Located in the English West Midlands, Birmingham is, because of its population and transcendence, the second most important and largest city in England.

This traditional English metropolis has much to offer a visitor, including a large number of preserved monuments and historical places, important cultural offerings, museums and the prestigious University of Birmingham. Its main red brick building was completed in 1900 and its original Neo-Gothic shapes and cloisters is where students as illustrious as the zoologist and behavioral researcher, Desmond Morris, and the English chemist and physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1922, Francis William Aston, studied.

Among the most emblematic architectural monuments of the city, we can mention the church of St. Martin in the Bull Ring that, although it was built in the XIII century, demolished and rebuilt in 1873, still retains its original tower. With its gothic style, it is considered Birmingham’s main symbol and most beautiful monument. For its part, the Saint Chad Cathedral is a clear example of neo-gothic style of the XIX century.

Another place that the traveler should not miss is the old town hall built in the mid XIX century, combining British classicism styling with Greco-Roman overtures.

In your tour through this beautiful city you should not miss out on a visit to The Barber Institute of Fine Arts and an art gallery located in the vicinity that houses a large collection of works by Gainsborough, Turner, Monet, Degas and Renoir, among others

In Birmingham’s historic center, criss-crossed by romantic canals, you can learn the history of the city by looking at old buildings, squares and boulevards, and visiting the picturesque Jewellery Quarter, famous for having the largest concentration of businesses involved in the jewelry trade in Europe.

The best way to get to know the citizens of Birmingham is to visit one its historic pubs. We especially recommend The Anchor Inn, which stands out for its large number of traditional English beer and its festive atmosphere, and The Fighting Cocks in Moseley Street, where you can taste a variety of ciders while enjoying the typical English ambiance found in a pub built in the XIX century.

For those who like luxury and shopping, The Bullring is a huge shopping center where you can find the world’s leading brands. The building is easily recognizable because of it is extremely modern and has great white rings that resemble gigantic sequins, an homage to the high-fashion design of the Spaniard, Paco Rabanne.

To complete the visit, there is nothing better than to walk to Waterloo Street and dine in Adam’s restaurant, which was awarded one Michelin star. The locale is famous for its cocktails, and a cuisine that blends tradition with culinary creativity. A fine selection of wines and champagnes magnificently accompany a remarkable gastronomic experience.  ■