West Midlands
Date ideas in Birmingham
Updated
Birmingham is bigger and greener than people expect. The canals run right through the middle of town, the Jewellery Quarter is full of old workshops and good bars, and Digbeth has the street art and the late nights. There's serious food too, from the balti houses of Ladypool Road to tasting menus, and huge parks and hills for when you want some air. Plenty of it is free, and plenty of it is indoors. These are our picks.
Our picks in Birmingham
Library of Birmingham and its garden terraces
Centenary Square, city centre
Address: Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND- Culture
- Free
Ride the escalators up through the library's ring of books to its two roof garden terraces, then on to the panelled Victorian Shakespeare room at the very top.
Why it's a good date: Free, quietly spectacular, and the terraces have some of the best views in the city. Keep your voices down on the way up.
Photo: Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Gas Street Basin and the canals
Gas Street, city centre
Address: Gas Street Basin, Gas Street, Birmingham B1 2JT- Outdoors
- Free
- Romantic
Walk the towpaths from Gas Street Basin, with its narrowboats and old wharf buildings, past Brindleyplace and the Mailbox, or take a boat trip along the city's famous canals.
Why it's a good date: It's the prettiest side of the city, and there are canalside pubs all along the way. Go in the evening when the lights reflect in the water.
Photo: Oosoom at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, city centre
Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
See the glowing Pre-Raphaelite paintings and the gold of the Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, in the grand museum under the clock tower.
Why it's a good date: Much of the building is still being restored, but what's open is free and well worth an hour. Finish with tea in the old Edwardian tearoom.
Photo: JimmyGuano, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Ikon Gallery
Oozells Square, Brindleyplace
Address: 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Look round the free contemporary art gallery in a turreted red-brick Victorian school on Oozells Square, with changing exhibitions on every floor.
Why it's a good date: There's always something to talk about afterwards, and it's two minutes from the canal for a walk or a drink when you're done.
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Vyse Street, Jewellery Quarter
Address: 70-80 Vyse Street, Birmingham B18 6HA- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Take the guided tour of a jewellery workshop left just as it was when its owners locked the door for the last time in 1981, tools, half-finished pieces and all.
Why it's a good date: A little time capsule, full of stories. Afterwards, wander the Jewellery Quarter's streets and window-shop for rings, if that's where things are heading.
Photo: Mark Percy, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Birmingham Back to Backs
Hurst Street, Southside
Address: 55-63 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TE- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Step inside the city's last surviving court of back-to-back houses on a guided tour, each home set up as it was for the families who lived there from the 1840s to the 1970s.
Why it's a good date: Small, moving and full of real lives, and the guides are brilliant. Tours are small and book up, so get tickets ahead, then eat in Chinatown round the corner.
Photo: Nessy-Pic, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Symphony Hall
Broad Street, city centre
Address: Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA- Event
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
- Culture
Hear the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, or a touring band or comedian, in the hall built for its sound, all warm wood and tiers of red seats.
Why it's a good date: A proper night out, and the acoustics are something else even if you're not a classical fan. The canals are right behind it for a walk after.
Photo: JimmyGuano, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Cadbury World and Bournville
Bournville, south Birmingham
Address: Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR- Activity
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Rainy day
Learn how the chocolate's made (and eat plenty of it) at Cadbury World, then wander the leafy model village the Cadbury family built for their workers, round the green and the old Rest House.
Why it's a good date: It's silly, sweet and great fun together, and the village is a lovely walk afterwards. Book ahead, and finish with a cocktail at Couch in Stirchley, a short walk away.
Photo: Tom Axford 1, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
A balti on Ladypool Road
Ladypool Road, Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook
Address: Shababs, 163-165 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8LQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Head to the Balti Triangle, where Birmingham's balti was born, and share a curry served sizzling in the steel bowl it's cooked in, with a naan big enough for two.
Why it's a good date: Cheap, filling and a real taste of the city. Many places don't serve alcohol but let you bring your own, so check first and take a bottle.
Digbeth and the Mockingbird Cinema
Gibb Street, Digbeth
Address: The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Culture
- Big night
Wander Digbeth's streets of murals and old warehouses, through the Custard Factory where Bird's custard was once made, then catch a film at the independent Mockingbird Cinema.
Why it's a good date: Digbeth is where Birmingham goes out, with street food, bars and gigs all around. A film first, then see where the night takes you.
Photo: Brianboru100, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Couch
Pershore Road, Stirchley
Address: 1466 Pershore Road, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2NT- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Romantic
- Cosy
Settle in at the small neighbourhood cocktail bar in Stirchley that was named the best in the UK in 2026, with clever, unfussy drinks and a warm welcome.
Why it's a good date: It's relaxed and friendly rather than flashy, which makes it perfect for a date. Stirchley has good places to eat nearby, and it's handy for Cadbury World and Bournville.
Opheem
Summer Row, city centre
Address: 48-65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Foodie
Book the tasting menu at Aktar Islam's Michelin-starred restaurant, modern Indian cooking, on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter.
Why it's a good date: The one to save for an anniversary: Birmingham's love of spice at its most refined. Book well ahead.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston
Address: Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Rainy day
Wander fifteen acres of gardens in Edgbaston and warm up in the Victorian glasshouses, from the steamy tropical house to the cactus-filled arid house.
Why it's a good date: A slow, pretty afternoon whatever the weather, with a tearoom for cake. Winterbourne's gardens are nearby for more.
Photo: Stephen McKay, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Winterbourne House and Garden
Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston
Address: 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2RT- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Cosy
Explore an Arts and Crafts house and its seven acres of gardens, with a walled garden, a long pergola, woodland walks and a Japanese bridge.
Why it's a good date: A hidden, peaceful corner of the city that feels like a country house. Spring and early summer, when everything's in flower, are the best.
Photo: habiloid, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Sutton Park
Sutton Coldfield, north Birmingham
Address: Sutton Park Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT- Outdoors
- Free
- Active
Lose yourselves in one of Europe's biggest urban parks, a national nature reserve of heathland, ancient woods and lakes on the city's northern edge.
Why it's a good date: It's so big you can walk for hours and barely see anyone. Pack a picnic, pick a lake, and make a day of it.
Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
The Lickey Hills
Lickey Hills Country Park, Rednal
Address: Lickey Hills Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8ER- Trip
- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Out of town
Head to the city's south-western edge and climb through the woods of the Lickey Hills Country Park to Beacon Hill, for views across the Midlands to the Malverns.
Why it's a good date: Real countryside a bus or train ride from town, and the view from the top is worth the puff. Warm up in the visitor centre café afterwards.
Original Patty Men
Shaw's Passage, Digbeth
Address: Original Patty Men, 9 Shaw's Passage, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5JG- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Share burgers and fries at OPM, the Digbeth burger joint that grew out of street food.
Why it's a good date: Loud music, big flavours and a bar next door if there's a wait for a table. It's a good start to a night in Digbeth, and booking helps at weekends.
Tiger Bites Pig
Church Street, city centre
Address: Tiger Bites Pig, 30 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NP- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share Taiwanese-style bao and rice bowls at the small independent on Church Street, near St Philip's Cathedral.
Why it's a good date: A lot of the menu is made in-house, and it's easy to order a few things and swap. Handy for a lunch date in the business district or before a show.
Eat Vietnam
Pershore Road, Stirchley
Address: Eat Vietnam, 1422 Pershore Road, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PH- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Head to Stirchley for Vietnamese noodles and curries at the small, friendly restaurant on Pershore Road.
Why it's a good date: A short menu, cooked well, with specials that change. It's small, so book ahead, then make an evening of Stirchley's run of craft beer bars.
Zindiya
Woodbridge Road, Moseley
Address: Zindiya, 21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8EH- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share Indian street food and cocktails at Zindiya, a fun, casual spot in Moseley.
Why it's a good date: Lots of small plates to pick through together, in a lively, casual room. Moseley village is lovely for a wander before or after.
The Indian Brewery, Snowhill
Livery Street, by Snow Hill station
Address: The Indian Brewery, Arch 15 & 16 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Pair modern Indian food with beer brewed in Birmingham, in the railway arches by Snow Hill station.
Why it's a good date: A relaxed, good-value dinner with a pint, a few minutes' walk from the Jewellery Quarter. Book at weekends, when the arches fill up.
Yakinori
New Street, city centre
Address: Yakinori, 67 New Street, Birmingham B2 4DU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Grab ramen, katsu or sushi at Yakinori, the family-run Japanese restaurant on New Street.
Why it's a good date: Quick, filling and right in the middle of town, so it's an easy dinner before the cinema or a show. Good for a rainy day between the shops.
Kimchi Korean Restaurant
Dawlish Road, Selly Oak
Address: Kimchi Korean Restaurant, 2-4 Dawlish Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7AE- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Cook Korean barbecue together at your table at Kimchi in Selly Oak.
Why it's a good date: Grilling at the table gives you something to do as well as eat, which takes the pressure off a first date. It's near the university, so it's busy and good value.
Adam's
Waterloo Street, city centre
Address: Adam's, New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5UG- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the tasting menu at Adam Stokes's Michelin-starred restaurant, a smart, art deco-styled room on Waterloo Street.
Why it's a good date: Polished and luxurious without feeling stiff, with a cocktail bar to start in. A safe bet for an anniversary; book a few weeks ahead for weekends.
The Wilderness
Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter
Address: The Wilderness, Unit B, 27 Warstone Lane, Birmingham B18 6JQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Go for Alex Claridge's playful tasting menu, with a loud soundtrack, at the Michelin-starred restaurant in a restored Jewellery Quarter factory.
Why it's a good date: Dark, moody and a bit rock and roll, so it's fine dining for people who don't like fine dining. Good for a big birthday; book well ahead.
Albatross Death Cult
Newhall Square, Jewellery Quarter
Address: Albatross Death Cult, Newhall Square, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1RU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Take two of the fourteen seats around the kitchen counter for a fast-paced run of seafood dishes from The Wilderness team.
Why it's a good date: You sit side by side and watch the chefs work, which makes it a really fun night out. With so few seats, book as soon as you know your date.
Folium
Caroline Street, Jewellery Quarter
Address: Restaurant Folium, 8 Caroline Street, Birmingham B3 1TW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the tasting menu at Folium, a calm, minimalist restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter run by a small, close-knit team.
Why it's a good date: Quiet, intimate and focused on the food, so it suits a date where you want to talk. Have a drink in one of the Jewellery Quarter's bars first.
670 Grams
Gibb Street, Digbeth
Address: 670 Grams, The Custard Factory, 4 Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Go for chef Kray Treadwell's creative tasting menu in a graffiti-covered room inside Digbeth's old Custard Factory.
Why it's a good date: Punk spirit, music turned up and serious cooking: a special occasion that doesn't feel formal. Afterwards you're in the middle of Digbeth's bars.
Land
Great Western Arcade, city centre
Address: Land, 30 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Try an inventive vegetarian tasting menu at Land, a small restaurant in the Victorian Great Western Arcade.
Why it's a good date: Plant-based cooking that's genuinely exciting, whether or not either of you is vegetarian. The arcade itself is a lovely walk-through on the way in.
Satori
St Mary's Row, Moseley
Address: Satori, 2C St Mary's Row, Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9EZ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book a Japanese dinner of sushi, sashimi and grilled dishes at Satori, the buzzy fine-dining spot in Moseley.
Why it's a good date: A smart night out in the suburbs, with a menu made for sharing. Moseley's village centre has good bars for a drink before or after.
Grace & Savour
Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden
Address: Grace & Savour, Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden B92 0EN- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Head out to Hampton Manor for David Taylor's Michelin-starred tasting menu, served from an open kitchen.
Why it's a good date: The full treat: a long, seasonal menu in a country-house setting a short train ride from the city. Stay the night if you can, and book as soon as dates open.
Dates in Birmingham: quick answers
What are good rainy-day dates in Birmingham?
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Ikon and the Library of Birmingham are free and indoors. The Back to Backs, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Cadbury World keep you dry too, and Symphony Hall is the place for an evening.
Are there free date ideas in Birmingham?
Lots. The Library of Birmingham and its roof terraces, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Ikon are free, and so are the canal walks from Gas Street Basin, Sutton Park and the Lickey Hills.
Where should we go for cocktails on a date in Birmingham?
Couch in Stirchley was named the UK's best cocktail bar in 2026, and it's a relaxed neighbourhood place rather than a fancy one. In town, the canalside bars around Gas Street Basin and the Jewellery Quarter are good for a drink.
Where should we go for a special dinner in Birmingham?
Opheem on Summer Row is Aktar Islam's Michelin-starred modern Indian restaurant, and the one to book for an anniversary. For something cheaper and just as Birmingham, share a balti on Ladypool Road.
Save these to your jar
Dote keeps every date idea you find in one jar you share with your partner, and tells you which ones suit the weekend weather. It's free on iPhone and Android.
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