The Largest Cities in Alabama
Bustling cityscapes, warm Southern hospitality, and a rich blend of history and modern charm await you in Alabama! From lively college towns to cultural hubs steeped in tradition, I can’t wait to share my favorite finds from exploring the state’s biggest cities.
1. Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the most unique cities in the South, the largest city in Alabama, and it’s easily one of my favorite places to visit for a mix of history, culture, and modern charm. I was based at 4-star Hyatt Regency Birmingham for three nights.
Known as the “Magic City,” Birmingham grew quickly during the steel industry boom, and today it blends that rich industrial heritage with an exciting, creative energy. That combination makes it stand out as more than just another Southern city, it’s a place filled with resilience, flavor, and community spirit. I love how Birmingham feels both historic and fresh at the same time, making every visit special.
What I love most is the variety, you can walk through the Birmingham Civil Rights District, spend an afternoon at Railroad Park, or dive into some of the best Southern food you’ll ever taste.
- Location: North-central Alabama, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
- Map & Directions
- Population size: Around 197,000 year-round residents (metro area ~1.1 million)
- Area: Approximately 148 square miles
My highlight is that every visit feels like discovering something new and underrated, and that’s why Birmingham will always be one of my favorite cities.
2. Montgomery
Situated in Montgomery County on the Alabama River, Montgomery is the second biggest city in Alabama. Montgomery is also the Alabama state capital and is located in the south central part of the state. The city covers an area of 162.18 square miles and has an estimated population just under 200,000, with around 373,000 people living in the surrounding metropolitan area.
- Location: South-central Alabama, along the Alabama River
- Map & Directions
- Population size: Around 198,000 year-round residents (metro area ~385,000)
- Area: Approximately 162 square miles
As the state capital and a pivotal location in both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery holds a powerful legacy that makes it stand out as more than just a Southern city—it’s a destination filled with resilience, stories, and community spirit.
3. Mobile
Mobile is the third largest city in the state of Alabama. This city is located in Mobile County in the southwestern part of Alabama. Mobile also has the unique distinction of being the biggest town or city on the Gulf Coast between the major cities of St Petersburg in Florida and New Orleans in Louisiana.
Mobile covers an area of 180.06 square miles, of which more than 40 square miles is water, and has an estimated population of 190,000 people, with over 410,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area. Mobile is the only port city in Alabama is located on the Mobile River that completely won me over.
- Location: Southwestern Alabama, along the Mobile River and the Gulf Coast
- Map & Directions
- Population size: Around 186,000 year-round residents (metro area ~430,000)
- Area: Approximately 180 square miles
The city's port has always been an important factor in its economy and is still one of the biggest ports in the United States in the modern day.
4. Huntsville
Huntsville is the fourth largest city in Alabama and is mostly located in Madison County, in the Appalachian region of the state, which is found to the north. Some parts of Huntsville also extend into Limestone County and Morgan County. Huntsville covers an area of 214.7 square miles and has an estimated population around 190,000, making it very similar in population to Mobile.
There is a possibility that Huntsville’s population may in fact be the third highest in Alabama, but an official survey will need to be carried out to confirm this possibility.
- Location: Northern Alabama, in the Tennessee Valley at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
- Map & Directions
- Population size: Around 227,000 year-round residents (metro area ~525,000)
- Area: Approximately 218 square miles
The city of Huntsville is known as 'Rocket City' due to the presence of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
5. Tuscaloosa
Located in the western central part of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is the fifth biggest city in the state. The town was incorporated back in 1819 and named after Tuskaloosa, a Native American chief in the Mississippi region. Tuscaloosa covers an area of 71.7 square miles and has an estimated population of 100,000 people, with over 235,000 living in the surrounding metropolitan area.
- Location: West-central Alabama, along the Black Warrior River
- Map & Directions
- Population size: Around 110,000 year-round residents (metro area ~265,000)
- Area: Approximately 72 square miles
The city of Tuscaloosa has various nicknames, including 'Druid City' due to the many water oak trees around its streets, and 'City of Champions' due to the fact that the University of Alabama football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, has won several championship games in recent year.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
