Welcome to Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city and one of its most diverse and welcoming destinations. Whether you are visiting for culture, shopping, food or history, Birmingham is compact, well connected and easy to explore once you know the basics.
This guide is designed to help first-time visitors feel confident from the moment they arrive. The first thing you might notice is the complete lack of information about the Birmingham Tourist Information Office. You have to hunt around to find that they do actually have an office but it is located in the new library. Come on Birmingham you could do better than this and signpost it much better than you do!
Arriving & getting to the city centre
Most international visitors arrive via Birmingham Airport, which is located around 7 miles southeast of the city centre.
The quickest and easiest way into the city is by train. From the airport terminal, take the free monorail to Birmingham International Station, where frequent trains run directly to Birmingham New Street Station. The journey usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available outside the terminal, while car hire is located on site for those planning to drive.
Getting around the city
Birmingham city centre is very walkable, but public transport is reliable and easy to use.
The tram system, known locally as the West Midlands Metro, runs through the city centre and out towards areas such as Wolverhampton. Trams are modern, frequent and clearly signed. Tickets can be bought at machines on the platform, via mobile apps or by contactless card. There are no barriers, so remember to buy your ticket before boarding.
Local buses cover the entire city and surrounding areas and are useful for reaching neighbourhoods beyond the centre. Contactless payment is widely accepted.
Maps, visitor information and help
Tourist maps and information are available from several locations, including major railway stations, hotels and cultural venues. City maps are also easy to download online and are recommended for offline use when walking around.
Hotels, museums and larger attractions usually provide free local guides, and staff are generally happy to offer directions or advice. The main Tourist information centres for Birmingham and the West Midlands: https://www.tourist.me.uk/west-midlands-tourist-information
Driving, walking and road safety
In the UK, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. This is particularly important for visitors crossing streets, as traffic may come from an unexpected direction.
Always use pedestrian crossings where possible and take extra care near busy roads and roundabouts. City centre streets are generally well lit and busy, making walking safe, especially during the day and early evening.
Money, payments and currency exchange
The local currency is the British pound sterling. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments, and many visitors find they rarely need cash.
If you do need to exchange money, it is safest to use banks, official exchange bureaux or airport counters. Avoid street money changers or informal exchanges. ATMs are common throughout the city centre.
Personal safety and pickpocket awareness
Birmingham is generally a safe city for visitors, but as with any large urban area, basic precautions are sensible.
Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places such as shopping streets, public transport and busy events. Avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily and be cautious in very crowded areas. At night, stick to well-lit streets and busy areas, particularly if unfamiliar with the city.
British customs and everyday etiquette
British people are generally polite and reserved, but friendly once engaged.
Queuing is taken seriously, so always wait your turn. Saying “please” and “thank you” is expected, even in casual situations. In shops and restaurants, staff will usually greet you politely but without pressure.
Tipping is appreciated but not always required. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included; otherwise, a small tip for good service is customary.
What you can get from these centres
When you visit one of the official visitor or tourist information points (especially at the Library of Birmingham):
✔ Free city maps and transport guides – perfect for planning walks or tram routes
✔ Attraction brochures and “What’s On” guides – for museums, shows and days out
✔ Advice on public transport, tram and bus timetables
✔ Tips on local customs and travel etiquette
✔ Help with booking tickets, tours and regional travel passes
The Library of Birmingham Tourist Information point often has displays and printed guides that help you get oriented quickly when you first arrive.
General tips for getting help while you’re here
- Many museums, galleries and larger attractions also have visitor desks with local maps and advice.
- Hotels and hostels usually have printed guides and can recommend tours, restaurants and safety tips.
- Local bus and tram stations often have ticket offices with staff who can help explain routes and fares.
- There’s no single central outbound tourist office at Birmingham Airport, so most visitors head straight into the city and use city centre services.
Having a paper map in hand, especially for walking around the core centre, can make a big difference, and staff at these centres are usually happy to chat through your plans and give pointers for transport, food or sightseeing. Birmingham is a welcoming city — and its visitor services are there to make sure you feel confident exploring it.
Final tips for visitors
Birmingham’s weather can be unpredictable, so carrying a light waterproof jacket is wise. Public transport, attractions and shops often operate slightly reduced hours on Sundays, so it’s worth checking opening times in advance.
Above all, Birmingham is a city that rewards curiosity. From historic canals and modern shopping districts to neighbourhood food scenes and cultural venues, visitors who explore beyond the obvious quickly discover why the city is often described as one of Britain’s most underrated destinations.
Enjoy your stay and welcome to Birmingham.
Tourist Information — Library of Birmingham
If you need maps, guides, brochures or friendly travel advice during your stay in Birmingham, the main official tourist information point is located inside the Library of Birmingham in the city centre. The team can help you with transport maps, attraction guides, walking routes and local tips.
Library of Birmingham – Tourist Information Desk
Centenary Square, Broad Street
Birmingham B1 2ND, United Kingdom
Telephone: 0121 242 4242
Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham
The tourist information desk operates alongside the library’s services, and you can pick up free city maps, “What’s On” guides, leaflets and printed information about attractions, transport and events. Staff are usually available during the library’s opening hours to answer questions and point you in the right direction.
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