Visit Birmingham

Experience the magic of civil rights history, southern charm, and discover why Birmingham is Alabama's vibrant Magic City

Civil Rights History
Steel Industry
Civil Rights Institute

Welcome to Birmingham

Birmingham is Alabama's largest city located in the heart of the state, known for its rich civil rights history, steel industry heritage, and southern charm. This dynamic city is known for its southern hospitality, world-famous barbecue, and unique "Magic City" personality that has shaped the region for generations.

From the iconic Vulcan Park and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to the historic Red Mountain and Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural experiences, civil rights history, and southern heritage. The city also boasts the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Railroad Park, and some of the best southern cuisine in America.

200,733 Population
644 ft Elevation
213 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Birmingham adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Azaleas, civil rights events, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Football season, festivals, comfortable temperatures
Peak Season March-May (Spring blooms, events)

Average Temperature

Jan 35°F / 55°F
Apr 52°F / 74°F
Jul 70°F / 90°F
Oct 55°F / 76°F

Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons

Airports

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

Main airport, 5 miles from downtown Birmingham

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

Alternative airport, 100 miles away

  • International and domestic flights
  • More flight options and airlines
  • Shuttle services to Birmingham

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 3+ million
Hotel Rooms 8,000+
Restaurants 1,200+
Cultural Attractions 25+
Average Hotel Price $160/night
Public Transit MAX Transit buses

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 100+
Direct Destinations 30+ cities
Average Flight Price $320
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 4 carriers
On-time Performance 82%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 15
Parking Spaces 5,000+
Rental Car Companies 8
Distance to Downtown 5 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 40+
Bus Frequency 15-30 min
Fare $1.50
Operating Hours 5AM-12AM
Bike Share Stations 30
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 25+
Southern Restaurants 200+
Historic Sites 40+
Movie Theaters 12
Museums 15+
Annual Events 80+

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking Trails 100+ miles
Bike Paths 80+ miles
Golf Courses 15
Red Mountain Mountain access
Parks 150+
Weather Year-round outdoor

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Atlanta
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines Southwest, American
Average Age 35 years
Healthcare Industry 40%
Average Stay 3.2 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 25+
Southern Restaurants 200+
Average Spending $380/person
Healthcare Industry $12B annually
Tax Rate 4%
Popular Items Southern Food, History, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 8 major
Urgent Care Centers 25+
Pharmacies 80+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Birmingham

Explore Birmingham and the beautiful Alabama countryside at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Birmingham

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Alabama's Magic City

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a powerful museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the civil rights movement in Birmingham and beyond.

Year-round 2-3 hours Downtown Birmingham
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Vulcan Park

Vulcan Park

Explore Vulcan Park featuring the iconic Vulcan statue, the world's largest cast iron statue, with stunning views of Birmingham from the observation tower and beautiful park grounds.

Year-round 2-3 hours Birmingham
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Red Mountain

Red Mountain

Discover Red Mountain Park featuring over 1,500 acres of beautiful trails, zip lines, and outdoor recreation opportunities with stunning views of Birmingham's skyline.

Year-round 2-4 hours Birmingham
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham Museum of Art

Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art featuring an impressive collection of over 27,000 works of art, including European paintings, Asian art, and contemporary pieces.

Year-round 2-3 hours Downtown Birmingham
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens featuring 67 acres of beautiful gardens, walking trails, and the largest public horticulture library in the United States.

Year-round 2-3 hours Birmingham
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Railroad Park

Railroad Park

Experience Railroad Park, a 19-acre urban green space featuring walking trails, a lake, outdoor amphitheater, and beautiful views of Birmingham's historic railroad district.

Year-round 1-2 hours Downtown Birmingham
Visit Free Free admission Read More

🍽️ Birmingham's Southern & Barbecue Cuisine

Savor the flavors of Alabama's culinary heritage with Birmingham's diverse dining scene

Southern & Barbecue Cuisine

Experience Birmingham's famous southern cuisine and barbecue with authentic pulled pork, smoked ribs, fried chicken, and other delicious Alabama dishes that showcase the region's rich culinary heritage.

Top Southern Restaurants:

  • Dreamland Bar-B-Que
  • Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
  • Full Moon Bar-B-Que
Read More About Southern & Barbecue Cuisine

Birmingham Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Birmingham's diverse food culture featuring southern comfort food, ethnic cuisine, and innovative dining experiences influenced by the city's Alabama heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Downtown Birmingham Restaurants
  • Five Points South Dining
  • Lakeview District Restaurants
Read More About Birmingham's Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Birmingham

Find the perfect accommodation for your Birmingham adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Birmingham

Search for the best flight deals to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) or Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

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