Free things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham does not have to be expensive. Many of the city's best experiences are completely free, from world-class museums and galleries to canal walks, parks and street art. Here are some of the best free things to do in Birmingham.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

General entry to the city's museum is free. See the world's largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, treasures from the Staffordshire Hoard and galleries covering the history of Birmingham. Some special exhibitions may charge.

The Library of Birmingham

Explore one of Britain's most striking modern buildings for free. Ride the escalators through the book rotunda, visit the Shakespeare Memorial Room and enjoy views from the Secret Garden terrace.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

On the University of Birmingham campus, the Barber Institute has paintings by Rubens, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and more, and entry is free.

Ikon Gallery

Ikon, in Brindleyplace, shows some of the best contemporary art in Britain, and it is free to visit.

Walk the canals

Birmingham's canal towpaths are free to walk. Start at Gas Street Basin and head to Brindleyplace, the Mailbox or down the Farmer's Bridge locks. It is one of the best ways to see the city.

Parks and green spaces

Birmingham's parks are free to enjoy. Walk the heathland of Sutton Park, climb Beacon Hill in the Lickey Hills for views across the city, or enjoy the gardens at Kings Heath Park. Moseley Bog, thought to have inspired Tolkien, is free to explore.

Street art in Digbeth

Digbeth's walls and railway arches are covered in murals by artists from around the world. A self-guided street art walk costs nothing and shows a different side of the city.

Victoria Square and the city centre

Admire the Council House, the Town Hall and the statues of Victoria Square, then walk to Centenary Square and the Hall of Memory. The Selfridges building, the Bull Ring markets and St Martin's Church are all free to see.

The Jewellery Quarter

Wander around St Paul's Square, see the Chamberlain Clock and explore the atmospheric Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries. Window shopping in the jewellers is free too.

Bournville village

You do not need a ticket to Cadbury World to enjoy Bournville. Walk around the model village, see the village green and the carillon, and enjoy the smell of chocolate.

Free events

Birmingham hosts free events throughout the year, from the St Patrick's Day parade to Vaisakhi celebrations in Handsworth Park and free festivals in the city's parks and squares in summer. Birmingham Pride's parade is free to watch.

Tips

Check opening times before visiting, as some free museums close on certain days. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy it in a park, and walk between sights, as the city centre is compact.

Birmingham proves that a great day out does not have to cost a penny.