Centenary Square
Birmingham, England
In the heart of Birmingham, just next to the sprawling International Convention Centre, Centenary Square is a key central meeting point and a popular spot among visitors and residents alike. Highlights include the Hall of Memory memorial and the massive Library of Birmingham, as well as a seasonal ice rink.
The basics
The square’s central location and its attractions make it a key part of most Birmingham tours and experiences, from history- and architecture-themed walking tours to self-guided scavenger hunts, some of which have a haunted twist. Athletic travelers can zip through Centenary Square as part of an invigorating running tour. Specialized tours, such as those focusing on the hit TV show Peaky Blinders, also visit the square.
Things to know before you go
Centenary Square is a main hub in Birmingham and a must-visit for first-time travelers to the city.
The square and its surrounding areas are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly.
Public and accessible restrooms are available in The Exchange building at 3 Centenary Square.
How to get there
Centenary Square is in the heart of Birmingham, less than a 15-minute walk from the Birmingham New Street Railway Station and just a block away from the International Convention Centre. If you’re using public transportation, you can take the West Midlands Metro to the Library Stop, just in front of the square, or take bus 10, 12, 13, 822, or 829 or Platinum bus 9, 23, 24, X8, or X10.
When to get there
Summer is a great time to visit the square, when generally mild weather creates ideal conditions for spending time outdoors. Music fans flock there during the annual August Bank Holiday Weekend (the last weekend in August), when the Centenary Square Summer Series—with four days of concerts—takes place. Winter is also a fun time to visit, when a covered ice-skating rink and a Christmas market take over the square.
Dining options near Centenary Square
There are loads of great places to eat both at Centenary Square and a short walk away. While the area is full of popular British chains such as Wagamama and All Bar One, you’ll also find gems such as Dishoom, part of a restaurant group inspired by the historic Parsi cafes of Mumbai. Other great choices include Siamais, which serves Thai food, and Lulu Wild, a beautifully decorated Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar.
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