascinating!" See why at British Motor Museum and if that hasn’t sated your appetite for cars, book a three-hour factory tour of the Jaguar Visitor Centre, which allows you the opportunity to witness the entire production process of an F-Type Jag.

8. Hone your inner magpie in the Jewellery Quarter

If you’ve been pining forever for a diamond ring, head immediately to Birmingham’s jewellery. Renowned for producing 40 per cent of the jewellery in the UK, the quarter’s streets are home to more than 500 jewellery businesses, from modern galleries and design workshops to quaint antiques. Educate yourself at Jewellery Quarter.

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9. Prop up the local economy

It’s not every day that you hear a popular shopping destination has been an important feature of a city ‘since the Middle Ages’, but that’s exactly what The Bullring has been for Birmingham. Although with its 160 stylish stores and metal-pressed Selfridges skyline, it’s no doubt seen a few changes since the goods market days of old, the centre still rightfully dominates the local shopping scene. Those who haven’t quite done enough damage to their plastic and others who are after high-end threads in particular should continue their journey at the upscale Mailbox.

10. Become a culture vulture at Ikon Museum

Ikon Museum Birmingham things to do — If you can visit just one gallery or museum in Birmingham, make it the Ikon Museum.

Birmingham is home to countless internationally renowned art galleries and museum (don’t look so surprised), but if you can visit only one, make it this magnificent contemporary art venue which seemingly rises out of the ashes of central Birmingham. Housed in a former neo-gothic boarding school, Ikon may present an exciting program of exhibitions, workshops, seminars and events, but we say don’t miss the famous singing lift or a chance to browse the gallery’s bountiful bookshop.

11. Pray to the musical Gods

Fun fact: Duran Duran, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and half of Led Zeppelin all hail from this fair city and even if your idea of a good time isn’t taking endless photos outside of (Duran Duran bassist) John Taylor’s former childhood home (I didn’t come here to be judged), you have the option of seeing world-famous live acts everywhere you go, from 15,000 seater arenas and symphony hall to intimate pubs and clubs. Prepare to get loose.

Getting there: Birmingham

Qatar Airways flies daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide to Birmingham via Doha.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

11 reasons you must see London’s little sister, Birmingham