Mercure Birmingham West is less than 5 miles from the centre, an easy short drive or train journey in.
Discover Authentic Birmingham: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Birmingham, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Cadbury World, the Black Country Living Museum and Villa Park.
Top 5 Things to Do in Birmingham
The Bullring
The UK's busiest shopping centre, home to around 160 shops including the Selfridges building, wrapped in its unmistakable 15,000 spun-aluminium discs.
Jewellery Quarter
More than 500 jewellery businesses, from historic workshops to independent designers, packed into one district. It's also home to the world's largest Assay Office, hallmarking over 12 million pieces of jewellery and silverware every year.
The Balti Triangle
Stretching from Ladypool Road to Stratford Road, this is the birthplace of the balti, a dish invented here in the 1970s by a Pakistani-British chef blending British and South Asian flavours. Come hungry.
Gas Street Basin & Brindleyplace
The starting point for Birmingham's 200 miles of canals. Sit at a canalside cafe and watch the narrowboats go by, or hire one yourself for the day.
The Hawthorns
Home ground of West Bromwich Albion FC, and quite literally a stone's throw from the hotel. A matchday here is as local an experience as Birmingham gets.
Explore Birmingham's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Birmingham
We've mapped local spots around Birmingham, from chocolate and industrial heritage to Premier League football.
Days out
Cadbury World
The story of Cadbury and chocolate, from cocoa bean to bar, with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations – and plenty of tasting along the way.
Bournville · Visitor attraction · Perfect for families and chocolate lovers
Black Country Living Museum
An open-air museum of reconstructed streets, workshops and homes, where costumed characters bring 19th- and early 20th-century Black Country life back to life. Step back in time.
Dudley · Open-air museum · Great for history and families
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
Meet sharks, rays, penguins and seahorses, with interactive exhibits and a focus on ocean conservation.
City centre · Aquarium · Ideal for families
Aston Hall
A Jacobean mansion said to be one of the UK's most haunted houses. Join a guided tour of its grand rooms – if you dare.
Aston · Historic house · Perfect for history
Bear Grylls Adventure
Indoor skydiving, high ropes, climbing and a survival maze. Ready to test yourself?
NEC · Adventure centre · Made for thrill-seekers
Ghetto Golf
Adults-only crazy golf with outrageous holes, street art, hip-hop and a buzzing bar.
Digbeth · Crazy golf · Great for a night out
Bullring
Birmingham's flagship shopping centre, with over 160 shops and plenty of places to eat.
City centre · Shopping · Perfect for shopping
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
An indoor Lego world of build zones, rides and a 4D cinema.
Broad Street · Family attraction · Made for kids
Birmingham Open Market
Stalls of local produce and specialist food – a good morning stop, or the place to put together a picnic.
City centre · Market · Ideal for local food
Martineau Gardens
A community garden of seasonal crops, wildlife-friendly green space and occasional workshops.
Edgbaston · Garden · Perfect for a quiet break
The Clean Kilo – Bournville
Bring your own containers and fill up on dry goods, oils and household products at this zero-waste grocery – an everyday, local side of Bournville, close to Cadbury World.
Bournville · Zero-waste shop · Great for a local experience
Sport
Villa Park
Home of Aston Villa and a cornerstone of Birmingham's sporting culture. On Premier League match days, you'll feel the passion of the crowd.
Aston · Football stadium · Made for football fans
The Hawthorns
The home ground of West Bromwich Albion, famous for its loud, loyal support on match days.
West Bromwich · Football stadium · Perfect for football fans
Sandwell Golf Club
Just minutes from our Mercure Birmingham West, a historic course with well-kept greens and a friendly clubhouse – for seasoned players and beginners alike.
West Bromwich · Golf course · Ideal for golfers
FAQ
Start with a balti itself, the dish invented in this exact neighbourhood in the 1970s, and share a few naans across the table.
Yes, Gas Street Basin near Brindleyplace is the easiest starting point for day hire or just a canalside coffee.
Cadbury World, the Black Country Living Museum and the National SEA LIFE Centre are all popular with families.
Catch a match at Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, or at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.
Yes. Sandwell Golf Club is just minutes from the hotel and welcomes both experienced players and beginners.
Where to Sleep in Birmingham
See Mercure hotels in Birmingham, all within reach of these picks.