With one of the youngest populations in Europe, Birmingham is a dynamic, creative city constantly evolving. Last year a record 33.8 million tourists visited to sample the metropolis’ authentic cultural offering, superb shopping and fantastic food.

Birmingham boasts something for everyone. For culture vultures, shopaholics, food enthusiasts, party animals and sports fanatics it’s a destination of limitles opportunity.

With a compelling and varied arts scene, Birmingham is home to inspirational organisations and venues right across the cultural spectrum. Critically acclaimed independent festivals, year-round world-class sporting events and a growing reputation as a foodie haven, it’s all happening in Birmingham.

Birmingham’s central location is an ideal base for visitors. The Black Country and Solihull are just a short journey from the city centre and offer an eclectic mix of things to do for families, couples and groups alike. Exciting new events and major retail and leisure developments are changing the city like never before. Now is the time to visit.

Birmingham’s Ikon has a well-deserved reputation for innovation, internationalism and excellence. Located in the neo-gothic Oozells Street School, the Gallery features exhibitions across two floors, spanning across film, photography, paintings, sculpture and installation.

Since opening over 100 years ago, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) is now home to more than half a million artefacts. You can find everything from Renaissance masterpieces to 9,000-year-old Middle Eastern treasures, as well as the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art.

As the oldest working cinema in the UK, the Electric Cinema plays the best in independent and intelligent mainstream film. You can watch the film of your choice from the comfort of a luxury sofa whilst taking advantage of the text waiter service so you don’t have to miss a thing. The Electric Cinema offers an altogether different cinematic experience.

For music fans this is one of the absolute treasures of Birmingham. St Paul’s Gallery hosts the largest and most comprehensive collection of signed, high end album art work from the likes of The Who, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin to name but a few

When the proprietors of the Smith & Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm decided to retire in 1981 they ceased trading and locked the door, unaware they would be leaving a time capsule for future generations. Today the factory is a remarkable museum, which tells the story of the Jewellery Quarter and Birmingham’s renowned jewellery and metalworking heritage.