Birmingham
Home/Travel Guides/Birmingham
City Travel Guide

Birmingham Guide

Explore the best of Birmingham, Alabama, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Brookwood Medical Center Heliport (0AL8) Birmingham, Alabama, United States 43 Live Events Next 90 days

Find Car Rentals in Birmingham

⚠️
Location not confirmed
Please select a location from the dropdown list.
Searching for the best deals…
Comparing prices across providers.
This usually takes just a few seconds.
🚗
Rent a car
What are the top attractions in Birmingham?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Birmingham, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Birmingham Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
Vulcan Park and MuseumAttraction
★ 4.7
Vulcan Park and Museum
1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA
Explore →5,587 reviews
McWane Science CenterAttraction
★ 4.7
McWane Science Center
200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Explore →5,231 reviews
Birmingham Botanical GardensAttraction
★ 4.8
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Explore →4,381 reviews
Breakout GamesAttraction
★ 4.9
Breakout Games
2717 19th Pl S, Homewood, AL 35209, USA
Explore →3,314 reviews
Railroad Park FoundationAttraction
★ 4.7
Railroad Park Foundation
1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Explore →4,214 reviews
Birmingham ZooAttraction
★ 4.2
Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
Explore →9,118 reviews
Birmingham Museum of ArtAttraction
★ 4.8
Birmingham Museum of Art
2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham...
Explore →2,908 reviews
Sloss Furnaces National Historic LandmarkAttraction
★ 4.7
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
Explore →2,638 reviews
K1 Speed BirminghamAttraction
★ 4.7
K1 Speed Birmingham
5421 Beacon Dr, Irondale, AL 35210, USA
Explore →2,372 reviews
Red Mountain ParkAttraction
★ 4.8
Red Mountain Park
2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211, USA
Explore →1,779 reviews
Ruffner MountainAttraction
★ 4.7
Ruffner Mountain
1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
Explore →1,299 reviews
Avondale ParkAttraction
★ 4.5
Avondale Park
4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
Explore →1,511 reviews
Homewood Central ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Homewood Central Park
1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209, USA
Explore →881 reviews
Aldridge GardensAttraction
★ 4.8
Aldridge Gardens
3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216, USA
Explore →664 reviews
Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteAttraction
★ 4.6
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
Explore →649 reviews
Topgolf BirminghamAttraction
★ 4.0
Topgolf Birmingham
1111 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234, USA
Explore →1,696 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Birmingham?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in Birmingham include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →
GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →
What events are happening in Birmingham?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 43 upcoming events in Birmingham across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Naum (18 and Over)Event
Naum (18 and Over)
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Little Mermaid (Touring)Event
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Open Deck at The Nick Every WednesdayConcert
Open Deck at The Nick Every Wednesday
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Millenium Grey with Gatsby at The Nick Thursday Doors 9pmConcert
Millenium Grey with Gatsby at The Nick Thursday Doors 9pm
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Little Mermaid (Touring)Event
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The A-List Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKETEvent
The A-List Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKET
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
ELEVATE Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKETEvent
ELEVATE Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKET
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning TourConcert
The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning Tour
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Pour Minds - Still Sippin' TourArts & Theatre
Pour Minds - Still Sippin' Tour
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Bye Bye BirdieArts & Theatre
Bye Bye Birdie
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Between the Buried and Me (18 and Over)Concert
Between the Buried and Me (18 and Over)
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Fireside Collective - The Upstairs at AvondaleConcert
Fireside Collective - The Upstairs at Avondale
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Little Mermaid (Touring)Event
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
DJ Cloak at The Nick FridayConcert
DJ Cloak at The Nick Friday
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Gary AllanConcert
Gary Allan
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Pour Minds - Still Sippin' TourArts & Theatre
Pour Minds - Still Sippin' Tour
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Bye Bye BirdieArts & Theatre
Bye Bye Birdie
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Hot In Herre: 2000's Dance Party (18 and Over)Concert
Hot In Herre: 2000's Dance Party (18 and Over)
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Little Mermaid (Touring)Event
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Late Night at The Nick with ResiderConcert
Late Night at The Nick with Resider
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Event
JUN
17
Naum (18 and Over)
200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL
Event
JUN
17
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
1600 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL
Arts & Theatre
JUN
17
Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring)
2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard, Birmingham, AL
Concert
JUN
17
Open Deck at The Nick Every Wednesday
2514 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Get Tickets USD 9
Concert
JUN
18
Millenium Grey with Gatsby at The Nick Thursday Doors 9pm
2514 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Get Tickets USD 9
Event
JUN
18
The Little Mermaid (Touring)
1600 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL
Event
JUN
18
The A-List Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKET
201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL
Event
JUN
18
ELEVATE Upgrade: The String Cheese Incident - NOT A CONCERT TICKET
201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL
Concert
JUN
18
The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning Tour
201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL
Frequently asked questions about Birmingham
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Birmingham?
Birmingham offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Birmingham?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Birmingham, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Birmingham?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Brookwood Medical Center Heliport (0AL8).
When is the best time to visit Birmingham?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Birmingham?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Birmingham?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

💡 Travel Tips for This City

Budget

How to Avoid Hidden Fees on Your Car Rental

The advertised daily rate is rarely what you pay. Learn every hidden fee rental companies add and how to avoid or minimi...

Read tip →
Train Station

Train Station Car Rental in Europe: The Smart Combo

Combine Europe's rail network with strategic car rentals for the ultimate travel flexibility. Station pickup tips, prici...

Read tip →
General

Car Rental Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from the most common car rental scams. Pre-existing damage claims, fuel scams, phantom tolls, and bait-...

Read tip →
General

Best Road Trip Routes from Major US Airports

Five iconic road trips you can start straight from the airport. Pacific Coast Highway, Florida Keys, Southwest parks, Ro...

Read tip →
Perks Deals Travel Referrals Alerts