Birmingham is a city that rewards those on foot. Unlike other cities where you’re often herded into buses or cars, Birmingham’s compact streets, historic sites, and lively neighborhoods shine brightest when explored on foot. We love how walking tours here open up intimate views of the city’s changing landscape—whether it’s the modern architecture of Brindleyplace, the industrial charm of the Jewellery Quarter, or the stories of Birmingham’s notorious gangs. A walking tour truly puts you in the city’s heartbeat, and some of our favorites include the Canals, Victorians & Today tour which helps you appreciate Birmingham’s waterways and architecture, or the Night Gangs tour if you’re interested in the city’s darker side.
Birmingham’s walking tours are diverse, covering everything from historical landmarks to hidden neighborhoods, and even the city’s less glamorous past with stories of gangs and ghosts. Whether you prefer a quick glimpse in 90 minutes or a more immersive experience lasting several hours, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Each tour offers a different focus, from Birmingham’s industrial roots to its multicultural communities, making it easy to tailor your exploration to your interests.
The 11 Best Walking Tours in Birmingham
1. Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today
At number one, this Birmingham Walking Tour: Canals, Victorians & Today offers a 2-hour detailed look at Birmingham’s evolution from its Georgian and Victorian days into a lively, modern city. The tour starts and finishes at the stunning Library of Birmingham, an architectural feat that’s become a must-see. The guide takes you through Brindleyplace, Broad Street, and Gas Street Basin, revealing how canals shaped Birmingham’s industrial growth and are now scenic features of the city.
What sets this tour apart is its depth of historical insight combined with contemporary stories. Visitors love Jonathon’s engaging storytelling and personal knowledge. Landmarks like Gas Street Basin and the ICC are examined with careful attention to their significance. The walk is ideal for first-timers who want a rundown without feeling rushed. Plus, with a 5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, it’s clear this tour turns Birmingham’s intricate past into a lively, accessible experience.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a detailed introduction to Birmingham’s architecture, waterways, and modern development, all with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
2. Discovering Birmingham 2-hour Walking Tour to the Jewellery Quarter
Taking the second spot is the Discovering Birmingham: Jewellery Quarter tour, which lasts about 2 hours and offers an insider’s look at one of Birmingham’s most iconic neighborhoods. Starting in Centenary Square, the tour then takes you through backstreets via a secret canal route that even locals don’t often use. This route gives you a glimpse into the area’s industrial heritage and transformation into a creative hub.
The tour includes visits to historic buildings like the Georgian Jewellery Quarter church and the stunning Birmingham Cathedral. Personal headphones ensure you hear your guide clearly as they share stories about the evolution of jewelry-making from Georgian days to today. The guide’s local knowledge and witty storytelling make this a favorite for visitors wanting a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Guests note how this walk offers a fresh perspective on Birmingham’s industrial roots and its current arts scene. It’s exceptionally suited for those interested in Birmingham’s craftsmanship, history, and vibrant local character. The price, at just over $20, offers good value given the depth of storytelling and exclusive routes.
Bottom line: For those wanting a focused exploration of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and its stories, this tour delivers a unique, personal experience of Birmingham’s craftsmanship and resilience.
3. Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour
Number three on our list is the Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour, lasting about 1.5 hours. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, lively overview of Birmingham’s core sights. It covers the Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Birmingham Town Hall, and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, giving a broad picture of the city’s culture and architecture.
This tour is great for those on a tight schedule or first-time visitors who want to tick off major landmarks without overloading. The guide shares local stories, from Charles Dickens to the Beatles, making history lively and relatable. Reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace that allows for questions and photos.
Value for money is high—at under $20, it’s an affordable way to get a snapshot of Birmingham’s essence. It’s best suited for travelers who prefer a short but enriching walk that hits the highlights.
Bottom line: This tour works well for those on a limited schedule seeking a friendly, informative overview of Birmingham’s main sights.
4. Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby
At number four is the Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour, which explores Birmingham’s darker past—its gangs, violence, and notorious characters. Led by the colorful Edward Shelby, this 2-hour tour offers an immersive look at the city’s 19th and 20th-century gang culture. Stops include pub visits and scenes from Birmingham’s underworld, intertwined with stories of infamous figures like Billy Kimber.
What makes this tour stand out is its lively storytelling and the character-guide format, which makes history feel immediate and real. It’s suitable for history enthusiasts, crime buffs, or anyone curious about Birmingham’s gritty stories. Reviews praise Edward’s research and wit, making it engaging despite the sometimes grim content.
Value here is balanced by the tour’s focus on entertainment and storytelling. Note that it’s slightly more expensive, but the immersive experience and stops at local pubs add to the appeal. It’s ideal for those interested in Birmingham’s criminal past or Peaky Blinders fans.
Bottom line: If you’re after a lively, story-driven tour that reveals Birmingham’s less-glamorous side, this walk with Edward Shelby won’t disappoint.
5. Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops
For those who love the allure of nighttime exploration, the Birmingham Gangs Night Tour offers an evening journey into Birmingham’s crime and pub scene. Lasting about 3 hours, the tour visits historic pubs and shares stories of gang activity, the Peaky Blinders, and local crime lore.
The guided walk includes stops at canals, Burlington Arcade, and Birmingham New Street Station, with art installations and detailed stories. The guide’s engaging narration and the chance to have drinks in historic pubs make this a relaxing yet captivating way to learn about the city’s darker history. Reviews mention how fun and informative the tour is, with a particular appreciation for the storyteller’s passion.
This tour is perfect for night owls, TV fans, or groups wanting a different way to experience Birmingham after sunset. The cost reflects the added value of pub stops, making it a reasonable choice for an evening outing.
Bottom line: For an entertaining evening that combines history, local pubs, and a bit of crime drama, this tour hits the mark.
6. 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba
Number six features the Black Heritage Madiba Tour, which highlights Birmingham’s African Caribbean communities. Over about 2 hours, the tour visits landmarks like Handsworth Park and explores the stories of notable local musicians, celebrities, and cultural figures.
What makes this tour compelling is its focus on Birmingham’s multicultural fabric and stories often overlooked in mainstream guides. Led by Marcia, the guide, it emphasizes personal stories and local art trails, making the experience both enlightening and engaging. Reviewers praise her knowledge and the authentic insight into Birmingham’s diverse communities.
The tour is well suited for travelers interested in social history, multiculturalism, or the African Caribbean influence in Birmingham. It provides a meaningful counterpoint to more traditional sightseeing tours.
Value-wise, at around $19, it’s an affordable way to experience Birmingham’s cultural diversity beyond the usual tourist spots.
Bottom line: This tour offers a meaningful perspective on Birmingham’s multicultural identity—great for socially conscious travelers or those wanting an offbeat experience.
7. Private Birmingham Ghosts and Gallows Walking Tour
The Ghosts and Gallows Tour gives a private, spooky twist to Birmingham’s past. Lasting around 1.5 hours, this tour explores the city’s dark side—public hangings, haunted sites, and ghost stories. Starting at Snow Hill Station, you’ll visit sites like St Philip’s Cathedral—where over 60,000 are buried—and the infamous Temple Street pub haunted by its former landlord.
Led by an expert guide, the tour combines history and ghost stories that appeal to those who enjoy spooky tales and historic crime. It’s perfect for small groups who prefer a more intimate, customizable experience. Reviewers love the storytelling and the chance to walk through Birmingham’s more mysterious corners.
Cost is higher due to the private nature, but the personalized experience and chilling tales justify it. Best suited for night owls, ghost enthusiasts, or small groups seeking a memorable nighttime adventure.
Bottom line: For a spooky, private tour that mixes history with ghost stories, this walk is a fun way to experience Birmingham’s haunted corners.
8. Birmingham Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide
Coming in at number eight, the Birmingham Must-see Attractions Tour provides a 2-hour guided walk through the city’s key sights. It covers the Roundhouse, Centenary Square, Jewellery Quarter, and Digbeth Arena, offering a broad overview of Birmingham’s main highlights.
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a structured, guided experience that covers the city’s essential sights without feeling rushed. The guide shares stories about the architecture, notable events, and local lore, making the walk engaging and educational. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the well-paced route that allows plenty of photo stops.
Value is excellent—given the short duration and focus on main attractions, it’s a good introduction for new visitors or those with limited time.
Bottom line: If you prefer a straightforward, friendly overview of Birmingham’s top sights, this tour makes a great first impression.
9. 2 Hour Private Walking Tour of Birmingham
Ranked ninth is the 2-hour Private Walking Tour, offering an exclusive, customized look at the city. Starting at Victoria Square, your guide tailors the experience based on your interests—whether it’s architecture, history, or local stories.
Highlights include Birmingham Cathedral, the Jewellery Quarter, and the Museum & Art Gallery. The private setting allows questions and extra focus on areas you find fascinating. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility and personalized approach, noting that the guide’s knowledge makes the experience special.
This tour is perfect for small groups or couples wanting a bespoke experience. The higher price reflects the exclusive nature, but the flexibility and deeper insights make it worthwhile.
Bottom line: For personalized, in-depth exploration of Birmingham, this private tour delivers a tailored experience that can focus on what interests you most.
10. Private Birmingham 3hr City & Jewellery Quarter Walking Tour
At number ten, this 3-hour private tour offers an in-depth look at Birmingham’s history and craftsmanship. It combines key sights like Cathedral Square, Birmingham Cathedral, Victoria Square, and the Jewellery Quarter, covering more ground in a leisurely pace.
Led by your own guide, it’s ideal for those who want an immersive experience with time to explore each site and ask questions. The tour features historic landmarks and stories about Birmingham’s growth from a market town to a major city. Reviews highlight the tour’s comprehensive coverage and friendly guides.
Value is high for those wanting a thorough discovery—especially if you prefer a private, customizable approach.
Bottom line: This longer, private tour suits travelers who want to spend more time discovering Birmingham’s history and craftsmanship at their own pace.
11. Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
Finally, the Birmingham Private Walking Tour offers a 2-hour personalized experience. Starting at Victoria Square, your guide shares stories about Stone Age Britain, the Roman conquest, the Industrial Revolution, and modern developments.
This tour is highly flexible, allowing you to focus on sites like St. Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and the historic Town Hall. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s storytelling and the ability to customize based on your interests. It’s especially suitable for groups who want a private, tailored exploration.
Price-wise, it’s a bit more expensive but offers the intimacy and flexibility that many travelers value highly.
Bottom line: For a private, in-depth, personalized introduction to Birmingham, this tour provides a flexible option tailored to your curiosities.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Birmingham
When selecting your walking tour, consider your interests—are you into history, neighborhoods, crime stories, or cultural diversity? For a rundown, the Canals, Victorians & Today is hard to beat, but if you want a deep dive into Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, then the 2-hour Jewelry Tour offers unmatched insight.
Budget is another factor. Shorter, guided walks like the City Centre Tour are affordable and perfect for a quick intro, while private options like the 3-hour City & Jewellery Tour suit those seeking a more personalized experience.
Timing matters too—morning walks are less crowded, and the Night Gangs Tour offers a different, atmospheric perspective. Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Birmingham’s walking tours showcase everything from its historic waterways and architectural marvels to its pulsating cultural and social stories. If you’re after a broad overview, the Canals, Victorians & Today is a fantastic starting point. For a more niche experience, such as exploring the Jewellery Quarter or uncovering Birmingham’s dark past, options like the Jewellery Tour or Ghosts & Gallows will satisfy.
Travelers with limited time or a curiosity to customize their experience should consider private tours, which allow you to focus on what interests you most. Meanwhile, those on a budget will find plenty of quality guided walks for under $20.
Birmingham’s walkable streets and diverse stories make it a city that truly comes alive on foot. Booking ahead and planning your route based on your interests will ensure you get the most out of your visit. Happy strolling!
