Jewellery Quarter

Europe's largest historic jewellery district where 40% of UK jewellery is still made today. Victorian terraced streets house over 100 jewellery shops, workshops, and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter in a preserved 1980s workshop. It ranks among Birmingham's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Tickets cost Museum £5 adult, £3 child, walking area free and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: see traditional jewellery making in action in Skip if: You have no interest in crafts, shopping, or industrial heritage Cost: Museum £5 adult, £3 child, walking area free

Walk cobbled streets past Victorian workshops where you can watch jewellers at traditional workbenches. The museum shows tools and techniques unchanged since the 1800s, while active workshops let you see modern artisans continuing centuries-old traditions.

Accessibility: Museum has step-free access, cobbled streets may be challenging for wheelchairs

See traditional jewellery making in action in Britain's historic jewellery centre. That puts it near the top of any Birmingham visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Birmingham Back to Backs and The Coffin Works Museum - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Birmingham.

Skip if: You have no interest in crafts, shopping, or industrial heritage

• Start at the museum to understand the area's history.
• Many workshops offer custom jewellery services.
• St Paul's Church in the square is worth a quick look.

Insider tip: Visit Smith & Pepper workshop on Tuesdays when they do silver casting demonstrations

Street photography welcome, ask permission before photographing inside workshops