City-break: Birmingham

Are you looking for your next short-break? Then how about Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK and more importantly an absolute shopper’s paradise! The city of Birmingham is located in the centre of the West Midlands. It’s the new shopping capital of Europe, the home of the famous football club Aston Villa and the New street station, the biggest railway station in the UK. Take a walk through the city centre and enjoy the mix of new and old architecture, which makes the city a great place to visit. Do you want to experience all-round shopping? Then head first to the Bullring with 160 shops and the iconic Selfridges, an architectural highlight, worth the trip itself.

If you want to see some designer labels then visit the Mailbox shopping centre, which lies next to the canal. It is a great place to grab a coffee while enjoying the view over the canal. And for all those who want to shop more, the Great Western Arcade’s Victorian elegance, the Pavilion Central, the Pallasades, the Martineau Place and the City Plaza are waiting. And for all jewellery lovers, you will find the famous jewellery quarter, the nation’s heart of jewellery.

Birmingham is indeed a fantastic place for families. How about visiting the IMAX cinema, the Sea life centre, the Public, an exciting creative arts centre or the Cadbury World, UK’s most famous chocolate brand, where you can see how the yummy stuff is made. And there is so much more to discover.

A must is also the Birmingham Central Mosque in the Highgate area, one of the largest Muslim centres in Europe. Other famous mosques and Islamic centres in the city include Central Jamia Masjid Ghamkol Sharif, the Green Lane Mosque or the Bordesley Centre. You will also find various Muslim bookstores and libraries. As in any other bigger UK city, you won’t have troubles finding halal restaurants. Try the Mahswii with Arabian cuisine or the Amer Tandoori. So what are you waiting for? Grab a big bag and head to Europe’s shopping mecca.