Piccadilly Arcade
A charming Victorian arcade in Birmingham, featuring stunning ceiling art and a collection of unique independent shops.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Piccadilly Arcade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Victorian arcade in Birmingham, featuring stunning ceiling art and a collection of unique independent shops.
"Look up next time you’re walking through Piccadilly Arcade for a dose of beautiful art right above your head."
Look Up! ⬆️
Don't miss the incredible painted ceiling art; it's a true hidden gem.
Shop Unique Finds 🛍️
Discover independent boutiques for vintage shirts, bespoke tailoring, and artisanal scents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trompe-l'œil Ceiling Art
An extraordinary, realistic painted artwork on the ceiling, resembling a Renaissance chapel.

Boba One Bubble Tea
A popular spot for delicious bubble tea with creative flavors and a cute interior.

Clays Bar
An interactive cocktail bar offering virtual reality clay shooting for a fun group experience.
The Kit Dealer
Specializing in authentic vintage football shirts, a must-visit for sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Look Up for Art!
A Hub of Unique Boutiques
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Look Up! ⬆️
Don't miss the incredible painted ceiling art; it's a true hidden gem.
Shop Unique Finds 🛍️
Discover independent boutiques for vintage shirts, bespoke tailoring, and artisanal scents.
Bubble Tea Break 🧋
Grab a delicious bubble tea from Boba One for a refreshing treat.
Cocktails & Games 🍸
Enjoy a unique night out at Clays Bar with VR clay shooting and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Look Up! ⬆️
Don't miss the incredible painted ceiling art; it's a true hidden gem.
Shop Unique Finds 🛍️
Discover independent boutiques for vintage shirts, bespoke tailoring, and artisanal scents.
Bubble Tea Break 🧋
Grab a delicious bubble tea from Boba One for a refreshing treat.
Cocktails & Games 🍸
Enjoy a unique night out at Clays Bar with VR clay shooting and drinks.
Convenient Location 📍
Easily accessible next to New Street Station, perfect for a quick visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piccadilly Arcade is praised for its beautiful architecture, particularly the stunning trompe-l'œil ceiling art, and its collection of unique, independent shops. Visitors enjoy the convenient location and the charming atmosphere, with highlights including Boba One for bubble tea and Clays Bar for entertainment. Some find the arcade a bit small, but its curated offerings make it a worthwhile stop.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piccadilly Arcade is conveniently located right next to Birmingham New Street Station, making it incredibly easy to access via public transport. Simply exit the station and you'll see the entrance.
While there isn't direct parking within the arcade, several multi-story car parks are available nearby in Birmingham city centre, such as the one at New Street Station. It's generally recommended to use public transport due to city centre congestion.
Yes, Piccadilly Arcade is centrally located and within walking distance of many Birmingham city centre attractions, including the Bullring & Grand Central and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The best way to explore is on foot. Take your time to wander through, look up at the ceiling art, and pop into the unique shops.
The arcade is generally flat and accessible, though some individual shops may have small steps. It's advisable to check with specific stores if you have concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piccadilly Arcade is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk through and browse the shops.
The arcade itself is generally open during standard shopping hours, typically from around 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and shorter hours on Sundays. Individual shop hours may vary.
The trompe-l'œil ceiling art is a permanent feature of the arcade and is free to view as you walk through.
While the arcade itself doesn't host events, venues like Clays Bar within the arcade offer private booths and party bookings.
Visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons can offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate the atmosphere and shops.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Piccadilly Arcade features a diverse range of independent shops, including vintage football shirt specialists (The Kit Dealer), bespoke tailors, jewellers, a tattoo studio, barbershops, and artisanal perfume boutiques.
Boba One is a popular spot within Piccadilly Arcade known for its delicious bubble tea and cute interior. They offer various flavors and toppings.
Yes, besides Boba One, you can find Clays Bar, an interactive cocktail venue. Some shops may also offer small refreshments.
Absolutely! The arcade is perfect for finding unique gifts, from rare vintage football shirts to handcrafted perfumes and bespoke accessories.
Boba One is noted as being 'mostly Halal' and offers a range of drinks and potentially food items. It's always best to confirm directly with the establishment.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking photo opportunity is the trompe-l'œil artwork on the ceiling. The arcade's architecture and the unique shopfronts also make for great shots.
Yes, general photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of shoppers and businesses, and avoid intrusive photography.
Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the arcade's details. Late afternoons can provide a warm, atmospheric glow.
Stand in the middle of the arcade to get a good perspective of the entire ceiling artwork. The entrances and shop displays also offer visually appealing backdrops.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, especially in shops, to be considerate of staff and other visitors, and to not disrupt the ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While most shops are for browsing, the unique nature of the boutiques can be interesting for older children. Consider visiting during quieter times to avoid overwhelming younger children with crowds.
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds
Take your time to browse the curated collections and chat with the shop owners who are passionate about their products. The arcade's atmosphere encourages a more leisurely and personal shopping experience, perfect for finding something truly special.
✨ Couples Looking for a Unique Date
The arcade's intimate setting and unique shops also provide opportunities for browsing together, perhaps finding a special memento of your visit. It's a perfect blend of culture, fun, and unique retail therapy for a memorable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Above: Trompe-l'œil Masterpiece
This artistic addition is a testament to the arcade's commitment to offering more than just retail therapy. It provides a moment of wonder and appreciation for art, making a visit to Piccadilly Arcade a multi-sensory experience. The realistic detail and scale of the artwork are truly impressive and a frequent talking point among those who discover it.
A Curated Collection of Independent Shops
Among the notable establishments are The Kit Dealer, a specialist in authentic vintage football shirts, appealing to collectors and fans worldwide. For those interested in bespoke craftsmanship, the arcade hosts tailors and shops like Benson & Clegg, known for their timeless luxury tailoring and accessories. You can also find artisanal perfume boutiques, such as Santa Maria Novella, offering unique scents and a luxurious shopping experience. Resiliency Tattoo provides a space for intricate ink work, while Shepherds Grooming offers high-end barber services.
This concentration of niche retailers makes Piccadilly Arcade a destination for discovering distinctive items, from rare fashion pieces to personalized grooming and unique fragrances. It's an ideal location for finding special gifts or indulging in high-quality, curated products.
Boba One: A Sweet Treat Destination
Visitors often praise the cute interior decor and the quality of the bubble tea. The shop is noted for its friendly staff and has even been highlighted for its Halloween specials and potential for future food menu expansions. It's a perfect spot to grab a refreshing beverage while exploring the arcade or taking a break from shopping.
Boba One is also recognized for its commitment to Halal options, making it an inclusive choice for a wider audience. The variety of flavors, including popular options like brown sugar, biscoff, and taro, ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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