Birmingham has more than 1 million inhabitants, after London the biggest city in Great Britain. But when you talk about it most people think about London and not many know about Birmingham. I’m here a few weeks but I haven’t noticed as many tourists as in London. How you recognise tourists? These are mostly the people who are waiting for the traffic lights to be green. Brummies look  to see if there is a car coming, if not they cross the road.

Of course London is a great city with Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus. But Birmingham has as much to offer as London. The Museum & Art Gallery, National Sealife Centre and Cadbury. Before I came to Birmingham, I wanted to buy a guidebook. I hadn't expected this to be so difficult. Unfortunately I didn’t find one. It’s easier to find one of Wales or Cornwall. And of course you find hundreds about London. It’s really sad because Birmingham is a great city and you can discover a lot.

There is excellent shopping at the Bullring, Selfridges, New Street and Corporation Street. You can have multi cultural experiences at the Chinese Quarter or at the Soho Road. Soho Road is like an Indian Quarter there are many little shops with traditional food, clothes or jewellery. Everywhere in Birmingham you will find Indian Restaurants. It’s very well known here and popular. For all people who like culture you will find enough things you can visit. Birmingham has lots of museums, theatres and art galleries. Aart is a big part of Birmingham I think. You have the traditional art like Picasso or Monet and the modern art like graffiti or abstract sculptures. Here every generation will find something they like. Birmingham also has the third biggest parade for the St. Patrick’s Day. 

Besides, this region has great architecture for example “The Public” it’s an art gallery and the construction is fantastic: the bubble windows and how you got up there. No not with stairs, it’s a ramp, which winds up to the top of the building. The Public is also not a typical art gallery. It’s interactive, which is perfect for kids but adults have can fun, too.

In the winter, a German Christmas market from Frankfurt is at Victoria Square. Birmingham has been twinned with Frankfurt for more than 40 years. You can buy handmade toys, decoration or original jewellery. As well you can enjoy German mulled wine, pretzels, marzipan sweets and a lot more.

Birmingham has also much to offer for people, who are into music whether heavy metal or classical. If you like classic music you should go to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Birmingham is called the home of metal so the metal fans will find something to enjoy, too. You see there are a lot of things that you can discover.

Pick up your umbrella and come and visit.