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A Weekend in Birmingham

Birmingham has always been a city shaped by change. Born from its industrial roots and known today as a growing center for health care, innovation, culture and the arts, the city has evolved while holding on to the Southern character that makes it distinctly Birmingham.

One of the best ways to experience that evolution is through the city’s food scene. Birmingham has earned national attention for its chefs and restaurants, with James Beard Award winners and nominees and Michelin-recognized restaurants adding to a dining scene that stretches from longtime local favorites to creative new concepts. From barbecue and Southern classics to globally inspired dishes, there’s always something new to discover.

Birmingham’s creative energy extends well beyond the food scene. Catch a show at the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater, settle into an intimate listening room like High Dive HiFi Lounge or Ralph’s, or discover local talent at one of the city’s many bars and neighborhood venues.

Whether you’re looking for great food, rich history, outdoor adventure or a little time to simply slow down, Birmingham makes an easy getaway. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in the Magic City.

Friday: Take the day off and make a weekend of it. You’ll be glad to have a little extra time to explore Birmingham and get to know the city.

Check in at one of Birmingham’s boutique hotels, like The Kelly Birmingham, or settle into a Birmingham classic like the recently renovated Tutwiler Hotel Birmingham, a DoubleTree by Hilton, in the heart of downtown. Golfers can make a reservation at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, home to one of the renowned courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. With plenty to see and do right on the property, you could easily make a weekend of it.

 Once you’re settled in, head to Vulcan Park and Museum to take in one of the city’s best views. Watch the sun set from the observation deck as you take in the Birmingham skyline. Standing 56 feet tall, Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and a nod to Birmingham’s history as a city shaped by iron and steel. 

For dinner, make your way to El Barrio, a lively downtown favorite known for its Mexican-inspired menu. Favorites include the grilled chorizo meatloaf and pozole, along with homemade guacamole and a great selection of tequila. Othe options include Bamboo on 2nd for sushi and Lé Fresca for fresh, Northern Italian-inspired dishes.

Saturday: Birmingham is home to dozens of locally owned coffee shops, each with its own personality. Stop by Red Cat Coffee House or Bandido Coffee Parlor before heading out for a day of exploring. Make your way to Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles that overlooks an active 2.38-mile racing track where visitors can watch vehicles zoom by.

Five floors are filled with incredible machines, from a 1912 Indian board track racer to a remarkable collection of Lotus race cars. Back in the city, stop for lunch at The Garage, a neighborhood favorite tucked into a former auto garage. Grab a sandwich and enjoy it in the wisteria-covered courtyard surrounded by vintage details and pieces of Birmingham history.

Now it’s time for a powerful history lesson on why Birmingham is the city that changed the world. Our courageous role in the Civil Rights Movement laid the foundation for opportunity. Today, Birmingham is a city of dreamers and doers who continue to embody a welcoming ethos rooted in dignity and the fight for freedom. Start your tour in the Civil Rights District at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and plan to spend at least a couple of hours there. 

Across the street, historic Kelly Ingram Park has a free audio tour to guide visitors through the epic events of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham in 1963. On the corner across from the park is Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, site of the 1963 race-related bombing that killed four little girls, a tragedy that helped galvanize national support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Before departing the Civil Rights District, take a moment to reflect on the history at the new 16th Street Education & Visitor Center. The center features immersive exhibits, oral histories and community-centered programming, plus a restaurant that celebrates Southern culinary traditions and the power of bringing people together around the table. 

As evening rolls around, head downtown for a drink at House of Found Objects or Adiõs two local favorites known for their creative cocktails and lively atmosphere. Both are great spots to settle in for the evening and experience Birmingham’s nightlife scene. Or check out Avondale Brewery for live music and a local pint. 

To have 11 of our restaurants receive MICHELIN recognition reinforces what locals have long known all along – that Birmingham’s food scene rivals any city in the country! For a casual favorite, try the pizza at Pizza Grace. For a more elevated evening, book a table at RÊVE, Birmingham’s first tasting menu restaurant, or settle in for dinner at Helen.

Sunday: Ease into your final morning in Birmingham with breakfast at Alabama Biscuit Company. Order one of its signature biscuits with sausage and black pepper gravy, add Conecuh sausage or bacon, and don’t skip the peach preserves. It’s a deliciously Southern way to start the day. 

Then round out your visit with a tour of the Birmingham Museum of Art, with one of the finest collections in the Southeast.  More than 24,000 objects represent Asian, European, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American cultures.  The museum also has a world-renowned collection of Wedgwood. 

If you have a little extra time before heading home, get outside at Railroad Park or the Rotary Trail for a walk through the heart of Birmingham. Traveling with kids? Make a stop at McWane Science Center, home to hands-on exhibits and the only IMAX Dome Theater in the Southeast.