Old Square

The basics

Old Square’s location near Corporation Street means many travelers stop by on the way to popular shopping locations, such as the Bullring and Grand Central. The square is easy to get to from Birmingham Snow Hill Station, and there are plenty of cafés and shops nearby. There’s also a tram network at Bull Street, making it convenient to explore attractions further afield, like the Jewellery Quarter or Edgbaston’s green spaces.

Things to know before you go

• Old Square is wide, flat, and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• If you’ve brought lunch with you, the area offers benches where you can sit and relax, as well as conveniently placed trash cans.
• There are plenty of shopping options nearby, such as The Square Shopping Centre.
• The nearest ATM is opposite the square—the Tesco Bank ATM.

How to get there

Many travelers walk to Old Square while exploring the shopping areas of the city center. The nearest train station is Snow Hill, a 5-minute walk away, and the Priory Queensway (Stop PQ4) bus stop is also next to the square, which you can reach on bus #74.

When to get there

Since it’s a public outdoor square, the best time to go depends on the weather. Generally, for lunchtimes during the summer months, it’s a peaceful pit stop from shopping or sightseeing. If you want to take photos of the art installations, then weekday mornings are a good time to visit.

The art scene in Birmingham

Along with the murals and Tony Hancock statue in Old Square, there are plenty of other interesting art spots in Birmingham. Head to the Digbeth neighborhood, which is known for its street art, especially between the River Rea and Floodgate Street. There’s also the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and the Ikon Gallery, for contemporary art.