Birmingham, AL

Travel Guide
Birmingham featuring a sporting event as well as a large group of people
Once a center of the civil rights movement, Alabama’s largest city has emerged from its troubled past as an exciting spot full of attractions.

Transformed beyond its industrial roots into a leading center for banking, medical research and service-based industries, Birmingham is growing in stature for its mix of history, culture, music and outdoor recreation.

Birmingham offers numerous outdoor activities in its location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Visit the 9,940-acre (4,022-hectare) Oak State Mountain Park. Swim in its lakes, hike the trails, take a guided horseback tour or have a picnic.

Enjoy more outdoor fun at Railroad Park, an eight-block green space downtown. Unwind by the lake or exercise at the outside gym. Walk along tree-lined lanes and streams or find a quiet place on the lawns. Children can play in the skate park and playgrounds.

Birmingham is home to Rickwood Field, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the U.S. Visit Barber Motorsports Park with one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections.

Explore the city’s industrial heritage at Sloss Furnaces, a former iron-manufacturing complex, now a museum offering tours of the buildings, machinery and Underground Railroad tunnel.

In the mid-1900s, Birmingham was marked by bombs, rioting and racial hatred. Tour the Civil Rights District, a six-block tribute to the struggles that shook America’s conscience. Study the period’s people, places and events at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park. Although racial issues are largely in the past, Birmingham still has some crime-ridden areas stemming from poor economic conditions.

Birmingham’s lively music scene includes many downtown clubs and numerous festivals and events throughout the year. August offers the Stokin’ the Fire BBQ and Music Festival. In May, attend Do Dah Day, a huge charity concert and celebration in Caldwell and Rhodes parks.

The airport is in Birmingham’s city center. A train runs to New York and Washington D.C. Renting a car and using the metered parking found throughout the city is the best way to get around.

Visit this Southern city to understand a major piece of U.S. history and enjoy its modern offerings.

Where to stay in Birmingham

Birmingham showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to McWane Science Center and Alabama Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Travelers come to Homewood for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Birmingham Zoo and Red Mountain Park while you're in town.

Homewood
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Vestavia Hills

Visitors to Vestavia Hills enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Birmingham Ballet is worth a stop.

Vestavia Hills
Whenever I’m back home in the “HAM” I always  try and make time to stroll around BBG and relax. It’s awesome here no matter the season.

Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo.

Mountain Brook
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Irondale

Visitors to Irondale enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Train Watching Platform is worth a stop.

Irondale
Vulcan Statue showing a city

Five Points South

4/5(445 area reviews)

Unique features of Five Points South include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Regions Field or Vulcan Statue while you're exploring the area.

Five Points South
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
The price is ¥14,173 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥14,173
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,040 reviews)
"Average hotel stay. Lobby and elevators looked updated, but the hallways could use some updating. Rooms were very clean, but could also use some updating also."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
2.5 out of 5
120 Riverchase Pkwy E, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is ¥14,983 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥14,983
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Good stay with our son."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB
Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB
4 out of 5
808 20th Street S, Birmingham, AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,903 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
¥21,903
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Birmingham ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (769 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Birmingham
Stay at this apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and The Summit are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"We stayed one night to attend a concert. It was walking distance to the venue (iron city). Restaurants nearby. Bars a few blocks. Definitely will stay here again. Very pleased."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Charming Tiny House W/ Free Parking
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
3.5 out of 5
300 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (103 reviews)
"Great property. Clean, cute, and well priced. Be prepared to street and park"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Mint House Birmingham - Downtown
Penthouse Loft Downtown Huge Unit
Penthouse Loft Downtown Huge Unit
Birmingham
Stay at this apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and The Summit are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
All State Choir trip
"This was a great place to bring a group! It was close to BJCC and everything was as described."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2024

Penthouse Loft Downtown Huge Unit
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Birmingham

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
867
" "5 - Excellent 30.463808854532676%
4 - Good
1369
" "4 - Good 48.10260014054814%
3 - Okay
518
" "3 - Okay 18.20098383696416%
2 - Disappointing
59
" "2 - Disappointing 2.073085031623331%
1 - Terrible
33
" "1 - Terrible 1.1595221363316937%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

I loved it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

Birmingham is a great southern city. Enough modern urban vibe but still has southern hospitality.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

The interstate roads are terrible!

4/5 - Good

Shayla
May 29, 2020

I live in Birmingham so I am familiar with the area thats why I always go to this particular hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 15, 2020

That’s My City an I love my City...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 18, 2020

I love Birmingham. I grew up and lived here 30 years. I travel here often for family events.

Cities near Birmingham