Piccadilly Arcade - people walking beside Strand Arcade
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Piccadilly Arcade

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing

CrowdLow
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Piccadilly Arcade - people walking beside Strand Arcade

Piccadilly Arcade

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Look up next time you’re walking through Piccadilly Arcade for a dose of beautiful art right above your head."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trompe-l'œil Ceiling Art

Trompe-l'œil Ceiling Art

An extraordinary, realistic painted artwork on the ceiling, resembling a Renaissance chapel.

TikTok
Boba One Bubble Tea

Boba One Bubble Tea

A popular spot for delicious bubble tea with creative flavors and a cute interior.

TikTok+1
Clays Bar

Clays Bar

An interactive cocktail bar offering virtual reality clay shooting for a fun group experience.

TikTok
The Kit Dealer

The Kit Dealer

Specializing in authentic vintage football shirts, a must-visit for sports memorabilia enthusiasts.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Look Up for Art!

Don't just rush through Piccadilly Arcade; take a moment to admire the stunning trompe-l'œil artwork on the ceiling. It's a hidden artistic gem that many visitors miss, adding a unique visual layer to your stroll. TikTok+2

A Hub of Unique Boutiques

Piccadilly Arcade is home to a curated selection of independent shops, from vintage football shirts to bespoke tailoring and artisanal perfumes. It's a great spot for finding unique gifts or treating yourself. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Atmospheric glow, shops still open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clays Bar Birmingham 📍 Interactive games in Picadilly Arcade 🎯 Food & Drink options 🍸 Private booths available for parties! Groups under 4 people rotate around 5 games for 75 minutes. Handy QR codes keep an eye on your score. @Clays Bar
@somanyprettydays
33 likes • 1.3K views

Look Up! ⬆️

Don't miss the incredible painted ceiling art; it's a true hidden gem. TikTok+2

Shop Unique Finds 🛍️

Discover independent boutiques for vintage shirts, bespoke tailoring, and artisanal scents. Instagram+1

#piccadillyarcade #birmingham #england
@daniel.izv
7 likes • 56 views
@thekitdealer 's store in Piccadilly Arcade 🔥⁠ ⁠ The Kit Dealer specialises in authentic vintage football shirts, handpicked from around the world. Based in Perth, they are trusted by collectors globally for quality and service.⁠ -⁠ -⁠ -⁠ #football #jersey #sport #clothes #mensclothing #sportsgear #guernsey #thekitdealer #apparel #shirt #soccer #rarefinds
piccadilly_arcade
2 likes • 189 views

Bubble Tea Break 🧋

Grab a delicious bubble tea from Boba One for a refreshing treat. TikTok+1

Cocktails & Games 🍸

Enjoy a unique night out at Clays Bar with VR clay shooting and drinks. TikTok

Come say hi 👋🏻 💋 12 Piccadilly Arcade ✨
cliopeppiatt
1.2K likes • 22.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Look Up! ⬆️

Don't miss the incredible painted ceiling art; it's a true hidden gem. TikTok+2

Shop Unique Finds 🛍️

Discover independent boutiques for vintage shirts, bespoke tailoring, and artisanal scents. Instagram+1

Bubble Tea Break 🧋

Grab a delicious bubble tea from Boba One for a refreshing treat. TikTok+1

Cocktails & Games 🍸

Enjoy a unique night out at Clays Bar with VR clay shooting and drinks. TikTok

Convenient Location 📍

Easily accessible next to New Street Station, perfect for a quick visit. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Beautiful ceiling art
Unique independent shops
Convenient location

What People Dislike

Can be small

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

The trompe-l'œil ceiling art is a permanent feature of the arcade and is free to view as you walk through. TikTok+1

While the arcade itself doesn't host events, venues like Clays Bar within the arcade offer private booths and party bookings. TikTok

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. Instagram+4

Boba One is a popular spot within Piccadilly Arcade known for its delicious bubble tea and cute interior. They offer various flavors and toppings. TikTokInstagram+3

Yes, besides Boba One, you can find Clays Bar, an interactive cocktail venue. Some shops may also offer small refreshments. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The arcade is perfect for finding unique gifts, from rare vintage football shirts to handcrafted perfumes and bespoke accessories. Instagram+2

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. TikTok+2

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram+3

Yes, general photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of shoppers and businesses, and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the arcade's details. Late afternoons can provide a warm, atmospheric glow. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piccadilly Arcade offers a visually engaging experience for families, especially with the captivating ceiling art that can spark children's imagination. TikTok+1 Boba One is a great stop for a treat that kids will love, offering a fun and colorful bubble tea experience. TikTok+1 The arcade's compact size makes it easy to navigate with little ones, and its location next to New Street Station means easy access for day trips. TikTok

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. TikTok

🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds

For those who love discovering one-of-a-kind items, Piccadilly Arcade is a treasure trove. Forget generic high street brands; here you'll find specialists like The Kit Dealer for vintage football shirts, or Benson & Clegg for exquisite tailoring. Instagram+1 Explore artisanal perfume shops like Santa Maria Novella for luxurious scents or discover unique gifts at other independent boutiques. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

✨ Couples Looking for a Unique Date

Piccadilly Arcade offers a charming backdrop for a date. Start with a stroll to admire the stunning ceiling art, a conversation starter in itself. TikTok+1 Then, enjoy a fun and interactive experience at Clays Bar, where you can enjoy cocktails and try your hand at virtual reality clay shooting. TikTok Alternatively, share a delightful bubble tea from Boba One for a sweet and casual treat. TikTok+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Above: Trompe-l'œil Masterpiece

One of the most captivating, yet often overlooked, features of Piccadilly Arcade is the stunning trompe-l'œil artwork adorning its ceiling. Painted by artist Paul Maxfield, the artwork, titled 'A Year in the Life of the Chinchillas,' creates an illusion of depth and grandeur, mimicking the intricate frescoes found in Renaissance chapels. TikTok+2 Visitors are encouraged to look up as they stroll through the arcade to fully appreciate this artistic marvel. It transforms a simple walk into an immersive visual experience, adding a layer of unexpected beauty to the bustling city centre. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

A Curated Collection of Independent Shops

Piccadilly Arcade is a haven for shoppers seeking unique and specialized boutiques, steering clear of mainstream retail chains. It's home to a carefully selected array of independent businesses, each offering a distinct product or service. TikTokInstagram+1

Among the notable establishments are The Kit Dealer, a specialist in authentic vintage football shirts, appealing to collectors and fans worldwide. Instagram For those interested in bespoke craftsmanship, the arcade hosts tailors and shops like Benson & Clegg, known for their timeless luxury tailoring and accessories. Instagram+1 You can also find artisanal perfume boutiques, such as Santa Maria Novella, offering unique scents and a luxurious shopping experience. Instagram+1 Resiliency Tattoo provides a space for intricate ink work, while Shepherds Grooming offers high-end barber services. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Boba One: A Sweet Treat Destination

For those with a sweet tooth, Boba One in Piccadilly Arcade has become a popular stop. This bubble tea shop offers a delightful range of drinks, from classic milk teas to more adventurous flavors and toppings. TikTokInstagram+3

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. TikTok It's a perfect spot to grab a refreshing beverage while exploring the arcade or taking a break from shopping. TikTok+1

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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