With a population of more than 1.2 million, Birmingham is Alabama’s biggest city. Between its Southern charm, diverse culture and cuisine, and historic downtown scene, Birmingham is the perfect vacation getaway for any traveler. Whether you’re planning to spend time in nature or enjoying the fine arts, here’s how to prepare for your trip to Birmingham.
Pack for the weather
Alabama summers are sunny, hot, and muggy, while its winters are short, cold, and wet. Based on Birmingham’s tourism score, the best times of year to plan a vacation are from late April to early June and from late August to mid-October. Before packing for your trip, make sure to check the weather report.
If you’re traveling during warmer months, make sure to pack a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water bottles. Additionally, pack summer clothes, including shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Prepare for emergencies
Vacations don’t always go according to plan, and travel emergencies can happen. In case of an emergency, like an injury or an illness, scope out local emergency services and make sure to bring any necessary medical information.
Believe it or not, some travel emergencies have easy fixes. If you drop your iPhone during your trip, Google “iPhone repair in Birmingham“ or visit uBreakiFix in South Birmingham. The expert tech specialists at uBreakiFix can complete most tech repairs in under two hours, so you won’t have to worry about sacrificing your vacation because of a broken phone. To find out more, visit uBreakiFix at 3728 Lorna Road Birmingham, AL, 35216, or call (205) 402-9592.
Book lodging accommodations in advance
If you’re planning on staying at a hotel or Airbnb, booking lodging accommodations in advance can help you lock in the lowest available price for your room. In most cases, hotel prices increase as your booking date approaches. Booking in advance means you’ll be able to enjoy the low rate you reserved, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars over a week-long stay.
Booking accommodations can also give you peace of mind. There isn’t anything worse than arriving at your hotel after a long flight and finding out there aren’t any rooms available. Booking a room in advance provides guaranteed availability, and you’ll be able to focus on planning what to see and do in Birmingham.
Plan your itinerary
As Alabama’s biggest city, Birmingham offers a diverse array of activities for visitors. If you’re visiting Birmingham for the first time, make sure to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The interpretive museum and research center, located across the street from the 16th Street Baptist Church, features a variety of powerful exhibits, lectures, film screenings, and events.
If you’re traveling with family, check out the Birmingham Zoo. As Alabama’s most visited tourist attraction, the Birmingham Zoo is perfect for a long afternoon stop, especially for younger children. The Zoo features a menagerie of over 750 exotic animals, including hippos, lions, and giraffes.
Additionally, set aside some time to visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Alabamy Symphony Orchestra.
Check out the food scene
In a 2018 interview, Andrew Zimmern named Birmingham the “hottest small food city in America right now.“ From fried chicken and fluffy biscuits to smaller plates and fusion dishes, Birmingham has something to offer for every kind of foodie.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out Eugene's Hot Chicken, a food truck that serves some of the spiciest chicken in Birmingham. The chicken comes in four levels of heat that vary from spiceless to Stupid-Hot, all of which deliver a unique depth of flavor.
Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a family vacation, preparing for your trip to Birmingham will allow you to experience all the city has to offer.