"Birmingham" Birmingham by Andrew_W_K

Manchester and Birmingham have been vying for the title of second city for a few years now and I must admit at one point Manchester had it, but the last 20 years has seen massive investment in the city and Birmingham is once again the holder of the that title. Around the town hall and the cathedral there are open spaces and pleasant places to walk. The canals have been revitalised and you can even take a gondola ride and the revamped Bullring is a shoppers paradise. The biggest change in Birmingham though is the building of the conference centre, symphony hall and the NIA (national indoor arena) making Birmingham a world class music and exhibition centre. Add in the NEC (national exhibition centre) and its arena and the fine selection of smaller music venues (the Academy, Ronnie Scotts and the Jam House) and you have an unbeatable city for entertainment. The city art gallery is also worth a visit for the Caneletto's and the fine pre Rapaelite collection.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

A mile or two from the city centre in Edgbaston are the Botanical Gardens - a green oasis in the vast urban sprawl of Birmingham. The gardens are the largest of their kind outside of London and contain hot and cold houses where there are tropical, sub tropical and desert plants in abundance. Well worth the trip for those who enjoy plants and gardens.

The German Market Birmingham

Every year from November to the new year the largest German market in the world (outside of Germany) descends on the city centre. It gets bigger every year and is now one of the reasons why people love to come Christmas shopping here. There is plenty of traditional German food and drink to be had as well and a small fair adds to the carnival atmosphere.