Birmingham has plenty of educational, recreational, historical and cultural things to see and do. The city is home incredible natural surroundings, lush greenery, beautiful parks, diverse shopping and dining spots, vibrant nightclubs and several museums and historic sites. Familiarize yourself with the area’s flora, know the historic past of the city, enjoy a walk through the beautiful natural landscapes, and explore the art and culture of Birmingham in 48 hours through this itinerary guide.
Image By Alby Headrick (originally posted to Flickr as Birmingham Skyline) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Day 1 Tour Map Guide of Birmingham
Breakfast at 9:00am!
Start your day at Demetri's BBQ which serves delicious breakfast. Enjoy yummy hotcakes, hashbrown potatoes, French toast, omelette and egg dishes, and traditional breakfast platters. The eatery has something for every palate!
Address: 1901 28th Avenue S, Homewood, AL 35209, United States
Phone: 1 205-871-1581
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:00am-8:30pm
Birmingham Botanical Gardens at 10:00am!
Explore the gardens and flora at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You’ll experience the scenic beauty at every turn. Marvel at the plants and flowers that are aplenty, see the Japanese garden, rose gardens, wildflowers, and a teahouse. It also has beautiful trails for walking and outdoor sculptures. Walk through the gardens and take in the unparalleled beauty of nature!
Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States
Phone: 1 205-414-3950
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00am-6:00pm
Distance from Demetri’s Bar-B-Q: 1.5miles or 4minutes drive
Birmingham Zoo at 11:00am!
Next, head to Birmingham Zoo which features more than 1,000 animals and birds of different species in their natural habitats. See the Flamingos, giraffes, lions, hippos, zebra, monkeys and elephants at the zoo. Other highlights include Predator zone, sea lion splash show, alligator swamp, the lorikeet aviary, rhino encounter, and much more.
Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States
Phone: 1 205-879-0409
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Birmingham Botanical Gardens: 1.0miles or 3minutes drive
Vulcan Park and Museum at 12:00pm!
Head off to the Vulcan Park and Museum. See the Vulcan Statue which is the world’s largest cast iron statue. Climb up to the top and enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the surrounding areas. Walk through the museum and know the history of the Birmingham’s iron industry. It has several exhibits that give insight into the area’s history, geology, industrial growth and ecosystem.
Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm
Distance from Birmingham Zoo: 1.8miles or 7minutes drive
Lunch at 1:00pm!
For delicious American cuisine, make your way over to the Highlands Bar & Grill (2011 11th Ave S), a popular American restaurant in Birmingham. For seafood and steak, stop by Ruth's Chris Steak House (2300 Woodcrest Pl) or Ocean (1218 20th St S). Enjoy the French cuisine at the Chez FON FON (2007 11th Ave S). Craving for Italian fare, go to Bottega Restaurant (2240 Highland Ave S).
Birmingham Museum of Art at 2:00pm!
Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art that is home to over 25,000 works of art, ranging from Pre-Columbian period to the present day. It has permanent collections of African, Asian, Native American and European Art. Plus, it also has one the world’s largest collection of Wedgwood ceramics.
Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-254-2565
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
McWane Science Center at 3:00pm!
Next, head off to the McWane Science Center where learning and fun never end. It has a great collection of dinosaurs, an aquarium, childhood playgrounds, and an IMAX theatre. Several science demonstrations are performed here every day by well-known educators. See, touch, hear and experience the many aspects of science at this center!
Address: 200 19th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-714-8300
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Distance from Birmingham Museum of Art: 0.6miles or 3minutes drive via 19th Street North
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at 4:00pm!
Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which depicts the story of African-American people, their life and struggle for equality through several multimedia exhibitions. It chronicles the story from the post-WWI racial segregation to present day.
Address: 520 16th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-328-9696
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from McWane Science Center: 0.5miles or 3minutes drive via 4th Avenue North
Go Shopping at 5:00pm!
Shop for antiques and vintage items at What's On 2nd! It features vintage and antique items, ranging from dolls, classic posters and video games to cameras to 1940s and 50s household items and wartime postcards to quirky knick-knacks and memorabilia.
Address: 2306 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-322-2688
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Or
For the latest fashion, shop at Colonial Brookwood Village! It is anchored by Macy’s, Books-A-Million, and Belk, plus also has several specialty stores, including include Banana Republic, Charlotte Russe, Finish Line, Claire’s, Brookstone, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
Address: 780 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209, United States
Phone: 1 205-871-0406
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Drinks at 7:00pm!
Stop by the Dram Whiskey Bar, a modern cocktail bar that has an extensive selection of whiskies, in addition to classic beer, wine, bourbon and scotch. Chow down on classic southern bites and savor the flavor of whisky.
Address: 2721 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, United States
Phone: 1 205-871-8212
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: 4:00pm-11:00pm; Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00pm-12:00am; Friday & Saturday: 4:00m-1:00am; Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm, 4:00pm-11:00pm
Or
Step into the Carrigan’s Public House that offers a full liquor bar, seasonal crafts and tasty creative eats. Inside is the industrial vibe, beautifully lit terrace, roofdeck, and a patio, creating a perfect atmosphere for a beautiful and relaxed evening. Savor the cocktails, and enjoy the delicous pub grub!
Address: 2430 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-440-2430
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am-11:30pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-12:30am
Dinner at 8:00pm!
Go to Yo' Mama's ( 2328 2nd Ave N) that serves up American cuisine. Head off to Trattoria Centrale (207 20th St N) for Italian fare. Enjoy authentic Mexican food at Cantina (2901 2nd Ave S #110).
Enjoy the Magic City’s Nightlife at 10:00pm!
Take a trip to the The J. Clyde, an award-wining pub that offers over 100 types of craft beers on tap. Sip on an ale and chow down on classic American eats.
Address: 1312 Cobb Ln, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
Phone: 1 205-939-1312
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 2:00pm-12:00am; Thursday to Saturday: 2:00pm-2:00am
Or
Swing by the The Collins Bar that puts out bespoke cocktails in a lively setting. The barkeeps are knowledgeable and creative, and keep your glass filled all night. Inside, the retro decor with Periodic Table on one of the walls, tables with old school typewriters, juke boxes and great vibe, makes it a great spot place to kick back and savor the drinks.
Address: 2125 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-323-7995
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00pm-12:00am; Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm-2:00am; Sunday: 6:00pm-12:00am
Day 2 in the “Magic City”
Breakfast at 9:00am!
Kick start your day right with a hearty, traditional Southern breakfast at the Bogue's. It is located smack dab in the center of Birmingham’s Southside. The restaurant serves up American comfort food. Chow down on American classic, including fries, burgers, eggs, sausages and more. Do save a room for their tasty homemade biscuits.
Address: 3028 Clairmont Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
Phone: 1 205-254-9780
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:00am-2:00pm; Sunday: 7:00am-2:00pm
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark at 10:00am!
Visit the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, a national monument that tells the history of Birmingham’s iron industry. Also, it is a center for exhibition and creation of metal art.
Address: 20 32nd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States
Phone: 1 205-324-1911
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Bogue’s: 1.3miles or 6minutes drive via 32nd Street South
Pepper Place at 11:00am!
Visit the Pepper Place that houses locally-owned shops. It features home furnishings, antiques, pottery, jewelry, fresh produce, and more. Plus, local chefs give cooking demos and musicians are also there to keep you entertained all the time.
Address: 2817 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
Phone: 1 205-323-2817
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am-3:00pm
Distance from Sloss Furnance: 0.8miles or 3minutes drive
Birmingham Railroad Park at 12:00pm!
Walk through the green spaces of the Birmingham Railroad Park. The park features walking trail, a skate park, a lake, free WiFi, two playgrounds, and a cafe, with the city’s skyline serving as its picturesque backdrop. Take a nice walk, have a picnic, play a game, go skating, or just lay and relax on the grassy lawns.
Address: 1600 1st Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
Phone: 1 205-521-9933
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-11:00pm
Distance from Pepper Place: 1.6miles or 6minutes drive
Lunch at 1:00pm!
Enjoy Mediterranean food at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe (301 18th St S). Craving for Mexican fare, stop by El Barrio (2211 2nd Ave. North). For American fare, head off to Highlands Bar & Grill (2011 11th Ave S) or John's City Diner (112 Richard Arrington Blvd N).
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at 2:00pm!
Celebrate Jazz at Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. This art deco museum features memorabilia, exhibits, personal belongings and instruments of jazz greats of Alabama. Legends like Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald and W.C. Handy are among some of the jazz greats honored here. Know the role of jazz in the Alabama’s history at this spot!
Address: 1631 4th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-327-9424
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens at 3:00pm!
Next, head off to Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens is a restored Greek revival mansion established between 1845 and 1850. The mansion features antiques and decorative arts collection from across the world. Learn about the Birmingham’s heritage, the Civil Rights era history, and much more at this historic home.
Address: 331 Cotton Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211, United States
Phone: 1 205-780-5656
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00m-4:00pm
Distance from Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame: 2.1miles or 6minutes drive via 1st Avenue North
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at 4:00pm!
Sports enthusiasts, make your way over to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features the memorabilia, photos, jerseys and other items of the popular athletes of Alabama, such as Hank Aaron, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, and many more. It also has a gift shop which has an array of souvenir T-shirts, photographs, stuffed animals and other items.
Address: 2150 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Phone: 1 205-323-6665
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens: 3.1miles or 10 minutes drive
Hanna’s Antique Mall at 5:00pm!
Browse through the antiques and vintage items at the Hanna’s Antique Mall. It features jewelry, vintage linens, European and American furniture, vintage accessories, handmade rugs, and much more.
Address: 2424 7th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
Phone: 1 205-323-6036
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Distance from Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum: 2.1miles or 6minutes drive via US-31 South
Drinks at 6:00pm!
Step into the Avondale Brewing Company and enjoy a few beers. It has a great selection of hand-crafted brews. This spot is rich in history, and has beers named for each important moment from the background of the brewery. Hear some good old stories, while sipping on brews.
Address: 201 41st Street S, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States
Phone: 1 205-777-5456
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4:00pm-10:00pm; Thursday: 4:00pm-11:00pm; Friday: 3:00pm-12:30am; Saturday: 12:00pm-12:30am; Sunday: 1:00pm-10:00pm
Or
Swing by the Good People Brewing Company that has an extensive selection of beers. It is one of the local’s favorite breweries in Birmingham. Kick back and guzzle a few cold beers.
Address: 114 14th Street S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
Phone: 1 205-286-2337
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 1:00pm-10:00pm; Thursday to Saturday: 1:00pm-12:00am; Sunday: 1:00pm-8:00pm
Dinner at 8:00pm!
Head off to Saw’s Soul Kitchen (215 41st st. south) for delicious American and barbeque. Stop by Wasabi Juan's (4120 3rd Ave South) for Mexican, Japanese or Asian fusion cuisine. Head off to The Abbey (131A 41st Street South) or Melt (4105 4th Avenue South) for American fare.
Get in the Groove at 10:00pm!
Head to The Nick that features the best local and big-name bands that play everything from emo, alternative rock to blues, pop, metal, and everything in between. This spot serves up the coldest beers and the hottest music. Grab some cold beer and enjoy the music!
Address: 2514 10th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
Phone: 1 205-252-3831
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 2:00pm-4:00am; Friday & Saturday: 2:00pm-6:00am; Sunday: 2:00pm-4:00am
Or
Head off to Zydeco that offers more than 13 beers on tap and cocktails, pool tables, video games, an upstairs patio and Southern bands. Grab a few drinks, play a game of pool, enjoy live music, and have a whale of time!
Address: 2001 15th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
Phone: 1 205-933-1032
Day 2 Tour Map Guide of Birmingham
