"Big Bad Brum, now Big Bling Brum " a Birmingham Travel Page by sourbugger

Birmingham used to be something of a standing joke in Britain. It was seen as a concrete wasteland hemmed in by American style freeways.

It's certainly true that as you approach Brum from the A38(M) it has the appearance of a medium-sized American city.

Despite this initial impression, Birmingham is a place that has undergone a renaissance in the last 10 years or so. The designer shops have moved in,and the place spruced up with new developments. Only the appauling underground hell of New Street station remains a reminder of past times.

Few people will still see Brum as a tourist destination in itself, but at least it has become a good place to spend a few days whilst you are in Brum for other reasons. Many people end up in Brum as they are sent there (as opposed to being sent to Coventry !) for conferences and meetings.

Many also come for sporting or entertainment events : Birmingham has great facilities in this respect with the National Exhibition Centre, the National Indoor arena, the Symphony hall etc.

The regeneration continues a pace with the new landmark building of Selfidges opening in the re-built Bullring.

Get rid of you prejudices ... visit a very vibrant city now.

Tarra a bit......sourbugger.