Birmingham Rag Market

The basics

If you want an only-in-Birmingham shopping experience, then the Birmingham Rag Market is a must. The longstanding local market attracts bargain-hunters looking for clothing, fabric, notions, and other related items. It’s worth setting aside at least an hour or two to browse its hundreds of stalls, and to see what catches your eye. In addition to the cost-effective household goods and furnishings, there are some vintage clothing gems too.

The market is easy to visit as part of an independent day out in the city. Nearby you’ll find two other markets for food and ingredients, the Bullring Open Market and Bullring Indoor Market, which are also worth exploring.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to bring cash with you, as some vendors do not take cards, and be ready to bargain.
• The Birmingham Rag Market is level and wheelchair accessible, though note that the aisles can get crowded, making access more challenging.
• A café is on-site, as well as restrooms, and there are a number of amenities in the surrounding area.

How to get there

The Birmingham Rag Market is located at Edgbaston Street, Birmingham B5 4RB, in the center of the city. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Birmingham New Street—the city’s largest train station—and a number of trams and buses stop nearby. Taking a taxi or rideshare service is another way to go.

When to get there

The market is open four days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from mid-morning to early evening, and closes 30 minutes later on Saturdays. Expect the market to be busier on the weekends and quieter on weekdays.

Bull Ring Open and Indoor Markets

The Birmingham Rag Market is conveniently sandwiched between the Bull Ring Open Market and Bull Ring Indoor Market, each of which are worth checking out. The Bull Ring Open Market is a food market with some 800 years of history, and is known for its produce. The Bull Ring Indoor Market, meanwhile, specializes in seafood as well as other goods and ingredients.