Birmingham after dark: where to see the city lit up

Birmingham is a different city after sunset. The concrete and glass that can look workmanlike by day turns theatrical once the lights come on, and places you walk past without a second glance suddenly demand attention. You do not need a big budget or a late night to enjoy it. A couple of hours, a warm coat and a route that links the best spots together is all it takes to see the city at its most photogenic.

Start at New Street and Grand Central

If you arrive by train, your evening begins the moment you step outside. The reflective, curving skin of New Street station and Grand Central was designed to mirror the city around it, and at night it picks up the lights of the surrounding streets and the huge screens set into the facade. Stand back on Stephenson Street or near the tram stop to take it all in, and look for the reflections of passing trams and buses rippling across the steel.

The Bullring, Selfridges and St Martin's

A short walk down through the shopping centre brings you to one of the most famous views in the city. The Selfridges building, clad in thousands of shining aluminium discs, has been an icon since it opened in 2003. By day it gleams; by night it shimmers in the glow of the surrounding lights, especially after rain when the pavements add a second reflection.

Right beside it stands St Martin's in the Bull Ring, the city's parish church, its spire lit against the dark sky. The contrast between the Victorian church and the futuristic department store is one of the great juxtapositions of Birmingham, and it is at its most dramatic after dark. The terraces above the church give you a good angle on both.

Look back up the hill to see the Rotunda, the round tower that has overlooked the Bull Ring since the 1960s. Once threatened with demolition, it is now a listed building and a much-loved part of the skyline, its windows glowing at night.

Victoria Square and the Council House

Head up New Street towards Victoria Square, where the grand civic buildings are lit to show off every column and carving. The Council House dome glows softly, while the Town Hall's columns stand out sharply against the darkness. In the weeks before Christmas the square fills with market stalls and fairy lights, but even on an ordinary evening it has a sense of occasion.

Centenary Square and the Library

Continue through Chamberlain Square to Centenary Square, where the Library of Birmingham puts on one of the best light shows in the city. The metal rings that wrap the building are lit from within, turning the whole facade into something like a glowing lantern. The square itself has been redesigned with water features and lighting, and on a still evening the reflections are wonderful.

If you only photograph one building in Birmingham after dark, make it the Library. It was made to be seen at night.

Down to the water

From Centenary Square it is only a few minutes' walk to the canals, and this is where the evening becomes truly atmospheric. Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin are lit by lamps and the windows of bars and restaurants, all doubled in the still water. Narrowboats moored along the towpath add their own glow, and the old brick bridges frame the scene beautifully.

This is also the best place to stop for food or a drink. The terraces around the basin stay busy into the evening, and there are plenty of options whether you want a quick bite or a full dinner.

Digbeth for something different

For a grittier, more creative take on the city at night, head east to Digbeth. The former industrial quarter is known for its street art, with huge murals covering the walls of old warehouses and railway arches. Many are lit by street lamps and the glow from the music venues, bars and street food spots that have taken over the area.

Digbeth has become one of the liveliest parts of the city after dark, with gigs, club nights and food events running through the week. Check what is on before you go, as the area can be quiet on some evenings and packed on others.

A suggested route

• New Street and Grand Central for the reflective station facade.
• The Bullring for Selfridges, St Martin's and the Rotunda.
• Victoria Square for the lit civic buildings.
• Centenary Square for the glowing Library of Birmingham.
• Gas Street Basin for canalside reflections and dinner.
• Digbeth for street art and a late one, if you have the energy.

Staying safe and comfortable

The city centre is busy and well lit in the evenings, but it pays to be sensible. Stick to main routes, keep your phone and belongings secure and plan how you will get home before you set off. The canal towpaths are pleasant in the busy central stretches but quieter further out, so avoid wandering too far along them late at night.

Wrap up warmly in the colder months, and bring a small tripod or rest your phone on a wall if you want sharp photographs. Most of all, take your time. Birmingham at night rewards the unhurried walker, and you may be surprised by how beautiful a city famous for its industry can be.