Things To Do
in Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama sits in the shadow of Red Mountain, blending a storied industrial past with a vibrant arts and food scene. It offers a compact downtown core surrounded by scenic parks and historic neighborhoods. The Civil Rights District anchors its cultural heritage, while thriving districts like Parkside and Five Points South showcase modern dining and nightlife.
Year-round, visitors can uncover music, museums, outdoor escapes, and Southern hospitality within easy reach.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with breakfast at a soul-food café near 16th Street Baptist Church, savoring warm biscuits and gravy. Explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and walk through powerful exhibits that chronicle the city’s pivotal role in the movement. Feel the weight of history as you stand in Kelly Ingram Park, surrounded by evocative sculptures and memorials.
Head to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame for a guided tour and live performances that celebrate the state’s musical legacy. Stroll down Morris Avenue to admire restored historic buildings, then relax with a light lunch at a café overlooking the city skyline. Immerse yourself in interactive displays at the Civil Rights District walking tour.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant in the Pizitz Food Hall, sampling seasonal Southern ingredients. Catch a performance at the Alabama Theatre, from classic films to live concerts, in its restored 1927 movie palace. Finish your evening with a nightcap on a rooftop bar, enjoying panoramic views of downtown lights.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast sandwich and coffee at a local drive-thru before heading to Red Mountain Park. Embark on the Vulcan Trail hike for panoramic city views, crossing scenic creeks and lush woodland. Learn about local mining history at informative trail markers scattered throughout the park.
Challenge yourself on the park’s high-ropes courses and zip lines, feeling the rush as you soar above the tree canopy. Take a break with a picnic lunch among wildflowers, listening to songbirds and enjoying fresh air. Join a guided nature walk to spot native wildlife and discover medicinal plants used by early settlers.
Return to Five Points South for dinner at a modern grill specializing in wood-fired steaks and veggies. Explore craft cocktails at a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind vintage storefronts. Cap off the night with live bluegrass or country music at a local honky-tonk.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🚗Taxi or rideshare starting fare | $2-5 |
| 🛒Monthly groceries | $250-400 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Civil Rights history and culture
- Great Southern cuisine and barbecue
- Strong craft beer and dining scene
- Easy access to parks and outdoor spaces
- Friendly neighborhoods and walkable districts
- Hot summers and humidity
- Limited public transit beyond downtown
- Some areas are car-dependent and spread out
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic statue with panoramic city views, especially striking at sunset and from nearby overlook points.
Contemporary urban park with a skyline backdrop and thoughtful landscaping perfect for daytime and twilight photography.
Historic architecture with a powerful civil rights legacy; exterior façades offer meaningful shots.
Red-brick industrial ruins ideal for moody, dramatic photography, especially during golden hour.
Open public spaces featuring monuments and sculptures that reflect the city’s history.
Scenic vantage points along Red Mountain for sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills.
Food in Birmingham
Birmingham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Birmingham barbecue hallmark, often served on sandwiches with a tangy, mayo-based white sauce on the side.
Must-Try!
A Southern staple featuring shrimp in a savory sauce served over creamy grits.
Classic Southern fare popular at seafood spots and barbecue joints alike.
A hearty breakfast staple featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market with local produce, prepared foods, and live music—great for bites and people-watching.
Vibrant areas with a rotating mix of food trucks and casual eateries offering diverse options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, polite greetings are common; addressing staff with courtesy (Sir/Ma'am) is appreciated; tipping is customary in service industries.
Safety
Tipping in Birmingham
Ensure a smooth experience
In the US, typical tipping is 15-20% for restaurant service; tip bartenders and hotel staff as appropriate; cash or card are both accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day, stay hydrated, and seek shade.
Pleasant temperatures and early fall colors in parks; ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining.
Mild to cool days with occasional cold snaps; many museums and indoor attractions are comfortable choices.
Rain is common; blooming gardens and parks shine in this season, especially around the Botanical Gardens.
Birmingham at Night
Hiking in Birmingham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails with city views, rock formations, and forested areas.
Alabama’s largest state park with numerous trails, cycling routes, and a lake.
Urban nature preserve with overlooks and guided hikes.
Alabama’s highest point with scenic hikes, roughly 2 hours from Birmingham.
Airports
How to reach Birmingham by plane.
The city’s main international-style airport with domestic and limited international flights; convenient to downtown.
A major hub about a 1.5–2.5 hour flight away, with broad connections; a common international gateway for visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large, historic community that shapes the city’s culture, music, and civil rights heritage.
Diverse mix with growing immigrant and student populations; several neighborhoods feature cultural amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
College football and local university teams are very popular; Alabama's sports culture is strong in the region.
The Birmingham Barons are a historic minor league team; baseball is enjoyed seasonally.
Birmingham Legion FC competes in USL Championship; growing local fan base.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Birmingham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Southern vegetables and sides are vegetarian-friendly; look for grilled vegetables, salads, greens, and veggie plates. When dining at BBQ spots, ask for sides like baked beans and greens; be mindful of meats used in stocks and gravies.