During the Easter Holidays, I embarked with my family on a day trip to the spectacular city of Birmingham – the UK’s second largest city, with a combination of antique and modern around every corner. From its historic halls to modern transit systems, a day spent here felt like a journey through time, history and culture.

As we arrived in the city centre, we were greeted with one of the largest rail stations in Britain – Birmingham New Street. Recently refurbished, its large glass dome serves as a gleaming example of urban regeneration. With multiple zones for platforms and trains to just about everywhere I could think of (as well as Birmingham Moor Street station nearby), it was clear that Birmingham was effortlessly connected to the rest of the UK. The station also had a shopping centre on its upper floors, allowing customers to enjoy retail and convenient transport.

Continuing on, we spotted Birmingham Town Hall, only a short stroll from the station. Standing in front of a prestigious square, it has been a cornerstone of the city since the 1830s, hosting diverse events that reinforce the city’s rich culture and heritage. The town hall was circled with beautiful fountains, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the otherwise urban landscape. Not just decorative elements, they were also beloved landmarks in themselves, with hundreds of coins thrown into the fountains as tourists and residents made wishes for the future.

Perched atop Centenary square, the futuristic library of Birmingham was our next stop, boasting 9 floors of knowledge and learning. This place was certainly not just a typical library for studying. Its architectural design from the outside was more than noticeable, not to mention the absolutely stunning views from its rooftop gardens (if you are prepared to handle the heights!) Inside, collections of genres and the Shakespeare Memorial Room are treasure troves for the curious.

Next off, we took a journey on Birmingham’s public transport system – the West Midlands Metro, a tram network that flows through Birmingham to Wolverhampton and Edgbaston Village with brilliant efficiency. With cheap fares and even family day fares, it was a great feeling to be riding on one of Birmingham’s best innovations, offering a glimpse into the greener future of this city.

Our journey finally concluded in its diverse Chinatown, a vibrant tapestry of East Asian culture that created an insight towards minority ethnicities. The streets were lined with shops and markets, as well as decorations such as fountains, the iconic Chinese lanterns, and paintings on the pavement, allowing people to enjoy and imagine the East amid the bustle of the West.

In my opinion, this one day spent at Birmingham instantly presents a statement about the city’s spirit: innovative, diverse and ever evolving. It is a place where history is cherished and celebrated while the future is embraced with open arms, and I am sure that spending another day in this wonderful city would lead to other surprises and discoveries. Birmingham’s city centre is certainly not just a destination: it’s an experience.