Let’s just get it out there now: Birmingham is the best city in the UK. Britain’s second city? Who are they second to? No, give us a bit of Brummie any day, the city with the best food, live music, and arts in the country, with a strong independent culture to boot. Oh, and not forgetting Ozzy Osbourne too. And if you don’t believe us, then take a look at these six reasons why Birmingham is the best city in the world.
You Can Eat Michelin Star Cuisine At These Restaurants
The Wilderness gained a much-deserved Michelin star in 2026, further cementing Birmingham's place on the UK culinary map. But there's more to explore... Birmingham is also a city of multiculturalism and so delivers superb food from across the world on every street corner. Head to the fancy Mailbox and feast on some delicious celeb chef dishes at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, before heading to the city centre and dining on Taiwanese bao washed down with sake cocktails at Tiger Bites Pig.
You could easily eat a meal from every continent without having to walk more than half a mile.
The Art Scene Is Blowing Up
Every month it seems like more and more artistic talent is magnetised towards Birmingham, and there’s a reason for that. Some of the best comedians from across the globe head to places like The Glee Club to perform, whereas the up-and-coming crowd has a time to shine at Just The Tonic. But it’s not all laughter as Brum’s strong in all the arts, hence why there's venues like the Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre hosting, not just comedy and live music, but tonnes of alternate art plays too. You don’t get that kind of diversity of art pretty much anywhere else.
Sex! Scandal! Some funny people as well. Being bored is impossible once you know where to look.
Birmingham Is An Eccentric City
One of the advantages Brum has over bigger cities like London is that truly unique places are literally everywhere. Here, real personality gets to flourish, and is why we can have places like Bacchus Bar, a quirky little pub that has amazing Egyptian-themed interiors and medieval decor. Or even pretty paradise The Lost and Found, which delivers on delicious gin-based cocktails behind the bar and secret rooms too. There are even sell-out festivals celebrating the culture - that's how much the city loves it.
Independent culture breeds fun - there's no other way to look at it.
Some Of The Most Diverse Street Food Stalls In The Country
It’s not just venues, Birmingham has taken the street food trend and made it an essential part of its character. Head down to the brand new Alfred Works and you’ll see so many delicious food traders you'll have to be rolled out of it by the end. As much as we love stuffing our faces with waffles and kebabs, having food stalls is an incredibly important part of having a healthy nightlife industry, as food stalls turn into some of the best restaurants in town (which is how the Original Patty Men began before dominating Digbeth).
It can't ever be bad that so much great food is focused in one city.
Live Music Is King In Birmingham
Live music is truly what makes Birmingham great: not only is there a scene to rival London and Manchester, the intimate venues make some of the best gigs around. Whether you’re after some retro, northern soul at The Night Owl or heading to the legendary Hare and Hounds – who have one of the most eclectic setlists you'll find, where one night you're listening to Motown and the next heavy metal – it’s impossible not to be enamoured by the music scene. There's even a never-ending supply of warehouse raves if you prefer the decks to the mics.
And bigger venues to make things really intense.
...And It's Pretty Cute, Too
Okay, that's great, but the truth is we’re all a little shallow deep down and looks are important when searching for your favourite city. The city has 571 parks, creating 3500 hectares of beautiful open space, as well as gorgeous canals lined with interesting places to visit - British countryside, eat your heart out. If Birmingham was a person, we'd ask them out in a second.
From the canals to the greenery to the buildings, there's so much to please your eyes in one city.
