Birmingham
WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA!
It’s nice to have you!
Alabama’s Birmingham was born out of the iron and steel industry and is also well known for its prominent role in America’s Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Today, Birmingham is a place that’s brimming with vibrant entertainment, music, and nightlife; a rich arts scene, luxury shopping, world-class attractions, thrilling festivals and events, fun outdoor activities and sports, and world-class and award-winning cuisine. The potpourri of people and experiences is the city's greatest strength and strongest appeal – a rich medley of cultures and attitudes that blend beautifully with Southern charm to create the “Magic City” of Birmingham!
Our Birmingham Offers
Getting There
Get here from there!
Birmingham, Alabama, is easily accessible from the UK. Travellers can fly from London Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with selected airlines. From Atlanta, Birmingham is just a two-hour drive or a short connecting flight. Flight times are approximately nine hours. Alternatively, fly into Nashville International Airport, followed by a three-hour drive to Birmingham. This makes it perfect for a twin-centre trip, combining Birmingham’s rich history and culture with the vibrant scenes of Atlanta or Nashville!
History & Culture
Civil Rights, art, and so much more!
Learn about Birmingham’s part in the Civil Rights Movement, the history of segregation, the fight for voting rights, and the famous marches at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, AG Gaston Motel, 16th Street Baptist Church, and Bethel Baptist Church. Dozens of art galleries surprise enthusiasts with paintings, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, and fine and folk art. Birmingham Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of artistic work from around the world. The historic Alabama Theatre hosts concerts and films and the new Star at Uptown Amphitheatre opens its doors in 2025.
Food & Drink
Delicious finds around every corner!
You’re coming to the “Dinner Table of the South” in Birmingham. From hip bistros and chic cafes to the world’s best BBQ; dining in Birmingham is something to relish. And, should you have Birmingham pigeonholed as serving only barbecue and fried pies, remember that the city is home to “the Oscars of dining”, with James Beard Foundation Award winners and nominees. With more than a dozen local breweries, Birmingham is also a hot spot for craft beers – enjoy memorable brews at inviting taprooms.
Shopping & Lifestyle
Squeeze in a shopping spree and vibrant nightlife!
Birmingham’s shopping malls, boutiques, and outlet stores let you indulge in a spot of retail therapy. The shopping is jaw-dropping at The Summit; find great bargains at The Outlet Shops of Grand River; and the suburb of Homewood is filled with unique boutiques and speciality shops. You’ll also discover a fun and entertaining blend of nightlife and music. Whether it’s grabbing a cocktail at one of the city’s speciality bars, enjoying live music at a variety of venues, or even taking some swings at TopGolf.
Festivals & Events
Celebrate the best in music, food, films, and sport!
Experience live music at August’s one-day Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival event in the 4th Avenue Business District and June’s four-day Steel City Jazz Festival in Linn Park. Celebrate the city’s culinary and cultural vibrancy at September’s four-day Birmingham Food + Culture Festival or delve in the world of films at August’s seven-day Sidewalk Film Festival. And 27 June to 6 July 2025 sees Birmingham host the World Police and Fire Games with First Responders from across the globe competing.
Sports & Outdoors
Up the tempo with sports and outdoor pursuits!
With natural beauty, countless activities, and mild year-round climate; Birmingham is everything an outdoor adventure should be. Play golf along two courses on the state’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and try downhill mountain-biking at RideBHM. Go hiking and cycling along the Red Rock Trail System’s Signature Trails. Enjoy Americas favourite pastime and cheer on the Birmingham Barons at the downtown stadium, Regions Field. The Barons are famously the team where Michael Jordan played Baseball after retiring from the NBA. Birmingham is also home to Rickwood Field, the oldest existing professional baseball park in the United States. Relish Railroad Park’s family activities, concerts, and cultural events or get up close to Birmingham Zoo’s 900+ animals from six continents.
Must-See Attractions
There’s something for all the family!
The city of Birmingham is packed the brim with world-class attractions for all ages. From the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum with the world’s largest collection of vintage motorcycles and Lotus cars and stunning panoramic views of the city and the world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan, at Vulcan Park & Museum to McWane Science Center’s hands-on museum exhibits and breathtaking IMAX® Dome movie experiences. Learn about the history of Birmingham’s pig iron industry at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and celebrate the contributions of jazz musicians from the state of Alabama and beyond at Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.