Whether you choose to pause for a pint of real ale in a canalside pub or lunch in a Brindleyplace cafe, any cultural tour of Birmingham must begin with Ikon gallery. The city's flagship contemporary art venue is housed in a pleasingly converted neo-gothic building. Check out British painter Hurvin Anderson's exhibition, which opens on 18 September.
Next, head to the International Convention Centre (ICC), home to the much-admired Symphony Hall and world-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. As part of the orchestra's celebrations of Benjamin Britten's centenary in 2013, Andris Nelsons will conduct the English composer's War Requiem on 28 May. Walk through the ICC and you'll emerge in a new complex designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo. From September it will be the new base for Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the architecturally stunning Library of Birmingham.
The city cherishes its heritage, but has never been afraid of new ideas, priding itself on being a home for freethinkers, dissenters, visionaries, radicals and mavericks. Swot up on the Lunar Society, a famed group of polymaths from the 18th century, in Soho House Museum. This former home of society member Matthew Boulton opens for the season on 30 March.
Move on to Victoria Square to enjoy the pre-Raphaelite collection at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or a concert in Birmingham City University's Adrian Boult Hall or at the renovated Town Hall. It was here, in 1846, that Mendelssohn first conducted Elijah – which he composed for the Birmingham Festival – and the popular choral piece will be performed at the Town Hall again on 3 March.
For nearby fine dining, try Purnell's or Adam Stokes' new restaurant in Bennetts Hill, which is due to open in March. For good Chinese restaurants, head east to Chinatown, stopping off en route at the exquisite art deco Electric Cinema. It's a key destination during the highly rated Flatpack film festival (21-31 March).
While you're in this part of town, why not take in a show at the Birmingham Hippodrome, home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet? Their production of Aladdin premieres on 15 February. Or carry on to the creative Eastside district, which is stuffed with music, art and film venues, including Fazeley Studios, Grand Union, Eastside Projects and the Custard Factory, home to some of the most imaginative and quirky independent retailers around.
Finally, grab a balti in Balsall Heath during the Moseley folk festival (30 August–1 September) or catch a band in the Hare & Hounds in the increasingly villagey Kings Heath. For more cultural highlights, go to visitbirmingham.com.
Cultural legacy
Music: Birmingham's eclectic contribution to music – from Black Sabbath to UB40 – also includes the enchantingly avant garde Pram, who have been creating captivating albums from the city's suburbs for almost a quarter of a century.
Fashion: Celebrated stylist and editor Katie Grand is among the alumni of Birmingham City University's Bournville College of Art. If you visit Cadbury World, check out International Project Space, the neighbouring college's edgy gallery.
Literature: Follow the Tolkien trail to see places that inspired the author, then explore modern writers such as Jonathan Coe, Lee Child, Catherine O'Flynn and Benjamin Zephaniah. Current fiction gems are also published by Tindal Street Press.
