Shopping in Birmingham: a complete guide
The Bullring, Victorian arcades, the Jewellery Quarter and 800 years of markets: where to shop in Birmingham.
Birmingham is one of the best cities in Britain for shopping, with everything from big department stores and designer boutiques to historic markets and independent shops. Most of it is concentrated in a compact city centre that is easy to explore on foot.
The Bullring and Grand Central
The Bullring is one of the largest city centre shopping centres in Britain, with more than 150 shops. It is famous for the Selfridges building, covered in 15,000 aluminium discs, which has become one of the most recognisable buildings in the country since it opened in 2003.
Grand Central, above New Street station, has shops, restaurants and a large John Lewis store, and is linked to the Bullring by a footbridge.
The Mailbox
A former Royal Mail sorting office on the edge of the canal, the Mailbox is home to shops, restaurants, bars and offices. It sits beside the canal and is a short walk from New Street station.
New Street and Corporation Street
The city's main shopping streets are home to high street favourites and a steady stream of shoppers. Corporation Street, laid out in the 1870s under Joseph Chamberlain, has some fine Victorian buildings above its shopfronts.
Arcades
Birmingham's Victorian arcades are among the prettiest places to shop. The Great Western Arcade, with its glass roof, is home to independent shops, cafés and boutiques. The Piccadilly Arcade has a beautifully painted ceiling.
The Jewellery Quarter
With more than 100 jewellery retailers, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the best places in Britain to buy jewellery. Many shops make pieces on site, and you can often commission something bespoke.
The markets
Birmingham has been a market town for more than 800 years. The Bull Ring Indoor Market and the Open Market, next to the Bullring shopping centre, sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, spices, fabrics and much more, often at bargain prices.
Independent shopping
For independent shops, head to Digbeth, the Jewellery Quarter, Moseley and Kings Heath. Moseley's farmers' market, held regularly in the village, is one of the best in the region.
The Balti Triangle around Ladypool Road and Stoney Lane is the place to shop for saris, fabrics, spices and South Asian sweets.
Outside the centre
The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield, and local high streets such as Harborne, Kings Heath and Erdington, offer a mix of chains and independents. Just outside the city boundary, Merry Hill and Resorts World are popular shopping destinations.
Christmas shopping
From November, the Frankfurt Christmas Market fills New Street and Victoria Square with German food, drink and gifts, and the city's shops and streets are decorated for the festive season.
Tips
The city centre is compact, so wear comfortable shoes. Most shopping areas are within a short walk of New Street, Moor Street and Grand Central, and the tram stops at several of them.
