Birmingham

Travel Guide

Birmingham
Photo provided by Alabama Tourism Department
Vulcan Statue featuring 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

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
Vulcan Statue showing a city

Five Points South

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
The price is P5,617 per night from 18 May to 19 May
P5,617
P6,771 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
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! (2,286 reviews)
"It was the perfect location for flying out. Everyone was very nice."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
Comfort Inn Birmingham Homewood
Comfort Inn Birmingham Homewood
2.5 out of 5
226 Summit Pkwy, Homewood, Birmingham, AL
The price is P4,825 per night from 18 May to 19 May
P4,825
P5,790 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Very nice place to stay
"Comfortable and very clean, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Comfort Inn Birmingham Homewood
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is P7,887 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
P7,887
P9,104 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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! (1,085 reviews)
"This place is AMAZING!! You won’t be sorry to have stayed here."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel
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.
Landing at 20 Midtown Apartments
Landing at 20 Midtown Apartments
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 Birmingham Zoo and The ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Convenient. And clean."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Landing at 20 Midtown Apartments
Landing at Landing-Midtown Apartments
Landing at Landing-Midtown Apartments
3.5 out of 5
425 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and The Summit ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Great find pretty much close to most things in Birmingham. We came for an event at the stadium and it was easy in/out. Would absolutely stay again!"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Landing at Landing-Midtown Apartments
Landing at The 600 Apartments
Landing at The 600 Apartments
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 Birmingham Zoo and Freedom ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (31 reviews)
Great
"The apartment was gorgeous just like the pictures. The host was really nice and the lady at the desk when you come in was awesome very helpful throughout the process of checking in. The email was very detailed on all the instuctons. The only downfall was that the QR Code for access to the parking ..."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Landing at The 600 Apartments
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.

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