The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery itself is an exceptional day out - with amazing collections of Pre-Raphaelite art, metalwork and ceramics (without the queues and tourist clusters of some other major city museums - ahem London). There's also a raft of niche museums the whole family will love - like the Sarehole Mill - a 250 year old working watermill.

No Birmingham experience is complete without enjoying an authentic Balti curry - served in a traditional steel Balti dish. Visit to the Balti Triangle - a cluster of balti houses along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road. Experience some other delicacies from the area's rich food heritage including groaty pudding, shrewsbury cakes or traditional faggots (savoury duck meatballs). 

The world-famous Birmingham canal network doesn't just boast more miles than Venice - they are both stunning beautiful and functional. Float along on a boat tour or use the gorgeous towpaths to explore the city centre. Don't forget a pitstop at a canalside bar like the Flapper or The Malthouse. 

Birmingham has more public open space than any city of equal size in Europe with 571 parks – nearly 200 more than Paris! Don't miss the spectacular Winterbourne House and Garden, the gardens in Cannon Hill Park or plan a hike through Lickey Hills Country Park. 

Birmingham offers major venues like the Barclaycard Arena and Town Hall as well as amazing independent music venues and cinemas, all of which host artist's for all tastes. If sports are more your thing - you can visit venues like Villa Park, Edgbaston Cricket Ground and many more!

A focal point of city is the Bullring & Grand Central - the glamorous heart of Birmingham. With more than 240 shops, it's one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe. If you're looking for independent shops, check out Great Western Arcade or Piccadilly Arcade - two gorgeous, undercover rows of local retailers to explore.

Family in tow? There's plenty happening right next to the NEC Birmingham to keep kids of all ages entertained. Why not test yourselves in the escape rooms - Escape Hunt Resorts World? Or go to Vortex Gaming - an immersive, state-of-the-art family entertainment centre. Outdoors type? Visit The Bear Grylls Adventure - with a ropes courses, archery, assult course and even indoor skydiving! 

Maybe your trip to Birmingham is a few days of well-deserved down time. If so, why not spend time boosting resting, boosting wellness and nourishing your soul at a spa? You don't even need to leave the NEC area - Resorts World boast Santai - offering facials, massages and body treatments. Then enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, snooze on the hot-stone loungers and and yet another dip in hydrotherapy jets - all inside an ionised salt cave.