I have this amazing girlfriend who lives in Birmingham, and we’ve known each other since I was 17. Our children have shared countless memories—playing together, sometimes sleeping over at each other’s homes, having their little squabbles followed by sweet reconciliations with hugs and kisses. The beauty of it is that we live near each other again now, even though I’m based in the Netherlands and she’s in the UK.

I have to admit, there are times when I really miss her. That’s why, for both our sakes and especially for the kids, we decided to hop on a flight from Amsterdam to Birmingham. After a short but sweet hour in the air, we landed, and there my friend’s husband was, waiting for us at the airport.

Birmingham: The City of Many Faces

I’ve never driven on the left side of the road before, and I must say—it’s a whole different kind of weird. But we were fortunate to have sunny weather, even if it wasn’t exactly warm.

Birmingham, once known as the “City of the Thousand Trades,” has come a long way. Once a world leader in the production of pens, buckles, buttons, jewelry, and firearms, it has also given birth to legendary figures and brands—Cadbury chocolate, Black Sabbath, J.R.R. Tolkien, and even Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Mini cars. The city is practically synonymous with the 60s!

Though it’s a city steeped in history, dating back to the 7th century as a small Anglo-Saxon settlement, today’s Birmingham is an architectural mix of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Few buildings survive from before that era, giving the city an eclectic and fascinating blend of old and new.

We began our adventure by exploring the city center, most of which is pedestrian-friendly. The first thing that catches your eye is the Victorian St Martin in the Bullring church, dating back to the 13th century. It stands in stark contrast to the Bullring Shopping Center, a gleaming modern structure of aluminum and glass. It’s fascinating how these two worlds coexist—history and modernity, side by side. The church is open daily for visits, and you can check the schedule here.

After grabbing a Starbucks near the church, we wandered through the shops in historic Victorian buildings to the Museum and Art Galleries and the Town Hall. The area is alive with cafes and restaurants—whether you’re craving a casual bite or something more upscale, you’ll find it here. On average, a meal will set you back around 20 pounds, but there are also plenty of affordable options where you can grab a meal for just 3-4 pounds.

Museum and Art Galleries: A Journey Through Time

The Museum and Art Galleries, opened in 1885, are a treasure trove for art and history lovers. It’s a Seismic Risk Building 2 and houses over 40 galleries featuring a mix of European and world history, including the famous pre-Raphaelite collection, the Staffordshire Hoard (the largest Anglo-Saxon gold treasure ever found), and exhibits on Birmingham’s industrial past.

The museum offers free access to its permanent exhibitions, but you’ll need to pay a fee for special exhibits. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re into both art and history—plus, it’s a great way to spend a few hours.

Town Hall: A Cultural Landmark

Just a short stroll from the museum, the Town Hall stands proudly in Victoria Square. This iconic venue has hosted everything from concerts by Elgar and The Rolling Stones to readings of A Christmas Carol and wrestling matches. It’s a place of cultural significance in the city, and it’s even more intriguing when you learn that it closed for renovations in 1996. The Town Hall is also famous for its stunning tube organ—definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of music history.

A Taste of Birmingham and Cadbury Chocolate

We also explored the surrounding areas—Ikon Gallery, the Jaguar Factory, BBC Studios, Aston Hall Mansion, and of course, the Black Country Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a red bus tour or visit Warwick Castle, just 45 kilometers away. We even made a detour to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare—spending a whole day in his world was, as expected, magical.

But the cherry on top of our trip was our visit to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory in Bourneville. Though the entry fee of 16.75 pounds for adults and 12.30 pounds for children is a little steep, it’s totally worth it. Plus, you get a free bag of Cadbury treats, so… win-win.

The factory has been operating since 1990, and it’s become a top tourist attraction. The tour takes you through an interactive journey, starting from the Aztec origins of cocoa beans to the modern-day chocolate-making process. Along the way, you’ll watch films about the history of cocoa and learn about the founder of the company, John Cadbury.

Then comes the best part: hopping on a cute little train that takes you through a magical, fairy-tale world where chocolate dreams come true. Afterward, of course, you can treat yourself to all kinds of chocolate in their gift shop. Because who doesn’t need more chocolate, right?

Wrapping Up

Birmingham may not be the first place that comes to mind for a city break, but it certainly deserves a visit. Whether you’re a fan of art, music, or chocolate (who isn’t?), there’s something for everyone. And as for me, well, it was just another unforgettable adventure with my dear friend and her family—one that reminded me of the beauty of long-lasting friendships and the joy of making memories, no matter where you are in the world.