• 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: Food & Drink
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
© Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

2. Birmingham Museum of Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

3. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
© Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

4. McWane Science Center

Category: Kids & Family
McWane Science Center
© McWane Science Center

5. Vulcan Park and Museum

Category: Activities
Vulcan Park and Museum
© Courtesy of mnapoli 501 - Fotolia.com

6. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Category: Attractions
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
© Courtesy of speedrealm - Fotolia.com

7. Alabama Theatre, Birmingham

Category: Entertainment
Alabama Theatre, Birmingham
© Courtesy of ugljesaras - Fotolia.com

8. Pepper Place Saturday Market

Category: Shopping
Pepper Place Saturday Market
© Courtesy of Malcolm Practice - Fotolia.com

9. Rickwood Field

Rickwood Field
© Courtesy of steven hendricks - Fotolia.com

10. The Birmingham Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
The Birmingham Zoo
© Courtesy of sims7501986 - Fotolia.com

11. Kelly Ingram Park

Category: Activities
Kelly Ingram Park
© Courtesy of Tim - Fotolia.com

12. Railroad Park

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

13. Southern Museum of Flight

Category: Museums & Culture
Southern Museum of Flight
© Courtesy of jon manjeot - Fotolia.com

14. Birmingham Children's Theatre

Category: Kids & Family
Birmingham Children's Theatre
© Courtesy of lapandr - Fotolia.com

15. Red Mountain Park

Category: Activities
Red Mountain Park
© Courtesy of pantkmutt - Fotolia.com

16. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Category: Activities
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

17. Avondale Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Avondale Brewing Company
© Avondale Brewing Company

18. Hot and Hot Fish Club

Category: Food & Drink
Hot and Hot Fish Club
© Lucinda/stock.adobe.com

19. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

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

20. Virginia Samford Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Virginia Samford Theatre
© Courtesy of koldunova - Fotolia.com

21. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Category: Activities
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

22. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

Category: Activities
Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
© Courtesy of William C. Bunce - Fotolia.com

23. Trim Tab Brewing

Category: Food & Drink
Trim Tab Brewing
© Trim Tab Brewing

24. Good People Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Good People Brewing Company
© Good People Brewing Company

25. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Category: Attractions
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
© 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.