• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

2. Birmingham Museum of Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Birmingham Museum of Art

3. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

© Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

4. McWane Science Center

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© McWane Science Center

5. Vulcan Park and Museum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of mnapoli 501 - Fotolia.com

6. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of speedrealm - Fotolia.com

7. Alabama Theatre, Birmingham

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of ugljesaras - Fotolia.com

8. Pepper Place Saturday Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of Malcolm Practice - Fotolia.com

9. Rickwood Field

© Courtesy of steven hendricks - Fotolia.com

10. The Birmingham Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of sims7501986 - Fotolia.com

11. Kelly Ingram Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Tim - Fotolia.com

12. Railroad Park

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

13. Southern Museum of Flight

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of jon manjeot - Fotolia.com

14. Birmingham Children's Theatre

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of lapandr - Fotolia.com

15. Red Mountain Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of pantkmutt - Fotolia.com

16. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

17. Avondale Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Avondale Brewing Company

18. Hot and Hot Fish Club

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Lucinda/stock.adobe.com

19. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

20. Virginia Samford Theatre

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of koldunova - Fotolia.com

21. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

22. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of William C. Bunce - Fotolia.com

23. Trim Tab Brewing

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

24. Good People Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Good People Brewing Company

25. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of Miravision - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Q: What makes Birmingham, Alabama, a great destination?
    A: The largest city in Alabama, Birmingham is a beautiful historic destination offering an array of exciting things to see and do, from museums and historic landmarks to sports, theater, and great restaurants.

  • Q: What are some must-visit museums in Birmingham?
    A: Visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, explore the Birmingham Museum of Art, and take a self-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

  • Q: What are the best attractions to visit in Birmingham?
    A: Best things to do include the McWane Science Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, Sloss Furnaces, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Birmingham Zoo.

Birmingham events:
- Fiesta BHAM
- Sidewalk Film Festival - August
- Magic City Classic
- Birmingham ArtWalk - Every September

Map:


Pros and Cons of Visiting Birmingham, AL
Pros Cons
Rich history and culture. Hot and humid summers.
World-class museums. Traffic can be heavy during events.
Great dining and restaurants. Limited public transportation options.
Beautiful parks and landmarks. Some attractions have entry fees.
Friendly and welcoming locals. Can get crowded during peak seasons.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.