The Best of Birmingham: 10 ‘Must Do’ Activities
In this post, we’re excited to share with you the best things to do in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is a city rich in history, culture, and Southern charm.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Birmingham has something for just about everyone. Get ready to explore the Magic City and discover the best of Birmingham!
Our Birmingham Alabama Trip
During our post-Peace Corps road trip from Orlando to Chicago, we made a whirlwind stop in Birmingham, Alabama.
This detour was not in our original itinerary, but a week before we left Jamaica, plans to visit fell in place with our friend, fellow Peace Corps Volunteer, and Birmingham native: Riley.
No one loves their hometown more than Riley loves Birmingham.
He had been constantly promoting his city – and the South in general – to all of us Peace Corps Volunteers over the two years we served on the island together. In fact, we dubbed him “future mayor of Birmingham.”
So when we had the chance to stop in Alabama and get a personal tour, we couldn’t pass it up.
Originally published: May 2014. Updated: 2023.
We saw quite a bit in a few short hours, but if you have a full weekend in Birmingham, here are the ten “uniquely Birmingham” things that Riley says you don’t want to miss.
Riley’s Recommendations: A Local’s Guide to the Best of Birmingham
1. Dine Out
Eat dinner at one of Frank Stitt’s restaurants: Chez Fon Fon, Highlands Bar & Grill, or Bottega.
Or try Chris Hastings’ Hot and Hot Fish Club.
2. Visit the Civil Rights District
This historic area saw its share of tragedy but was also instrumental in propelling the Civil Rights movement forward.
Stroll through Kelly Ingram Park‘s powerful monuments, then step across the street to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute next door.
3. Have a beer at a local craft brewery
Riley’s top recommendations for the best brews include: Good People, Avondale, Cahaba Brewery, and Trim Tab.
4. Take in a Barons baseball game at Regions Field.
5. Grab some BBQ
Top eateries include Saw’s (pictured below and voted best Barbecue in Alabama in 2023 by Southern Living), Dreamland, and Jim n’ Nicks.
6. See the city from Vulcan Park
Vulcan, a cast iron Roman god, has overlooked the city of Birmingham from the top of Red Mountain since the 1930’s.
Today, it is the centerpiece of Vulcan Park and Museum where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.
7. See a live concert at The Bottletree
According to Riley, this place gets some cool bands. They also host movie nights and the occasional disco night, and apparently they have a great vegetarian lunch menu.
8. See a live concert or watch a classic movie at the Alabama Theatre
Enjoy this beautiful and historic building while taking in first-rate entertainment- or just schedule a tour.
9. Music at Gip’s Place (now closed?)
On a Saturday night, this was the place to be for live Blues and Rock and Roll. Mr. Gipson hosted a backyard concert in Bessemer since 1952.
Gipson passed away in 2019 at the age of 99. After nearly 70 years of operation, Gip’s Place closed during the pandemic and it’s unclear what happened with the ownership of this beloved Juke Joint.
If you have updates about Gip’s Place, please share them in the comments below.
10. Get into an argument about college football
Bonus: Pick up a T-shirt or poster at YellowHammer Creative, a quintessentially-Birmingham studio where classically old-school meets hip and happening.
Where to Stay in Birmingham
The first place we always look for accommodations is on Airbnb or Booking.com. There are some pretty good deals in Birmingham, with great places as low as $40 a night.
The Grand Hotel Birmingham
One of the top rated and centrally located hotels in Birmingham, AL. Here you can enjoy 5 star service and amenities in a beautiful, historic building.
Check prices and availability at The Grand Hotel >
Have you ever been to Birmingham? Do you agree with this “must do” list – or do you have something to add?
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The Sloss is a must!!!
Being a local carpet cleaner here in Birmingham I need a respite from being indoors all the time. The new red mtn park off of Lakeshore is great for hiking and ziplining… what a very cool place it is
If you are into libraries nearby Hoover has an amazing public library. We’ve visited many around the US and short of Salt Lake City this was our favorite. We spent 2 days there, RV parked in the lot, then Walmarting it at night.
I would probably add “play a round of golf”. Birmingham has great public golf courses between the RTJ courses, Farmlinks, etc.
Good suggestion, and thanks for your comment!
More adventures ahead for you. Looking forward to reading about it.
Leslie