What to Do in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, is one of those secretly fabulous Southern cities that hasn’t been ruined by the media—like, ahem, a few others that come to mind. Although the population of this metro area is a little over 1 million, the Magic City, as it is affectionately known, retains a friendly, small-town charm while offering world-class cuisine and cocktails and attracting a variety of industries, including technology, health care and the arts. It’s worth a visit, and if you ever head down there, here’s what you need to prioritize.

Where to Go

If you love hiking or cycling, pack your water bottle and head for Red Mountain Park. Named for the red hue of dust from hematite, one of the cornerstones of Birmingham’s iron-making history, this sprawling greenspace of 1,500 acres offers a convenient reprieve from the city. Choose one of the 16 trails (all different lengths and levels of difficulty) for a biking or walking experience, or bring your pet for some off-leash time at Remy’s Dog Park. Regular patrons who love Red Mountain (and the native animals and plants at home in the park) can become financially supporting members, a deal that includes two other green spaces in Jefferson County: Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek.

Second Avenue North District is one of the urban hotspots of downtown Birmingham, lined with small businesses, creative spaces, bars and restaurants. An afternoon at Second Avenue can be anything you want: shopping for rugs at English Village Lane, clothing at basic., or jewelry at Levy’s; perusing fine art at Canary Gallery; sipping cocktails at the House of Found Objects or wine at Avine; having a gourmet lunch at EastWest or El Barrio… and the list goes on. Just park your car and explore; you’ll see.

After some food, booze or retail therapy, center yourself with a walk through Railroad Park during golden hour. The park winds throughout the center of the city, earning it the nickname of “Birmingham’s Living Room,” and hosts numerous events every year, many free to attend.

If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, don’t miss it The Market at Pepper Place from 7 am to noon. It’s the best way to score local produce, products, art and more, plus you can hang out with residents for weekly events such as live music, cooking demonstrations and fun seasonal celebrations like “Tomato Day” and “Pumpkin Day.”

Where to Eat

If you’re a fan of ramen and Asian small plates served in a chic spot with great cocktails, then Shu Shop, located downtown at 3rd Avenue North, is a must. Start with shishito peppers golden-fried with yuzu salt and Tsukemono, the chef’s selection of pickles and preserved veggies. Then choose from seafood ramen, vegetarian ramen, or traditional ramen with rich pork broth.

Open since 2019, Automatic Seafood & Oysters has already made its mark on the ‘Ham with an imaginative menu of land and sea entrees plus thoughtful salads, sides and desserts. Mark your oyster card to try Gulf, East coast and West coast varieties, or visit for weekend brunch and try eccentric (delicious) options like Halibut Schnitzel or Short Rib and Eggs. We hear they’re opening a second location soon, but we’re guessing it’ll be just as crowded.

Have you heard the news? The Garage is taking cards after years of being cash only. On a nice day in the Magic City, nothing tastes better than a grilled cheese, BLT or cup of homemade soup, served alongside a beer or bloody mary. Take your meal outside, and dine among the artful eccentricities of the patio bar tucked away on 10th Terrace South.

A popular bistro in Five Points South, Chez FonFon serves a wide variety of elevated yet approachable French classics. We suggest the Hamburger Fonfon with comté and grilled red onions; the omelette with cherry tomatoes and sweet onions; the moules (mussels) steamed in white wine; or the chicken liver mousse with a grilled baguette.

Where to Stay

The Redmont Hotel opened its doors in 1925, making it Birmingham’s oldest continuously operating hotel. Now part of the Hilton Curio Collection, the Redmont is close to all sorts of local attractions, including the Alabama Theater and the Rotary Trail. Treat yourself to one of the plush king suites with a separate sitting area, and enjoy a nightcap at The Rooftop while you take in the city.

For creative, spiritual types, the Birmingham Tree House, located in Five Points South, is a boutique inn with a bohemian vibe. Try a yoga class or sound bath in one of their on-site studios, then retire for the evening in a uniquely decorated room with a name like “The Bird House” or the “Zen Den.”

Denise K. James is based in Atlanta. She is a senior editor for theater and film+TV at ArtsATLand her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Eater, Atlanta, glory, Apartment Therapy, The Local Palace, and other publications. Find her on Instagram: @denise_k._.