Located just a two-hour train ride from London, Birmingham (yes, the same city as seen in Peaky Blinders) does not top the travel list for many. Despite being the second-most populated city in England, travelers venture to London, Manchester, Wales, York and up to Scotland, overlooking Birmingham altogether. But there’s more than one reason to visit Birmingham, and with a masterplan to rebrand and revitalize the city by 2040, it’s not too late to plan a trip to this bustling urban area for business, leisure or a bit of both.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Birmingham truly exploded into a city of industry in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. In fact, it is here in Birmingham where the Industrial Revolution originated. Today the city is far from just a manufacturing hub, drawing in many through the service, retail and tourism sectors.

After a few hours in the city, you’ll find yourself drawn to the canals, particularly along Birmingham Canal Old Line. Here, restaurants and lively bars, pubs and cocktail lounges line both sides of the narrow, shallow waterway. At night, lit-up fronts and string lights reflect off of the canal for a bright and energetic environment. Choose from pub chains like All Bar One and Slug & Lettuce or go for something unique like Aluna, a creative cocktail bar serving tasty drinks with a twist.  Whether you want a flaming cocktail or one served in a skull, there’s no shortage of fun drinks and dishes to try here.

© Aoife O’Riordan

If you find yourself closer to the city center, 200 Degrees Coffee is the perfect way to begin your day with fresh-roasted coffee, specialty drinks and daily pastries within an elevated, rustic space. And don’t think the canal is the only spot for a good pint or cocktail. Back in the center of town, The Head of Steam in Birmingham evokes a steampunk, Victorian-era vibe with all the expected pub favorites. Or for a more relaxed atmosphere, The Trocadero offers plush seating with a wide selection of beers and classic pub fare.

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There’s more to the city than its food and drinks, however. The Library of Birmingham boasts a stunning rooftop with nearly 360-degree views of the city. At the very top you’ll also discover the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Britain’s most important Shakespeare collection and one of the most important in the world. Rare items in the space include a copy of the First Folio 1623.

Fans of the hit television series Peaky Blinders can’t miss the massive murals just outside Birmingham New Street Train Station depicting major character from the series. The city also offers tours of filming spots from the show.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Of course, elements of the city’s past remain. In the city center, the Birmingham Back to Backs Museum (named because of how shoved-in these houses once were) showcases the preserved working-class homes of families at the height of the Industrial Revolution. These carefully restored buildings delve into how hundreds lived at the time, and visitors can now tour through the homes.

The entire city now works hard to achieve its masterplan of a zero-carbon future by 2040. In addition to adding more than 100 miles of new transit routes for faster and more seamless travel, the plan includes doubling its green space; constructing modern and sleek residential and commercial buildings (one of which will be the tallest octagon-shaped building in the world, once completed); and adding a new, upscale hotel in the city center. The 152-room One Ratcliff Square will feature an alternating lattice-style, external façade designed by Howells, complete with an on-site restaurant and sky bar on the 16^th floor overlooking the city. The hotel comprises part of a larger project called Paradise, transforming the area around the hotel into a space with new commercial buildings and pedestrian connections.