Often, the cities we least expect to enchant us are the ones that leave the most lasting impressions. Such was the case with Birmingham for me. Never truly on my radar as a must-visit destination, fate threw a serendipitous chance my way. Armed with my trusty Google Pixel 6 Pro, and with my partner by my side, I embarked on an unplanned adventure. As the lights of the city danced on my camera’s lens, I discovered that Birmingham was more than meets the eye, a melting pot of history, culture, and unparalleled vibrancy.

An Unexpected Home at Crown Plaza

Our lodging for the evening was the elegant Crown Plaza, which perfectly set the tone for the adventures ahead. The gentle hum of the city beyond our window acted as our lullaby, but sleep was the furthest thing from our minds. Eager to immerse ourselves in Birmingham’s nocturnal wonders, we decided on a quest, one that might make Tommy Shelby tip his flat cap in approval.

In the Footsteps of the Peaky Blinders

With visions of the Shelby family ruling the streets, we set out, attempting to retrace the fictional steps of the iconic Peaky Blinders. But as twilight turned to darkness, the silhouettes of historic buildings became our guides. The world of the Shelbys might have been elusive, but what we found in its stead was a world of technicolor brilliance. My sister’s (Justyna) recommendation brought our attention to the streets adorned with graffiti.

The Alleys of Art

It’s one thing to view street art in broad daylight, with the sun casting its glow, but quite another to see it under the soft haze of streetlamps. Each art piece told a story, some poignant, some rebellious, and others whimsically imaginative. The hours melted away as we navigated the labyrinth of alleys, each turn presenting a new canvas of creativity. This graffiti tour turned out to be the highlight of our trip, with the city’s heart and soul laid bare on its walls.

Lucky as we were with the weather, the gentle chill only added to the ambiance. Although some narratives had warned against venturing into these parts in the dark, our experience was the opposite. Not once did we feel out of place or threatened, only enveloped in the city’s welcoming embrace.

A Whirlwind Tour

Our footsteps then led us to ‘A Green Man in Digbeth’, a sight that added a touch of mysticism to our night. A quick glance at the Custard Factory made us wish for more time. Chinatown, with its intoxicating aromas, wafted through the air, momentarily transporting us thousands of miles east.

As we wandered, a familiar yet unexpected sight caught our eyes — a bull reminiscent of NYC’s Wall Street, standing guard in front of a shopping center.

The architectural marvel of Selfridges Birmingham left us in awe, its modern curves juxtaposed against the historic backdrop of the city. Not far from this, ‘St. Martin in the Bull Ring’ beckoned, its steeple piercing the night sky.

We couldn’t miss the ‘Commonwealth Games raging bull’ at Grand Central Birmingham, a testament to the city’s sporting spirit.

And how could we end our journey without a nod to ‘The Old Crown’ pub, a relic of the past, its timeworn bricks echoing tales of yesteryears?

How to Find Digbeth from Birmingham City Centre

Birmingham, with its rich history and evolving modern landscape, offers a delightful blend of old and new. One of the city’s most vibrant and artistic areas is Digbeth, renowned for its street art, creative industries, and cultural events. If you’re in Birmingham’s city centre and wish to explore Digbeth, follow this simple guide to get there:

By Foot:

1. Start at Birmingham New Street Station, which is centrally located and serves as a primary landmark in the city centre.
2. Exit the station onto Smallbrook Queensway.
3. Walk southeast on Smallbrook Queensway towards Hurst Street.
4. Turn left onto Hurst Street.
5. Continue straight, and as you walk, you will notice the atmosphere beginning to shift. Hurst Street leads directly into the heart of Digbeth in about 10-15 minutes.

By Bus:

1. From Birmingham New Street Station, head towards the nearby bus stops. There are several bus services that frequently run between the city centre and Digbeth.
2. Buses like the 6, 17, 37, 58, 60, and 900 all have routes that pass through or near Digbeth. Make sure to check their specific routes to get off at the right stop.
3. A popular stop in Digbeth is the Digbeth Coach Station. Once you alight here, you’re right in the centre of all the action.

By Car:

1. If driving from the city centre, start on Smallbrook Queensway.
2. Follow Smallbrook Queensway and Hurst Street to Digbeth High Street/A34 in Digbeth.
3. Continue on Digbeth High Street/A34. Drive to Oxford Street, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Digbeth.
4. Be mindful of parking restrictions. There are several car parks and on-street parking available in Digbeth, but it’s always good to check beforehand.

Note: Digbeth is a popular and bustling area, especially during events. It’s recommended to check road conditions and any potential diversions, particularly if there’s a street festival or other large gathering taking place.

No matter how you choose to get to Digbeth, once you’re there, you’re in for a treat. Its rich industrial heritage, combined with its present-day reputation as a hub for artists and creatives, offers visitors a unique experience, blending the past, present, and future of Birmingham.

Looking Ahead

As dawn approached, we realized that our short trip had come to an end, but the magic of Birmingham would forever remain etched in our memories. I had grossly underestimated this city, dismissing it as just another dot on the map. But what I found was a metropolis bursting with life, art, and stories waiting to be told.

In this digital age, where every experience is captured, filtered, and shared, Birmingham offered authenticity. Each photo I took with my Pixel 6 Pro wasn’t just an image but a memory, a fragment of time forever frozen.

So, while the evening might have ended, the promise of return lingers. There’s much more to explore, to discover, and to fall in love with. Birmingham, you’ve won my heart, and I’ll be back, ready for yet another adventure.