Where to Take the Best Photos in Birmingham? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Birmingham can be a good place to visit if you are planning a vacation to Europe. It is a lively, modern, and culturally rich city.  It provides many photo-worthy moments with its modern architecture, old buildings, and picturesque canals. There are so many interesting sites to explore in Birmingham! We have produced a list of our best 10 spots for breathtaking images while you are there, even though it is hard to choose just ten.

In this guide, we're offering our favorite choices for stunning photo locations in Birmingham. We also give you advice on when and how to visit each area to avoid crowds and get the best light.

Together, let's explore some of the city's most charming spots, perfect for creating memories.

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1. Library of Birmingham

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Upon its initial opening in 2013, the Library of Birmingham received a lackluster review. It caused division and left many people yearning for the Brutalist, drab nostalgia of Birmingham's "old" Library. But attitudes have changed over time, and it is now regarded as a beloved landmark on the horizon of Birmingham. The attractive square lines, elaborate metalwork, and gorgeous gold color provide Birmingham photographers with a wealth of shooting opportunities.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A modern masterpiece with rooftop gardens and epic city views.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for golden light across the skyline.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the top terrace or catch the building's patterns from the street.

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2. Birmingham Canals

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Birmingham's canals, which were constructed to transport coal, iron, and goods, were the backbone of Britain's industrial revolution. To the surprise of many first-time visitors, however, they have been transformed into peaceful walkways and waterside hangouts. What used to seem gloomy and forgotten now seems serene and atmospheric. The canals provide countless compositional opportunities, particularly during golden hour or dusk when reflections shimmer across the surface. Brick bridges, old lock houses, mirrored water, and narrowboats add color.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A peaceful maze of water that feels like a hidden Venice.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning or sunset for reflections and soft tones.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use long exposure at night to get that perfect glow on the water.

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3. Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter is undoubtedly a must-see spot for any photographer in Birmingham. While it may not be so stuck in a different time, you can undoubtedly feel the history of the Jewellery Quarter. The Jewellery Quarter is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering with your camera because it has a lot of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in addition to charming little jewelry stores.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A charming old district where heritage meets creativity.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Midday, when the workshops and cafés are buzzing.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on textures—cobbled streets, vintage signs, and classic brickwork.

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4. Victoria Square

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Victoria Square is another public area that is teeming with activity and photographic possibilities. There are many opportunities for street scenes, architectural photos, and typically some event photography in this area, which is home to the Town Hall and the Birmingham Museum and Art Galleries. Every week, the area is filled with events such as pop-up food festivals, dance festivals, and even a whole forest of futuristic trees!

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Grand old buildings, fountains, and that “classic city” vibe.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Just after sunset, when the lights come on.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot wide for symmetry or zoom in on the sculptures.

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5. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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The 15-acre Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a Bonsai garden, a bird collection, and exotic plants kept in tasteful Victorian glass houses. Nature lovers can visit a number of well-known parks in the vicinity, such as Cannon Hill Park and the Birmingham Nature Centre. Visitors can also take advantage of the lively nightlife that is centered around Brindley Place and along Broad Street.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Tropical glasshouses and peaceful gardens right in the city.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring or fall, when colors are at their best.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use natural frames like branches or windows inside the greenhouses.

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6. Custard Factory (Digbeth)

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Digbeth, which has had a slight resurgence in recent years, is the center of Birmingham's artistic community. It is filled with hip independent stores, eateries, and pubs. Digbeth has a lot to offer and is well-known for its music and street art scenes. A stroll down to the Custard Factory will offer plenty of shooting opportunities, though, as the High Street has transformed due to the recent Midland Metro extension.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Street art, indie shops, and raw creative energy everywhere.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Afternoon, when the murals pop in natural light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Go wide to capture the whole scene—or zoom in for mural details.

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7. Gas Street Basin

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Once a gritty hub of trade and transport, Gas Street Basin was where narrowboats loaded and unloaded goods that powered Birmingham’s industrial growth. Today, it’s been transformed into one of the city’s most charming canal spots. Colorful boats, restored warehouses, and waterside pubs create an authentic and quietly vibrant atmosphere. It’s especially photogenic in the early evening when the lights begin to glow and the water reflects.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A calm, canal-side spot with cozy pubs and colorful boats
• Best time to visit 📅
  Dusk, when the lights reflect beautifully in the water.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use reflections and long exposures for a dreamy effect.

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8. St. Philip’s Cathedral & Square

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Every photographer from Birmingham is thought to have at least a few images of St. Philip's Cathedral stashed away in their Lightroom collection. Colmore Row, Temple Street, and the rear of the House of Fraser encircle the Cathedral, which is located in the center of the Colmore Business District. Known locally as "Pigeon Park," it's another fantastic location to take in the scenery, be amused by the residents, and have a little "green space" right in the middle of the city.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A quiet green space with elegant architecture in every corner.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Around noon for great natural lighting inside.
• Photography tip 📷
  Try framing the church with surrounding trees or buildings.

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9. Sarehole Mill

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Sarehole Mill is a Grade II listed watermill located on the River Cole in Hall Green, Birmingham, in an area formerly known as Sarehole. It is now managed as a museum by the Birmingham Museum Trust. One of only two operational watermills in Birmingham, the other being Newhall Mill near Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, it is famous for its association with J.R.R. Tolkien and a photographer's spot.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s like stepping into Tolkien’s Shire—quiet, green, and magical.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring or summer, when it’s lush and bright.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use soft light and wide angles to capture the storybook vibe.

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10. The Bullring and Selfridges building

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A visit to Birmingham's Bullring is a must for every tour of the city. It's hard to resist the allure of meeting at the Bull, which is one of the city's two famous Bulls, with Ozzie being the more recent addition. Taking pictures of the view to St. Martin's, which is amazing, and then going around the corner to take abstract pictures of the Selfridges Building, another architectural wonder.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Its bold, futuristic design stands out with silver discs and flowing curves—nothing else looks like it.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon or after sunset, when the lights add drama.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from low angles or frame it with the old church nearby for contrast.

Final Thoughts

These are the best photography spots you will never miss in Birmingham. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Birmingham.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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