Birmingham

Travel Guide

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

Once a centre 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 centre 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 centre. 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 interior views and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to McWane Science Center or Regions Field.

Downtown Birmingham
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Homewood

Travellers 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
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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
Birmingham showing interior views and a statue or sculpture

Central City

While visiting Central City, you might make a stop by sights like Sloss Furnaces and Birmingham Museum of Art.

Central City
Vulcan Statue which includes a city

Five Points South

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Five Points South include the theatres 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 by IHG

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
5000 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL
The price is €90 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€90
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & 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! (2,287 reviews)
"Worked well for me. More opaque curtains would have been good for my room."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG
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 €89 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€89
14 Aug - 15 Aug
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,067 reviews)
"Everyone was nice from check in to check out. We will return."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Birmingham Hoover
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 €76 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€76
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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! (267 reviews)
Good value
"The room was large and the air conditioner worked great. Breakfast was decent. We were in one of the suites that had a living room area and a separate bedroom with a door that closed. The living room had a sleeper sofa. The hotel was clean. The only complaint I had was the TV in the living room did ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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.
Landing Midtown

Landing 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 21 Jun 2025

Landing Midtown
Landing UA Birmingham

Landing UA Birmingham

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 The Summit and Donor Memorial ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"Consistently clean and comfortable. Best find yet!"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Landing UA Birmingham
InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - Homewood

InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - Homewood

2.5 out of 5
90 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL
Stay at this aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Red Mountain Park and Birmingham ...
4.8/10 (22 reviews)
Terrible
"This was by far the worst place I’ve ever stayed. The room was infested with bed bugs and roaches, making it impossible to relax or feel safe. The bathroom was filthy and clearly hadn’t been cleaned properly. Everything about this hotel was disgusting. Very, very bad experience — I do not recommend ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

InTown Suites Extended Stay Birmingham AL - 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.

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