1. From its beginnings as a market place in the 1800s The Bull Ring has been at the heart of Birmingham. It now houses over 160 of the most desirable shops - including Selfridges and Debenhams - together with more than 25 restaurants.
2. The Bull Ring Market sells a huge variety of produce and is famous for its fish section, while the Open Market provides a lively market scene offering excellent goods. The Jewellery Quarter is home to unique shops and museums, such as the Birmingham Mint.
3. Birmingham is known as the Capital of the Balti. This spicy dish was introduced to the city by its large Kashmiri population - try the Al Frash restaurant. If you don't fancy a curry, the Bacchaus Bar with its Gothic theme offers something different, or for traditional fish and chips try George and Helens.
4. Birmingham's superb Symphony Hall is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts has a stunning collection including works by many Old Masters and Impressionists.
5. A great many cinemas are located in the city, from large multi-screen complexes to smaller, specialist cinemas.
6. Birmingham has stacks of open spaces. Cannon Hill Park has a popular boating lake while the Winterbourne Botanical Gardens features six acres of Edwardian gardens.
7. The regeneration of Birmingham's Eastside was spearheaded by Millennium Point. Built to encourage science, technology and education this development includes: Thinktank (Birminghams science museum), the Technology Innovation Centre, the University of the First Age and the Hub - an impressive public space with restaurants, bars, shops and offices.
8. Other attractions include The National Sea Life Centre and nearby Cadbury World.
For further information visit http://www.birmingham.org.uk
