Making the less than 3-hour drive to Birmingham from where I live had always been on my list of things to do over the past years. At the end of 2025, I decided to spend the weekend there, exploring as much as I could in under 48 hours.
I wasn’t expecting much beyond its well-known civil rights history. Little did I know Birmingham would steal my heart, and I’d return multiple times afterward. With each visit, I’ve discovered new reasons why I keep coming back to “The Magic City.”
Downtown
Maybe I’ve just been lucky with timing, but every time I drive through downtown Birmingham, it feels surprisingly easy and calm. The one-way streets don’t overwhelm me the way they do in larger cities like Atlanta or Charlotte. Getting around is simple, and there’s always another shop, café, or corner I want to come back and explore.
What I appreciate most, though, is the sense of history throughout the city. Birmingham holds both heavy and important history, and I like taking moments to pause and acknowledge that while walking or driving through different areas. One of the most moving experiences was visiting the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of the 1963 racist terrorist bombing that killed four young girls and became a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement. During the tour, seeing portions of the damage that have been intentionally preserved and learning more about the church’s role in history was a powerful experience. If you’re visiting Birmingham, I highly recommend scheduling a tour. The sanctuary of the church is stunning!
One of my favorite places to stay is the Elyton Hotel. The rooftop bar alone is worth a visit! The views of the city during the day and especially at sunset are unforgettable, especially while sipping your favorite cocktail.
The Food
I can honestly say I haven’t had a bad meal in Birmingham yet. Across my visits, I’ve tried everything from Mexican food, BBQ, and seafood, and every experience has been memorable in its own way.
One standout for me was Bayonet, a popular raw seafood bar that felt like a full experience rather than just a meal. Sitting at the counter watching the chefs shuck oysters, prepare shrimp, and mix crab dip right in front of me made me feel as though I was a patron at a Michelin-star restaurant.
I’ll be sharing a full post on my favorite restaurants, because Birmingham’s food scene deserves its own spotlight.
The Shopping
I got myself in and out of trouble shopping in Birmingham. Places like Summit have several brand-name stores that I love! Shopping there reminds me of moments I spent with my mom and sister when we were younger, hopping from one store to another and buying things we didn’t need.
I feel at ease in the area where I indulged in a little splurge that left me with buyer’s regret. Outside of the Summit, there are other small boutiques and bookstores throughout the area that I adore.
Beyond the larger shopping areas, I’ve also enjoyed discovering smaller boutiques and independent bookstores that give the city more character.
The Vibes
More than anything, Birmingham feels like a place where I can slow down. From cozy wine bars to independent bookstores, the overall atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming. I never feel rushed when I’m there, and I’ve always felt comfortable in the areas I’ve explored – I’ve been warned to stay away from certain areas, which is the case of any city/town.
Birmingham has genuinely grown on me in a way I didn’t expect, and it’s now a place I look forward to returning to again and again.
Be on the lookout for more Birmingham posts coming soon. Every visit seems to show me something new, and I can’t wait to share my favorite restaurants, bookstores, and hidden gems in more detail. If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!