Shop 'til you drop
You'll be pleased to hear that you can leave your orienteering skills at home if you plan to hit Brum's shops. Everywhere you need is within a credit card's swipe of New Street and the Bullring cunningly links it all up.
For re-vamping your rekkid collection, Swordfish Records (14 Temple Street, 0121 633 4859) is one of the remaining independents and deserving of your money.
If you like Elizabeth Duke jewellery off the back of a lorry, the Bullring Indoor Market (Edgbaston Street) should be on your route.
Selfridges (Bullring, 08708 377 377) is king for a blow-out on payday and has tonnes of labels to browse longingly.
Finally, the award for the most random shop goes to The Moseley Emporium (116 Alcester Road 0121 449 3441). Most of the tat's been there long enough to go in and out of fashion several times over.
Top five bits of tourist tat to buy in Birmingham
Mini bronze bull – As a momento of having your picture taken next to it, on it, under it...
Imitation metal tool – Industry built this city, but we doubt they used one of these in the process.
Blues/Villa footie shirt – Why not attract abuse everywhere you go?
Shakespeare hat, mug, pen, etc. – He only lived down the road, and we're gonna milk it.
Selfridge's giant smartie – Just pull one off the side, no one'll know.
Top five shops to bag a bargain in
Primark – Child labour? That fake leather jacket looks too damn good for us to care.
Vintage Warehouse – Second-hand tat with ominous stains removed.
The Works – A glorified jumble sale with cheap books, games, and musical instruments galore.
Urban Outfitters – Wait for the sales, then ravage those attractive young sales assistants.
Home Bargains – Ikea for chavs, but handy for everyone else.
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