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
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 P9,367 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,367
P10,791 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & 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! (1,148 reviews)
"I was a good stay."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 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
The price is P4,168 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P4,168
P5,002 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & 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! (175 reviews)
No TV
"The first room we were assigned, had a peculiar smell, but the desk clerk quickly changed our room. The only problem with the second room is the TV did not work.;("

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Homewood
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
3 out of 5
120 Riverchase Pkwy E, Hoover, Birmingham, AL
The price is P5,028 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P5,028
P5,845 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,055 reviews)
"Staff was friendly . Conveniently located . Breakfast offers a good variety . Pool and grounds were well kept . Some umbrellas at th tables at the pool would be a plus ."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
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 Birmingham Zoo and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 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 Birmingham Zoo and Don Kresge ...
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
Birmingham Business District by Barsala
Birmingham Business District by Barsala
2 out of 5
2308 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Birmingham Zoo and Heaviest Corner ...
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"The only thing was there was a miscommunication about which box the keys were in and the code. The instructions were the total opposite of what we were told. Other than that it was a great tay"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Birmingham Business District by Barsala
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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