First time in Birmingham? What to know before you go

Birmingham rewards a short, tight list rather than a long one. The centre is compact enough to walk between the main sights, and the canal network gives the city its own character. Start with the Library of Birmingham and the neighbouring Rep theatre, then walk the towpaths towards Gas Street Basin.

The museums are the other anchor. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery holds the city's industrial and decorative collections, and the Jewellery Quarter, a short walk north-west of the centre, is where the city's trade history is still visible in workshops and small museums. Allow half a day there.

For a first trip, two full days is the honest minimum: one for the centre and canals, one for the Jewellery Quarter and a museum. Add a third day if you want a day trip or a slower pace.

The city centre sits around New Street station, with the Bullring and markets to the south-east and the canals and Brindleyplace to the west. The Jewellery Quarter is north-west of the centre, walkable in about 15 minutes from New Street.

Most first-time visitors can stay within this ring on foot. Trams and buses cover the wider city, and the airport is connected by train. If you are arriving by car, park on the edge and use public transport rather than driving into the centre.

Book rail tickets in advance if you are coming from London or elsewhere in the UK; walk-up fares are much higher. The airport train is short and frequent, so a taxi is rarely needed.

Cash is not essential: cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including on public transport. Tipping is not expected in pubs, though a service charge may appear on restaurant bills.

Weather is changeable, so pack a light waterproof and plan one indoor backup for each day. The city is generally safe in the centre, but take the usual care at night around transport hubs.

May to September gives the best chance of dry, mild weather, and the long evenings suit the canals and outdoor markets. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, especially around the Bullring.

Winter is colder and darker but the museums, theatres and music venues are at their busiest, and hotel prices are often lower outside the Christmas market period. The Christmas market itself draws large crowds, so book accommodation early if you are visiting then.

Birmingham New Street is one of the UK's main rail interchanges, with direct trains from London, Manchester and other cities. Journey times vary by service, so check before you book.

Birmingham Airport is connected to the centre by train, a short ride to New Street. If you are driving, use the motorway network and park outside the centre; the clean air zone and congestion make driving in impractical.