Liberal, leafy and brimming with cultural and historic attractions, Birmingham, Alabama is a superb city break destination. Popular with couples, families and business travellers, the city offers a variety of excellent accommodation options, including small, self-catering spots and chic luxury hotels. Quirky and characterful, the best places to stay in Birmingham reflect the many charms of this lively southern city.
Originally founded as an iron mining town, Birmingham now fuses its industrial past with a youthful, fun-loving vibe encouraged by the city’s universities and reflected in its buzzing bar, restaurant and live music scene. Delve into landmark Civil Rights Movement history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and 16th Street Baptist Church, or take a fascinating guided walking tour, following in the footsteps of iconic change-makers. You can also head to Sloss Furnaces to experience Birmingham’s industrial beginnings, and to the McWane Science Centre or Birmingham Museum of Art for a day of discovery.
Take the whole family to Railroad Park, heritage-focused Vulcan Park or Kelly Ingram Park in the city for heaps of greenery and outdoor activities. Birmingham Zoo and the verdant Botanical Gardens are also well worth visiting. If you’re eager for adventure, Oak Mountain State Park or Moss Rock Preserve are brilliant places to go cycling, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding and wildlife-spotting.
Round off active days with wonderful evenings of craft cocktails, locally-brewed beers and live gigs, followed by delectable dinners at the city’s many hip eateries. The best places to stay in Birmingham are within easy reach of museums, parks and fabulous food: you’re in for a cracking trip.