Birmingham

Alabama

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Downtown Birmingham, Alabama

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Overview

Birmingham is a confluence of leafy green space, fantastic bars and restaurants, and innovative public space projects. It's also a far more liberal town than you may expect given the political proclivities of its home state. This town may lack the name-brand recognition of musical powerhouses like New Orleans and Nashville, or business centers like Atlanta and Houston, but as mid-sized cities go, Birmingham is hard to beat.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to The USA

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations–all crafted by our local experts.

Must-see attractions

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Birmingham