Cheap Things To Do In Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the best cities in the UK for student life — and the good news is, you don’t need loads of money to enjoy it.

From free museums and canal walks to cheap activities and student-friendly events, there’s plenty to do in the city without draining your bank account.

Whether you’re trying to make your student loan last or just looking for something to do midweek, here are some of the best cheap things to do in Birmingham students love.

Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham is one of the most underrated spots in the city.

The Library of Birmingham

You can study, explore the building, or head up to the rooftop garden for views over the city — completely free.

It’s also a great alternative to uni libraries if you want a change of scenery.

Why students love it:

Free things to do in Birmingham
Cheap activities under £10
Outdoor spots and parks
Social things to do with friends
Tips to save money in Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

If you want something cultural (without spending anything), this is one of the best options.

The museum is free to enter and houses one of the UK’s largest art collections, making it a good way to spend an afternoon between lectures.

Free entry
Rooftop views
Great study spot

Walk along the canals

Birmingham actually has more miles of canals than Venice, and they’re one of the best places to walk around for free.

Areas like Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin are especially popular for relaxed walks or catching up with friends.

Central location
Good for a chilled afternoon

Mini golf, bowling, and games

If you’re looking for something more social, Birmingham has loads of fun activities like crazy golf, bowling, and arcade bars.

Many places offer student deals or off-peak pricing, so you can usually do something fun for under £10–£15.

Spots like BOOM BATTLE BAR are popular for group activities, especially when you can split the cost with friends.

Go karting or trampoline parks

For something a bit different, activities like go karting or trampoline parks are popular with students and often offer discounts or group deals.

They’re a great way to break up the week or celebrate the end of exams.

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is one of the most popular green spaces for students.

It’s huge, free to enter, and perfect for picnics, walks, or just relaxing with friends.

Sutton Park

If you want something even bigger, Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, with lakes, woodland, and walking trails.

It’s ideal for day trips, especially in the summer.

Lickey Hills

For great views and a proper escape from the city, Lickey Hills is a popular spot for walking and hiking.

It’s a bit further out, but worth it if you want a change of scenery.

Explore markets and the city centre

Places like the Bullring and local markets are great for wandering around without spending money.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a good way to spend a few hours in the city.

Live events and gigs

Birmingham has a strong live music and comedy scene, and many smaller venues offer cheap or student-priced tickets.

You’ll often find events happening throughout the week that cost less than a typical night out.

Study cafés and coffee catch-ups

Sometimes the simplest plans are the best.

Meeting friends at a café, studying together, or working remotely is one of the most common (and affordable) ways students spend time in Birmingham.

And if you’re grabbing coffee or food while you’re out, it’s always worth checking Student Beans for discounts — you can often save at places like wagamama, Greggs, or Caffè Nero, which makes those casual meet-ups even cheaper.

And if you’re grabbing coffee or food while you’re out, it’s always worth checking for discounts — you can often save at places like , which makes those casual meet-ups even cheaper.

If you want to keep your spending low, a few simple habits go a long way.