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If you’re looking for history, culture and Southern charm, this surprising and underrated American destination is perfect for your next trip.
Birmingham, Alabama is often overlooked in favor of larger southern cities like Atlanta and Nashville. However, this surprising city is growing in popularity, with a 10% increase in visitors since 2019.
In 2023, almost 4 million people visited Birmingham, nicknamed the Magic City.
Do you want to go somewhere unique and underrated for your next trip? Here’s why you should consider visiting Birmingham.
1. Civil rights history
One of the things I find most interesting about Birmingham is its civil rights history. The city is deeply entwined with the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and today there are numerous historic sites, monuments and museums dedicated to the work of civil rights activists.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a good place to start if you want to learn more about the city’s history with the civil rights movement.
I think Birmingham is a good fit for visiting Atlanta, which is less than 2.5 hours away by car (and you’ll probably want to fly into Atlanta first to visit Birmingham as it has the largest airport in the country. )
In Atlanta you can also visit many historical sites related to civil rights and visit the world-class National Center for Civil and Human Rights, one of my favorite museums.
2. A city for art and culture
Aside from its historical significance associated with the civil rights movement, Birmingham is also a thriving center for arts and culture.
One of my top recommendations? Be sure to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art, which offers free entry and an impressive collection of art from around the world.
Historic venues like the Alabama Theater and the Lyric Theater are also cool places to visit for concerts, dance performances, and other live entertainment.
3. Delicious food
Like any southern city, Birmingham is a great foodie destination.
Clearly, classic southern comfort food is a must here. Some favorite places to try are Eugene’s Hot Chicken and Saw’s Soul Kitchen. (My mouth is watering just thinking about it!)
But you can also enjoy creative takes on Southern cuisine at restaurants like Bottega, which combines Southern flair with traditional Italian cuisine, and Hot and Hot Fish Club, which draws influences from Southern, French and Californian cuisine.
Birmingham is also quickly becoming known for its craft breweries. You could easily spend an entire weekend just eating and drinking around the city.
4. Unexpected southern charm
What comes to mind when you think of southern charm? Spanish moss-draped live oaks and stately squares in Savannah, or the pastel houses and palm trees of Charleston?
Well…Birmingham doesn’t have any of that. It is actually a city with an industrial history.
But somehow this city, which even the Pittsburgh of the South due to its history of iron and steel production it still manages to have an unexpected charm.
Some of the most beautiful parts of the city to visit are the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Vulcan Park and Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the city’s steelmaking. It also offers one of the best views in the city overlooking the whole of Birmingham.
5. An affordable destination
Let’s face it, traveling has become So expensive lately. But Birmingham is actually one of the cheapest cities you can go to right now.
Alabama as a whole is one of the cheapest destinations in the United States (and Gulf Shores, Alabama is one of the country’s best-kept secrets if you’re looking for a cheap beach vacation!)
Birmingham is also surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare it to more popular destinations in the United States such as Florida, California and New York.
How cheap are we talking?
You can expect to pay approx $125 per night for a nice hotel in Birmingham, which is a pretty good deal in my opinion. Other expenses such as a rental car, attractions and food are all quite cheap.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
