After a long day filled with overnight plane rides and a delayed bus, we finally arrived in Birmingham! It definitely was not an easy trip and I can feel the exhaustion kicking in from our travels, but after our first day I can already tell that it was well worth it! When the bus dropped us off, we quickly dropped off our bags and headed over to get a well-needed lunch at a typical local restaurant where we all happily enjoyed food other than the kind found on an airplane. We then took off on a tour around the city where I quickly fell in love with Birmingham. I can already see that I’ve entered a city layered with personality, history, and constant reinvention. It’s always so amazing wandering around a new city, especially one with such a distinct feel, but I can honestly say I’m already intrigued. There are many different things that already stick out about Birmingham: its rich culture, history, and style. However, one thing in particular really stuck out to me, the variety of architecture in the city.

Before arriving here, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew that it was the second largest city in England and was often referred to as England’s “second city,” but I didn’t know exactly what that meant. I guessed it would be busy, urban, and maybe a bit industrial, but beyond that I had no clue what to expect. After arriving, I was completely surprised by how diverse the city is architecturally. While parts of it are the more industrial type that I expected, the majority of the city has all kinds of different buildings and styles, providing for a visually unique experience. I found myself constantly looking up, scanning building facades, wondering what time period I was seeing or what the original purpose of a structure might’ve been. Some of the buildings look like they’ve been here forever with worn stone and dramatic Gothic arches, while others are boldly futuristic and modern, like something out of a science fiction movie.

What I found most interesting is how these different styles don’t clash like one might expect them to. Instead, they seem to coexist in a way that feels intentional and expressive. I’ve included a few photos with this post that try to capture that feeling: the mix of historic and modern architecture that makes Birmingham so visually rich. One of the first buildings that caught my eye was Birmingham’s Town Hall. It looks like something straight out of ancient Rome or Greece, with towering Corinthian columns and grand stone steps. My attention was also quickly drawn to the elaborate gothic spire in front of the hall, built as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain in Chamberlain Square. Standing in front of them, I felt dwarfed by its scale and presence. I was starstruck by the detail in both pieces and couldn’t help but wonder how many people had stood in that exact same spot admiring the same structures I was.

Not far from that square is the Birmingham Library, which couldn’t be more different. It’s a massive, multi-story building wrapped in intricate metal latticework that almost looks like stacked rings. From some angles, it’s beautiful and elegant; from others, it looks like a futuristic beehive. Either way, it’s impossible to ignore. It is one of the boldest architectural statements I’ve ever seen and I think it is so wonderful that the building is devoted to books, such a classic part of human culture and history. 

Walking through the city center, I noticed the same pattern again and again: modern shops tucked into Victorian facades, glass additions built on top of old brick warehouses, old pubs sitting comfortably beside high-rise office buildings. In many cities, that kind of contrast might feel disjointed, but here it just seems to work. There’s a sense that the city has been built up over time with each era leaving its own distinct fingerprint.

Another building that really stuck with me today was St. Martin’s Church, which sits right beside the Bullring shopping center. The church’s pointed spires, stained glass, and weathered stone give it an air of ancient solemnity. In contrast, the Bullring next door looks like it belongs in another world. Its modern curved surface catches the light perfectly, giving it a striking appearance. It’s almost playful in its design, which makes it a sort of strange neighbor to the church. Seeing those two structures side by side made me think about how cities evolve. Instead of demolishing the old to make way for the new, Birmingham seems to find ways to honor both. There’s something refreshing about that. It tells me the city isn’t trying to erase its past in order to seem current, but rather it’s proud of its history while not being afraid to innovate either.

In addition to the striking architecture of the city, there were several things that stood out to me compared to the Pittsburgh and San Antonio that I’m used to. The biggest and most obvious difference would be that they drive on the other side of the road. Of course, I knew this was different going in, but it was still somewhat of an adjustment to have to remember to look right instead of left when crossing the street. Another big difference that I noticed was that the city sounds were different than I’m used to. The way voices echo off the old stone, the ding of the trams, and the mixture of British accents and languages from around the world were all new and exciting to hear. These differences are all part of what makes the experience rich. Every little difference is something I can learn from.

I’m already curious to see how the city will continue to reveal itself over the next few days. I know this first impression is just the beginning, but it’s been a fascinating start. What stood out most to me today wasn’t just a specific building or sound, but the way Birmingham seems to celebrate its contrasts, how it embraces its history without being stuck in it. I love how it experiments with modern design without just being flashy for the sake of it. I feel that the result of this variety is a city that feels alive, authentic, and ever changing. It’s a city where stories from different centuries exist side by side, told in brick, stone, glass, and steel.

So, what did I like about Birmingham on Day 1? I liked that it surprised me. I liked that it made me look closer and slow down. I liked that it invited me to wonder about what I was seeing and what I have yet to discover. Even though I’ve only just arrived, I cannot wait to continue my exploration and see what else I can find. Today was so amazing that I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. But until then I will be doing my best to catch up on some sleep and be prepared to jump into another exciting day!