Beyond the roar of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the city shows its passion for the outdoors and sports and will be host to the Invictus Games in 2027.

Skip the concrete jungle for a breath of fresh air at Birmingham Botanical Garden , one of the UK's largest botanical gardens.

For more sporty activities, glide through the city's veins on a guided kayaking tour , navigating the intricate canal network.

Football fans can cheer on the Blues (Birmingham City FC) at St Andrew's Stadium or join the "Villans" chanting for Aston Villa under the Villa Park lights.

Witness lightning-fast track stars at Alexander Stadium , home to the Diamond League Athletics and British Championships, or settle in for a day of elegant tension at Edgbaston cricket ground.

Ready to shop 'til you drop? Birmingham's your playground. So grab your bags and unleash your inner bargain hunter,

Dive into the revamped Bullring Centre and Grand Central , a labyrinth of 200+ stores spanning from high-street staples to the landmark Selfridges .

Or step into the Victorian Great Western Arcade, where you'll stumble upon hidden treasures like unique pop-up shops and indie boutiques.

Unearth treasures in the Jewellery Quarter, a global hub for craftsmanship. For the unconventional, try Elizabeth Anne Norris ' recycled metals or The Quarter Workshop 's make-your-own-ring classes.

For a modern twist, Resorts World Birmingham a family-friendly complex with shops, a cinema, bowling alley, escape rooms and gaming arcades just a 10-minute walk from Birmingham International train station.