Downtown Birmingham has transformed over the past 20 years, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an Alabama native who isn’t surprised (and impressed!) by the area’s immense growth and change. These days, Downtown Birmingham hosts an ample collection of local restaurants and bars, museums, outdoor spaces, shopping, art galleries, and more. Here’s your updated guide to the best Downtown Birmingham has to offer, including a few favorite historic places to stay!
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STAY
In addition to a selection of Airbnbs, Downtown Birmingham is home to a collection of historic boutique hotels worth booking a stay at.
- Built in 1914, The Tutwiler Hotel is a Magic City staple known as the city’s first modern hotel. It’s even said to be haunted by Colonel Tutwiler, for whom the hotel was named.
- Travel up to 5th Avenue for a stay at The Redmont Hotel, which was built in 1925 and features a delicious, upscale restaurant and rooftop bar providing panoramic views of the city.
- If you’re looking for an exclusive, intimate experience, head to the John Hand Hotel and Club, a relatively unknown members-only affair with only six available rooms.
- For luxury in the heart of Downtown Birmingham, book your stay at The Elyton Hotel. Known for its architectural splendor and chic, modern decor, The Elyton offers an authentic Downtown experience, complete with a rooftop bar and swanky dining.
EAT & DRINK
Get your day started at one of Downtown Birmingham’s inviting coffee shops.
- For a top-notch cortado and flaky pastry, head to June Coffee, opened by Alabama native Jimmy Truong. Don’t skip out on the pastries from Last Call Baking. Owner and Chef Chanah Willis was recently nominated for the James Beard Award for emerging chefs.
- For more sweets, walk to Bandit Pâtisserie for an iced coffee and sweet (or savory!) pastry. We suggest the lemon meringue tart.
- For a classic favorite serving up hearty breakfast dishes, add Frothy Monkey to your list.
If there’s one thing Downtown Birmingham has become known for, it’s the food. There is no shortage of dining options offering culinary favorites like Asian fusion, elevated farm-to-table, and classic Italian.
- For lunch, we suggest Brick & Tin (the sesame chicken bowl is to die for!)
- More great lunch options include Trattoria Zaza or the Pizitz Food Hall, which hosts a rotating collection of local chefs and restaurants.
- For dinner, make a reservation at The Essential or Bar La Fête, both owned by Kristen Farmer Hall and Victor King. They serve some of the city’s most sought-after dishes.
- Helen offers elevated Southern cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere. You’ve got to try the Warm Angel Biscuits!
- Café Dupont is a longtime Birmingham favorite known for its top-notch service.
- Aviné is fabulous for wine and bites.
- If you’re in the mood for Italian, go for Bocca or Bettola.
- Check out Pizza GRACE for upscale pizza, followed by authentic gelato at Cannella Gelato.
- Asian fusion comes to life at EastWest, where the food is rivaled only by the jaw-dropping murals and atmosphere.
- El Barrio is THE spot for Mexican food — we’re speaking from experience here; it’s a must!
- Roots & Revelry, in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower, is an excellent option for showing off the city to out-of-town guests.
- For something relaxed and casual, grab a seat at Paramount, an arcade-style bar with go-to bar grub and an extensive beer list. (Did we mention Birmingham is known for its brewery scene?)
- Lastly, stop at Alabama Peanut Company for the Southern-crafted peanuts (and beer!) that have been a favorite of residents since 1907.
The fun doesn’t stop — Downtown Birmingham’s bar scene offers something for everyone!
- For tiki drinks and Cuban-inspired food, belly up to the Cayo Coco Rum Bar.
- Craft cocktails are done right at Collins Bar.
- Paper Doll offers a moody and intimate setting for craft cocktails.
- Carrigan’s is a great spot for a larger party, with tasty cocktail options and delicious food. It’s known for its corndog!
- Snag a seat at Downtown’s speakeasy, Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar, an intimate yet casual hidden spot.
- If you’re in the mood to dance, head to Neon Moon for country classics and a light-up dance floor.
SHOP + EXPLORE
There is so much to explore throughout Downtown Birmingham, from art galleries and historical theaters to parks and the science museum.
- Canary Gallery is a great place to start. Its motto is “Good art for good people,” and we couldn’t agree more.
- For shopping, walk through Mercantile on Morris, home to a handful of apparel and home stores.
- To soak up some history, stroll the theater district to visit the iconic Alabama Theatre and Lyric Theatre.
- Stop by “The Heaviest Corner on Earth” at 1st Avenue and 20th Street intersect.
- Walk along the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail.
- Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
- Spend the day at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Grab the kiddos and explore the McWane Science Center.
- Learn the history of the “Steel City” at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
- Sports enthusiasts, this one is for you! Visit The Negro Southern League Museum or Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
- If you’re a music buff, hit up the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
- For some time outdoors, spend the day at Railroad Park, Downtown Birmingham’s 19-acre green space surrounded by local restaurants, including Hero Doughnuts and Buns and local favorite Good People Brewing Co.
- Snag tickets to a Birmingham Barons minor league baseball game at Regions Field.
- Enjoy a picnic at Kelly Ingram Park or Linn Park.
- Walk along the Downtown segment of Birmingham’s Rotary Trail.
- Catch a show at Iron City.
As Downtown Birmingham continues to boom, so does our love for the city. Enjoy!
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About the Author
Bailey Torkelson