It may be aesthetically challenged but England's second-largest city has a lot to be proud of: an important industrial legacy; the Mini; Formula 1 star Nigel Mansell; British pooch-pageant Crufts; more canals than Venice and more curry places than you can shake a naan at. Until recently the city had the pulling power of a sweaty sock, mainly because it looks a bit grim - WWII bombs paved the way for the architecturally embarrassing Bull Ring Shopping Centre and motorway-mess 'Spaghetti Junction' - and sounds even worse - the local accent is regularly voted the least attractive in Britain.

But 'Brum', as the city is affectionately called, is sexing itself up this Millennium. The city centre is undergoing a face-lift and the cultural scene is taking off. Canalside developments are giving the city a trendy cafe society, the local Royal Ballet receives national acclaim, and the Ministry of Sound attracts crowds of clubbers. With excellent heritage museums, top music acts and a kicking nightlife, there are now lots of reasons to check out this Midland city. And there's always curry, of course.