Birmingham visitor guide
Birmingham is the opening stop on the Come Fry With Me tour, with two nights at Symphony Hall in late September 2027. The hall sits in Centenary Square, right in the heart of the city, surrounded by cultural venues, canals and restaurants.
Hannah Fry plays Symphony Hall on 28–29 Sept 2027. Here is what to see, where to eat and where to stay.
Things to do near Symphony Hall
- Centenary Square — The public square directly outside Symphony Hall, with fountains and open space — a natural meeting point before the show.
- Library of Birmingham — One of Europe's largest public libraries, on the same square as Symphony Hall. Worth a look for the rooftop terrace alone.
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery — Free entry, a short walk from the hall, housing the world's largest Pre-Raphaelite collection.
- Gas Street Basin and the canals — Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. Gas Street Basin is a short walk from Symphony Hall and lined with bars.
- Jewellery Quarter — A historic quarter to the north of the city centre with independent shops, studios and museums.
- Thinktank Science Museum — Hands-on science museum in Millennium Point — fitting for a maths show.
Source: Visit Birmingham. Check each attraction for current opening times before you visit.
Places to eat near Symphony Hall
These areas are recommended by Visit Birmingham. We do not rate or review individual restaurants; check availability and menus directly.
- Brindleyplace — A waterside development next to Symphony Hall with a range of restaurants, popular for pre-show dining.
- The Mailbox — A former Royal Mail sorting office now housing restaurants and shops, a short walk from the hall.
- Colmore Row and the Business District — Independent restaurants and cafés along one of the city's oldest streets.
- Digbeth — A regenerating area south-east of the centre known for street food markets and independent kitchens.
Where to stay
The city centre around Broad Street, Brindleyplace and the Jewellery Quarter are the most convenient areas. All are within walking distance of Symphony Hall and well-served by buses and the Metro tram.
How long to allow
The show is in the city centre, so a day trip from most Midlands cities is straightforward. If you want to explore Birmingham itself, an overnight stay gives you time for the canals, museums and Jewellery Quarter alongside the show.
Common questions
What is there to do near Symphony Hall in Birmingham?
Birmingham has plenty to see. Near Symphony Hall: Centenary Square, Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and more. See the full list above.
Where should I eat before the show in Birmingham?
Popular areas for eating near the venue include Brindleyplace and The Mailbox. We list only areas recommended by the Visit Birmingham; check individual restaurants for availability.
Where should I stay for the Hannah Fry show in Birmingham?
The city centre around Broad Street, Brindleyplace and the Jewellery Quarter are the most convenient areas. All are within walking distance of Symphony Hall and well-served by buses and the Metro tram.
How long should I allow for a trip to Birmingham?
The show is in the city centre, so a day trip from most Midlands cities is straightforward. If you want to explore Birmingham itself, an overnight stay gives you time for the canals, museums and Jewellery Quarter alongside the show.
Related pages
- Birmingham tour date
- Symphony Hall venue guide
- Getting to Symphony Hall
- Buy tickets
- Travel and hotels guide
Other city guides
- Nottingham visitor guide
- Leicester visitor guide
- Newcastle visitor guide
- Edinburgh visitor guide
- Cardiff visitor guide
- Bath visitor guide
- Portsmouth visitor guide
- Manchester visitor guide
- London visitor guide
Information sourced from Visit Birmingham. Last checked 2026-10-12. We are not affiliated with any of the attractions or restaurants listed.