I was there a few years ago for a UK Gamesday to show Space Marine. I've lived on the downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Once you've seen a street person take a crap at a crowded bus stop, nothing phases you.
Not to imply Birmingham is anything like that
So even if you replace the concrete flyovers with soaring mountains people are still miserable and degraded? (Crosses Vancouver off to do list)
Birmingham will be a breath of fresh motor fumes then. If you do have a half day I would recommend a quick trip out of the city - Warwick Castle is a fairly complete fortification and has a full size Trebuchet which fires flaming balls of pitch - or there is Stratford upon Avon also within a short drive if you fancy something less cultured