🛬 How to Get to Birmingham

✈️ By Flight:
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – The primary airport, just 10 minutes from downtown.
Transport Options from BHM:
Shuttle & Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available.
Car Rentals: Recommended for exploring Birmingham’s surrounding attractions.

🚗 By Car:
From Atlanta: 2.5-hour drive via I-20 W.
From Nashville: 3-hour drive via I-65 S.
From New Orleans: 5-hour drive via I-59 N.

🚆 By Train & Bus:
Amtrak (Birmingham Station): Offers direct service from New Orleans, Atlanta, and other cities.
Greyhound & Megabus: Budget-friendly travel options connecting Birmingham to major Southern cities.

🚍 How to Get Around Birmingham
MAX Transit Bus System: Public buses covering key areas in the city.
Rental Cars & Rideshares: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are widely available.
Biking & Walking: Downtown Birmingham and its parks are pedestrian-friendly.

🏨 Where to Stay in Birmingham

Luxury (5-Star Hotels):
The Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection – A boutique luxury hotel in a historic building.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook – A stylish hotel with a spa and art gallery.

Mid-Range (4-Star Hotels):
The Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection – A historic and elegant downtown stay.
Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa – A great escape with golf and relaxation.

Budget-Friendly (3-Star & Local Stays):
Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler – Affordable with a touch of historic charm.
Local Inns & Airbnb Rentals: Cozy accommodations with Southern hospitality.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Birmingham

Casual & Local Favorites:
Saw’s BBQ – A must-visit for some of Alabama’s best barbecue.
Niki’s West – A beloved meat-and-three restaurant serving classic Southern dishes.

Fine Dining & Special Experiences:
Highlands Bar & Grill – A James Beard Award-winning restaurant featuring upscale Southern cuisine.
Bottega Restaurant – An elegant Italian dining experience with a Southern twist.

Diverse Dining Options:
Automatic Seafood & Oysters – A top spot for fresh seafood and cocktails.
El Barrio – A vibrant Mexican eatery with creative flavors.

🎭 Things to Do in Birmingham

🏛️ Historic Landmarks & Museums:
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: A powerful museum documenting the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.
16th Street Baptist Church: A key site in civil rights history and an active place of worship.

🌳 Outdoor & Scenic Attractions:
Vulcan Park & Museum: Home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue, offering stunning views of the city.
Railroad Park: A beautiful green space perfect for walking, jogging, and outdoor events.

🎶 Arts, Entertainment & Shopping:
Alabama Theatre: A historic venue hosting concerts, movies, and special events.
Pepper Place Market: A weekend farmers’ market with local crafts, produce, and live music.

🏀 Sports & Events:
Protective Stadium: Home to Birmingham’s professional soccer and football teams.
Regions Field: Catch a Birmingham Barons baseball game in this modern stadium.

🦁 Zoos & Aquariums:
Birmingham Zoo: A popular attraction featuring elephants, lions, and a children’s petting zoo.