Eastside is Birmingham’s coolest neighborhood—packed with indie boutiques, hidden coffee gems, and walls alive with street art. Every corner pulses with creativity and local energy. Whether you're hunting unique souvenirs or just want to soak up the vibe of young, bold urban life, Eastside will keep you exploring, snapping photos, and saying: ‘Wait—Britain has this kind of cool?’



Everything you need to know about Eastside
The Jewellery Quarter Hotel stands out as a premier choice, located in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside. This boutique hotel blends industrial heritage with contemporary design, featuring original ironwork windows and vintage lighting throughout its rooms. Guests enjoy easy access to the historic Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Aston Park, all within a 5-minute walk. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene and architectural charm.
Stay at Birmingham City Centre Hotel, strategically located at the gateway between Eastside and the city core. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Birmingham Square, Cathedral Square, and major shopping centres. The hotel offers 24-hour shuttle service to Birmingham Airport and key train stations. Rooms feature modern minimalist design, smart room controls, and high-speed Wi-Fi, plus a rooftop sky garden terrace offering panoramic views of the city skyline—perfect for both business and leisure travellers.
Eastside thrives as Birmingham’s creative hub, home to the annual Independent Designer Markets in the Jewellery Quarter, showcasing local craftsmanship and handmade jewellery. Don’t miss exhibitions at Birmingham Contemporary Arts, which features immersive installations blending sound, video, and interactive technology. A must-try is the Street Art Walking Tour, led by local artists, revealing hidden murals tucked away in alleyways. These experiences are all accessible on foot, offering an authentic taste of the area’s dynamic urban culture.
The Rubery Hotel in Birmingham East offers excellent connectivity, located just minutes from Birmingham International Airport and West Midlands Train Station. Its proximity to the M6 motorway makes it ideal for travelers seeking seamless access to major UK destinations.
Another top choice is Holiday Inn Birmingham East, featuring modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and direct highway access. Both hotels provide convenient links to Birmingham City Centre and Bullring Shopping Centre, combining business comfort with urban exploration. Their central positioning ensures effortless travel for both leisure and corporate visitors, while also offering easy access to local cultural attractions and diverse dining options in the vibrant Eastside district.
Birmingham East is a thriving hub for contemporary culture. Visit Ikon Gallery, a leading venue for modern art exhibitions featuring emerging artists and interactive workshops.
Explore Centre for Recent Painting, which showcases experimental and site-specific works, offering deep insight into current artistic trends. Don’t miss Eastside Projects, a non-profit space dedicated to community-driven and experimental art—hosting regular guided tours, lectures, and live performances.
For music lovers, public tours of BBC Radio WM provide behind-the-scenes access to national broadcasting operations. The area also boasts vibrant street art, especially around Brindleyplace, where colorful murals turn public walls into open-air galleries—perfect for photography and cultural immersion.
Yes, several hotels in Birmingham East are family-friendly. Holiday Inn Birmingham East offers spacious family rooms, a games room, complimentary breakfast, and baby beds—ideal for multi-generational stays.
It’s also close to major attractions like the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, within a 15-minute drive. Another great option is Premier Inn Birmingham East, featuring accessible entrances, pet-friendly policies, and a secure outdoor play area.
Nearby, Selly Oak Park provides a children’s playground, picnic spots, and walking trails—perfect for family outings. With well-marked streets and a safe environment, parents can confidently explore the area’s historic architecture and local boutiques with their kids, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for all ages.
Birmingham East offers stunning photo opportunities. Start at Brindleyplace Square, where sleek modern architecture meets reflective water features—ideal for dramatic mirror shots, especially during golden hour.
The Eastside Arts District is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts: ever-changing murals blend bold colors with social commentary, perfect for creative long-exposure or detail-focused photography.
Hidden nearby, Birmingham Botanical Gardens features glasshouses and seasonal blooms—spring cherry blossoms create a serene, Japanese-inspired atmosphere ideal for portrait and nature photography.
Lastly, the Edgbaston Campus of the University of Birmingham showcases striking red-brick Gothic Revival buildings. Capture moody silhouettes at dawn or sunlit window frames at midday—each frame radiates academic elegance and timeless charm.
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