Overall Score
Birmingham – is a city in Central England, located on the Birmingham Plate. Birmingham is a major industrial center and an important transport hub in the country. More than half of the citys residents work at industrial enterprises located in Birmingham. Birmingham is also one of the most important educational centers with a technical background.
The city, badly damaged by World War II bombardment, was reconstructed, which is why modern architecture is characteristic of it. Among the surviving structures, the 13th-century St. Martins Church, the unpretentious St. Chads Cathedral, the 18th-century Cathedral, and the cathedral are especially noteworthy. Also in Birmingham is Warwick – one of the oldest castles in England. The citys main attraction is its 19th-century counterpart to Londons Beagh Bann – the Beagh Brame. This forty-five-foot tower, with a pantry that is four and a half meters long, is located in Chemeren Square, in the very center of the city. And the real architectural masterpiece is the Hauthentic Courts House, personally laid out by Queen Victoria and adorned with magnificent terracotta sculptures and other archaeological artifacts.
Birmingham is also known for its longest canals, longer than those of famous Venice, and for the most complex highway system, which locals have nicknamed «spaghetti» but what about the local community, which has a name of Spaghetti? But what is really striking is the number of monuments and statues erected in the city. The oldest sculpture in Birmingham is the statue of George I in front of the University of Birmingham. It was brought from Dublin, where it was made in the early 18th century. Also of interest is the statue of Commander Nelson, which was erected earlier than its counterpart in London. The pavilion, shaped like a barbaran, is located on Market Square, in the shape of a pavilion. And in the center of the Old Square is a sculpture of an English comedian who was born in Birmingham and is considered the originator of the British humor, Tony Henicock. Also worth seeing in the middle of the Quarter is the famous Clock of the Chevalier, located in the middle of the Quarter. The iron iron tower was cast and installed in 1903, and the clocks were made in the clock factory in Soho.
Birmingham is also known for its theme museums. Of particular interest is the Birmingham Railway Museum, housed in a former locomotive shop and depot. Its exhibition includes more than ten perfectly preserved steam lamps that can be viewed not only from the outside but also from the outside through a special rotating platform. And one of the most popular museums in the city is considered to be the World of Cuddybury, which is located on the territory of the existing Clockworks Factory and offers excursions on it. During the tour, you can learn about the processes, intricacies and traditions of making cider, and you can choose from a wide variety of products at a fraction of the price in the grocery store. The excursion is so popular that if you want to visit the factory, you should make sure you do so beforehand. Another recommended place to visit is the Museum of Glass, not far from Birmingham. It is a free-entrance museum with a modern building with a completely glass facade. You can learn about the history of glass and how its made. The museum also has a permanent exhibition of leading glass artists.
But the most striking building in Birmingham is considered to be the Hall of Memory. This building, built of Portland stone and covered with glass, contains a collection of sculptures representing the armies of all the major military conflicts of the past century.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 31 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Ambiguous
- Population: 1,100,000 people
- Population density: euro euro not busy: 16x16m 256m per person
- GDP: $40,249 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 27 Mbps
- Best wireless: EE
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: At restaurants in the UK a tip of around 10% is expected if you order at your table. A ‘service charge’ or ‘optional charge’ may be included so check your bill. If there is a service charge, don’t tip extra. If there is a service charge you may like to ensure that it goes to the waiter or waitress.
- Apartment listings:
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best hospital: Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ryanair
- Best intl air carrier: British Airways
- Monthly costs for expat: $2400
- Monthly costs for family: $5200
- Monthly costs for local: $1500
- Meal: $20
- Small Cola: $3.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $5
- Coffee: $3
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