Birmingham, AL

Travel Guide

Vulcan Statue which includes a city
Photo provided by Alabama Tourism Department
Vulcan Statue showing a city
Photo provided by Alabama Tourism Department
Birmingham

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 ParkOpens in a new window with one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections.

Explore the city’s industrial heritage at Sloss FurnacesOpens in a new window, 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 YorkOpens in a new window and Washington D.C.Opens in a new window 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 Regions Field while you're in town.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Located in southeastern Jefferson County, Homewood boasts the Hollywood Historic District, known for its Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Home to Samford University, it's a charming suburb near Birmingham.

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

Boasting three picturesque "villages" and a high tree cover ratio, this suburban area offers a forest-like setting with charming residential sections and a network of bridle paths for recreation.

Mountain Brook
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
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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
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
$84 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$102 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,289 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
$128 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$147 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,156 reviews)
"Nice hotel, very comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood

3 out of 5
60 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood, Birmingham, AL
$76 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$92 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (204 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
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.
Barsala Midtown

Barsala Midtown

4 out of 5
2014 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions The Summit and Heaviest ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"Consistently consistent. Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Barsala Midtown
Barsala Downtown Birmingham

Barsala Downtown Birmingham

4 out of 5
600 19th St N, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Don Kresge Memorial Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
"This is my second amazing experience with Barsala. I am very pleased about the cleanliness of the places I have reserved within the last past two weeks. I also felt very safe with the areas and building."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Barsala Downtown Birmingham
Modern Home, Huge Covered Porch! The Bham Bungalow

Modern Home, Huge Covered Porch! The Bham Bungalow

Birmingham
Stay at this vacation home in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions The Summit and Birmingham Zoo ...
Modern Home, Huge Covered Porch! The Bham Bungalow
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%
4 - Good
1369
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
518
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
59
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
33
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The interstate roads are terrible!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

That’s My City an I love my City...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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