Things to do at night in Birmingham

Birmingham for night-owls

Birmingham is a city for night-owls. From late-night shopping to live music spots, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Birmingham at night.

Enjoy shopping at the Bull Ring until late
Make a visit to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon to catch a play
Enjoy sparkling panoramic views of the city
Take a wander around the lit up canals at night
Head to The Jam House for a boogie

This West Midlands city is home to a wealth of attractions that can be enjoyed in the day and at night too. From twinkling panoramic views of the city to a tranquil wander around the canals all lit up at night it’s a fantastic place to enjoy in the evening time. Take a look at our Birmingham holidays and get inspired.

Hotels in Birmingham

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Rough Guides

1. Enjoy shopping at the Bull Ring until late

Who says shopping has to be done in the day? The Bull Ring Bull Ring is open until 9pm on most evenings and provides you with a plethora of shopping opportunities. All your favourite high-street brands are here, Zara, H&M and Mango, and there are plenty of food spots to enjoy a well-deserved meal after. Mount Fuji and Chaophraya Thai Restaurant are all good shouts and serve fantastic Asian food. A shop around the Bull Ring is one of the best things to do in Birmingham at night.

Best for: Late-night shoppers

Don’t forget: Head to Selfridges while you’re here. It’s the main shopping attraction in the Bull Ring.

2. Make a visit to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon to catch a play

Head to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and watch a play. Sitting pretty beside the River Avon are the Royal Shakespeare Company’s two main theatres, the Swan and the Royal Shakespeare. There was no theatre in Stratford in Shakespeare’s day and indeed the first hometown festival in his honour was only held in 1769 at the behest of London-based David Garrick. Thereafter, the idea of building a permanent home in which to perform Shakespeare’s works slowly gained momentum, and finally, in 1879, the first Memorial Theatre was opened. Attached to the main Royal Shakespeare theatre is the Swan Theatre, a replica “in-the-round” Elizabethan stage; close by is the RSC’s third theatre, formerly called The Courtyard Theatre and The Other Place.

Best for: Soaking up the theatre scene

Don’t forget: Head to the Lambs Restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon for some classic English dishes such as slow-roasted lamb shank.

3. Enjoy sparkling panoramic views of the city

Rent a sweet spot at Staying Cool at the top of the Rotunda to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city below - a great view at night when the city is lit up. The top three floors of the Rotunda, right at the heart of the city, have been converted into fully furnished and serviced apartments. All the apartments are modern and spotless, and those on the top floor - Floor 20 - come with a balcony and is where you'll find those pretty panoramic views. The apartments can be rented for one night - no problem.

Best for: Evening views

Don’t forget: Radisson Blu is a smart hotel in a tall, sleek skyrise and makes a comfortable stay.

4. Take a wander around the lit up canals at night

Just beyond Brindleyplace, in front of the massive dome of the Barclaycard Arena, the canal forks: the Birmingham Main Line Canal cuts west (to the left) and the more interesting Birmingham & Fazeley Canal leads northeast (to the right), running past a sequence of antique brick buildings en route to the quaint Scotland St Locks. Further on, the canal slides past a string of apartment blocks as well as the (signed) flight of steps that clambers up to Newhall Street, about half a mile beyond the main canal junction, and a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s church. The canals are pretty when they are all lit up at night and is one of the most rewarding things to do in Birmingham at night.

Best for: Night-time stroll

Don’t forget: For an alternative night-time activity why not head to the Birmingham Library?

5. Head to The Jam House for a boogie

Birmingham’s live music scene is one of Britain’s best, with big-name concerts at several major venues and other (often local) bands appearing at some clubs and pubs. The The Jam House is a certain favourite in Birmingham. This jazz, funk, blues and swing club/pub pulls in artists from every corner of the globe. Great vibe; great gigs. The bar also has a close relationship with music legend Jools Holland.

Best for: Party travellers

Don’t forget: The Sunflower Lounge hosts live gigs too and is near New Street station.

Birminghamm Holidays

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