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The UK city tourists never visit but they should – it’s better than anywhere in Europe
WHILE the UK is home to some amazing cities, my hometown is often overlooked by tourists who opt for other destinations across Europe.
Holidaymakers from the UK and abroad never seem to flock to Birmingham - even though it has a bit of everything.
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Home to the world's biggest Primark and the Bullring, England's Second city is already a famous shopping destination in its own right.
But there's more to Birmingham than this superficial accolade.
In recent years, it rose to fame thanks to the internationally-acclaimed TV show Peaky Blinders, which is set in the city.
It's also been used as a filming location for grungy dystopian films like Ready Player One as well as police dramas like Line of Duty.
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Because of its ties to the film and TV industry, dedicated walking tours have popped up across the city.
Bespoke Peaky Blinders tours take visitors through landmarks associated with the real-life "slogging gangs" who were the inspiration behind the on-screen Shelby family.
But the city is more than a backdrop for films and television shows, there are plenty of other attractions that set Birmingham apart from other European city breaks.
And as a proud Brummie, I know exactly where tourists should go to make the most of their holiday.
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Set in Chamberlain Square, just a stone's throw away from Birmingham's busy shopping streets is the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
While the museum is closed for refurbishment until 2024, it does house a wide-ranging collection of paintings and artefacts.
But until the museum reopens, there are plenty of other cultural sites that are well worth a visit including the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Thinktank, and the Lapworth Museum of Geology (Birmingham's very own natural history museum).
Other attractions include the Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World, St Philip's Cathedral, and St Martin's church.
As a city with more canals than Venice, there are simply too many great bars and restaurants along its waterways.
Built around the city's historic canals, Brindley Place, in the heart of the city, has 27 bars and restaurants - many of which are canalside.
My personal favourite is the Canal House Bar and Restaurant.
Its outdoor seating overlooks a network of interconnecting canals, and it's the perfect place to grab a pint on a hot summer's day.
Birmingham also has a bubbling independent food scene that stretches across the lengths and breadths of the city.
For an authentic Italian pizza go to Rudy's Pizza Napoletana, while Damascena is great for middle eastern grub.
But I can't talk about food without mentioning curries.
Invented by a Pakistani Brummie restauranteur, the Balti is a home-grown Birmingham staple and a must-try on any visit.
In the Balti triangle visitors will find a string of curry houses, but Shabab's Balti Restaurant on Ladypool Road is one of the best.
Once you've filled up on food, walk around one of the city's many green spaces including Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Canal Hill Park.
There's also Moseley Bog, a small nature reserve that was the childhood playground of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien.
Birmingham is also a stone's throw from popular UK days out like Warwick Castle and Stratford Upon Avon - both of which are accessible via train from Birmingham Moor Street station.
Direct trains operate to Birmingham from London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester.
There's also a range of accommodation options available including hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs.
And I'm not the only person who's cottoned on to Birmingham's delights.
Next month, the city will be hosting its first-ever Secret Cinema as will be making its way to the NEC.
Tickets are already on sale, and prices start from £39.
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Meanwhile, this seaside town was once voted the worst for a weekend stay, but people are now saying it's underrated.
And these are some of the most tranquil staycation spots in the country.
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