Birmingham city centre for the day. What to do?

[lavenderscenteddrawerliners]

I am arriving in Birmingham one day before a work related visit. I'll arrive in the airport around 7am. How do I get the bus into the city centre from the airport that will enable me all day travel? Where will be open for breakfast before 8am? Any suggestions of what to do in and around city centre?

I can't help with the travel I'm afraid, but if you're into history then 'back to backs' are very interesting. You would need to book though as they're tiny (obviously!) and they can't get many visitors in at once. Guided tour situation, I think lasting about an hour?

I’d get the train to new street station if going to Birmingham city center

Train from Birmingham International station to the city centre's New Street Station is faster than the bus. Birmingham airport has a free and quick shuttle link to the station.
If you like art then Birmingham Art Gallery in the city centre (short walk from New Street Station) has an excellent collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. If you are interested in history the the National Trust Back to Back houses are definitely not your typical National Trust property. Gas Street Basin is pleasant on a sunny day for a wander and some food.

If you can wait till 8.30 for breakfast then I’d recommend Medicine bakery

try a guru walk, they are about £10 donation

library has a secret garden to sit and enjoy, go inside and ipstsirs

It’s been a while since I was last in the city but the airport to New Street is really straightforward by train. They are pretty much connected and the train is super quick. I like the shops in Birmingham.

Thank you all. I'm thinking of getting the bus purely to kill time, there's no point me arriving in the city centre at 7.30 as nothing will be open. The Medicine was on my radar, will definitely wait for that to open. Unfortunately the back to back museum is fully booked on the day as I would have loved that. Plan to spend some time in the library, it looks amazing.

It took me a while to spot it - it blends in between another couple of shops - its opposite the post office bar Thus me posting the photograph of the doorway to help you spot the entrance

Keep your phone close, that’s all I’m saying

Winterborne House and Gardens near the University is a gorgeous Arts and Crafts movement place to visit. Gorgeous gardens, nice cake at the little tea room. Admission is about a tenner.

Botanical Gardens!
About 20mins on the bus from the city centre.