The Westside is the modern and artistic part of the city center of Birmingham, containing a range of stylish renovated attractions. It also has many historic buildings, with a thriving theater culture and a range of family entertainment venues. Visit the Westside to explore the cultural highlights of the city with your family.
Stroll beside the fountain jets of the Centenary Square, which is enclosed near many historic buildings and the domed Hall of Memory War Memorial. Attend cultural events held in this plaza, including the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Overlooking the square is the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep), with its glassy design and eclectic schedule of productions.
On the square’s western side, visit Symphony Hall to hear the sweet sounds of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, among other refined acts. The auditorium is part of the larger International Convention Centre (ICC), a majestic complex that hosts events and conferences.
Check out the contemporary art scene at the Ikon Gallery. Spot the green neo-Gothic Five Ways Clock and the nearby Joseph Sturge Memorial, which pays tribute to its namesake abolitionist.
Bring the children to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham on the western edge of the quarter. It has several rides and countless toys and puzzles for them to solve. Continue the fun at the National Sea Life Centre, where you can delve into a 360-degree ocean tunnel with sharks swimming all around. Marvel at the clownfish and otherworldly jellyfish.
The Westside is in the center of the city, a little south of the Theatreland zone and west of the Chinese Quarter. Travel by train to the Birmingham New Street railway station and walk southwest for 20 minutes. You can also ride a bus to a Westside stop or walk from the nearby Five Ways railway station on the southern side of the quarter. Continue exploring the city through the surrounding districts of Ladywood, Chad Valley and Eastside.
