Things to Do in Birmingham for Young Adults

Looking for things to do in Birmingham for young adults you won’t have done before? This is for you. 

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re a recent addition to Birmingham, there’s no way you’ve explored all of its nooks and crannies. But listen, there’s an easy way to do it. 

Treasure hunts like these are the perfect activity for big or small groups of mates who need something to do for a few hours, especially if you’re making last-minute plans (once you’ve booked, you’re free to play whenever you want).

All you’ve got to do is sign your team up, get clues and puzzles sent to you via WhatsApp, and uncover Brum’s hidden gems and fascinating city facts. Oh, and you get recommended bars and cafes to stop at along the way, if you fancy turning it into a pub crawl.

You probably don’t need me to tell you everything’s expensive at the moment, and if you do, then I guess skip this point.

If, however, you’re feeling like you need a wardrobe refresh but you’ve been avoiding even looking at your bank app, this might help.

Birmingham is great for shopping, but some shops go under the radar by the masses, and that’s all the better for you. Which? Charity shops, of course.

Between you, me and the gatepost, here’s where to go: 

• 📍Shirley’s High Street
• 📍Erdington High Street
• 📍Harborne
• 📍Kings Heath
• 📍Bearwood

If you’re looking for things to do in Birmingham for young adults that get you out and about, give an outdoor escape room a go.

Instead of being locked up and having the key thrown away, outdoor escape rooms like these give you the keys to Birmingham’s city centre. 

Get some fresh air, solve some puzzles and explore Brum as you crack codes and unravel the mystery of the city. Perfect for anybody looking for a fun twist on the classic escape room experience who also needs a bit more vit D in their lives.

You might still be in your honeymoon phase of being able to play games between uni lectures, but for those of us who’ve recently left those days behind or couldn’t bring their console with them to uni, arcade bars are a godsend.

Luckily, there are a couple of really great places where you can get your fill of fun, grab a pint, mash some buttons, and challenge your mates to everything from Pac-Man to air hockey. 

Here’s where I recommend:

• 📍Tilt: Ideal if you’re into craft beer and pinball.
• 📍NQ64: A neon-lit gaming haven with everything from old school consoles to Guitar Her
• 📍F1 Arcade: Spenny but worth it if you couldn’t put down Drive to Survive and/or watch practice sessions on Fridays.

Did you know that Birmingham has a secret rooftop garden? Well, you do now.

Hidden above the city’s skyline, the rooftop garden at the Library of Birmingham is one of my favourite places in the city to catch up with friends. 

You get stunning panoramic views of Brum up there, and it’s a great place to hang out with a coffee and put your head (nearly) in the clouds for a bit. Plus, it looks nice on your Insta feed.

Whether you’re into vintage or vroom, Birmingham’s got some world-class museums that aren’t to be missed.

It might not be near the top of your list when you think about fun things to do in Birmingham for young adults, but let me tell you, there’s loads to see and do at these places. And, cough, quite a few of them are free to visit, too.

Here’s where I’d recommend checking out:

• 📍Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: 
• 📍Jewellery Quarter Museum
• 📍Aston Hall
• 📍Blakesley Hall
• 📍National Motorcycle Museum

Obligatory reminder that Birmingham has more canals than Venice–here’s how to make the most of them.

If you didn’t already know, Brum’s network of canals is basically made for scenic bike rides. You can rack up miles and miles on two wheels if you fancy it, or just cycle into the city centre for a change of scenery. 

And no excuses: if you don’t have your own bike, rent a Beryl bike from all over the city.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, ditch the wheels and hit the water instead! 

Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, anyone can paddle their way through Birmingham’s canals on a kayak, canoe or even a paddle board. Why? Because you get to see the sights you’re used to seeing from another POV, and maybe even get into a new hobby.

Although this activity is only available during the warmer months, it’s a super fun way to get some exercise and see Brum from a new perspective.

Speaking of seeing Birmingham from a different perspective…

I can almost guarantee you there are loads of really cool places in Brum worth seeing that you haven’t visited before. 

Get a sneak peak into Birmingham’s rich history, culture, and quirky character by visiting some places you don’t find in the typical guides. 

And if you don’t know where to start, here’s where I recommend

• 📍Winterbourne House
• 📍Black Sabbath Bridge
• 📍Dudley Castle

Already been to these places? You’ll find more Inspiration here.

Listen, I love Brum but I’d be lying if I didn’t say one of the best things about living here is that you can pretty much get anywhere in the country in next to no time at all without a car.

If you need a change of scenery or just fancy doing something different, all you need to do is hop on a train and in just a couple of hours be vibing in Manchester, chilling in Bristol, or hitting up London…or wherever else you want, pretty much.

But if you’re determined to stay local, remember how much is on our doorstep: Malvern is nice for walking, and the Peak District is just around the corner if you’re up for a more serious hike. The Cotswolds are a stone’s throw away (I really recommend Bibury if you’re into photography). 

The list goes on…

If you’re a Tolkien fan, Brum’s got some serious Middle-earth energy. 

Yes, Tolkien’s one of ours and it’s no real surprise that a lot of the places that inspired him to write some of the world’s best-loved books are just around the corner from us.

Visit places like Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog, said to have inspired The Shire, brush up on your Elvish, and let your inner geek play for the day.

Forget the serious stuff for a sec—Brum is all about fun. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Birmingham for young adults that involve a little friendly competition, Mr Mulligan’s always has your back.

Expect wild themed courses that’ll have you laughing more than concentrating, a few hours of competitive fun or some chilled downtime with mates.

Bet you weren’t expecting one of Europe’s biggest parks to be in Brum, were you?

To the untrained eye, Birmingham looks like a concrete jungle with never ending buildings and the noise of traffic drowns out any signs of wildlife. Well, not here it doesn’t. 

Just north of the city, Sutton Park is your go-to for green space, activities and enjoying the outdoors. Head’s up, it’s massive—think wild cows, woodlands, and lakes, and whether you’re into hiking, picnicking, or just lounging under a tree, you can do it all here.

Last but not least on our list of things to do in Birmingham for young adults, an absolute classic: tucking into Brum’s favourite curry. 

At this point, are you even in Birmingham if someone doesn’t remind you that this is the home of the Balti? We’re proud of it, and for good reason: it’s a total crowd pleaser, whether you’re into something spicy or prefer a milder vibe, there’s a Balti for everyone.

Although there aren’t as many as there once were, The Balti Triangle has plenty of curry houses that serve up the tastiest dishes (although I will say there are great curry houses all over the city). 

Personally, Shababs gets my vote as the best–but don’t take my word for it. Make it your mission to find the best Balti in Brum!