Birmingham, the second largest city in England, has recently transformed into a tourist hub, full of many must see attractions. Adding to the city's atmosphere is its many canals, which once carried loads of coal during the Industrial Revolution. With excellent restaurants, a bustling nightlife and many tourist attractions, Birmingham is undoubtedly one of England’s most exciting cities. Here are just five of the must see sights in Birmingham.

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, located in Chamberlain Square, has 40 galleries with collections of art, applied art, archaeology and ethnography. The museum first opened in 1885 and is known for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings and art from seven centuries of European history. The museum also features changing exhibitions throughout the year. As taken as you’ll be with the artwork and objects inside, you’ll be equally blown away by the exquisite architecture outside.

Think Tank is a vast science museum located at Millennium Point. With over 200 displays, you’ll spend hours walking from exhibit to exhibit. A great family attraction, Think Tank also has a state-of-the-art planetarium and a cinema. This must see sight won’t disappoint.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter tells the story of a family-owned jewellery manufacturing business in the 20th century. Take the hour-long tour and see demonstrations of how some of the company’s jewellery was made. You’ll also see original machines and tools left when the family closed up shop in 1981.

The Bullring is Birmingham’s most famous shopping centre. Not just any shopping centre, the Bullring has 160 shops and is best-known for its Selfridges department store architecture. Located in the city centre, this is a must see for everyone, even non-shoppers. Stroll through the shops, take in the award-winning design and soak up the atmosphere in the busiest shopping mall in the U.K.

If you’re a chocolate lover, a visit to Cadbury World is a must. See the world famous chocolate being made and taste fresh samples. Definitely suited for families, Cadbury World shows tour-goers videos about the history of the Cadbury family. You’ll also be able to make your own chocolate. Make sure to book tickets beforehand as it gets quite busy.

These are just five of the many must see sights in Birmingham. And the good news is a trip to this busy city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Birmingham to stay at. Stay in Edgbaston if you want to be centrally based or, if you don’t mind being a bit out of town, consider a hotel in Bournville. One more piece of advice - plan your trip ahead of time so you’ll have time to get around to all of these must see sights.

Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.