Explore Birmingham Haunted History with Walking Tour

Birmingham , United States

Explore Birmingham Haunted History with Walking Tour

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Birmingham's haunted past on a captivating walking tour that delves into the city's chilling history of vaudeville stars and lingering spirits. Follow the path of a 1930s detective as tales of murder and mystery unfold, passing by grand theaters and ghostly hotels where shadows of the past still linger. Listen for echoes of applause in the night and the stern librarian who haunts the old library. This one-mile tour invites you to uncover the secrets that lie in the shadows of Birmingham's streets.

- Discover Birmingham’s haunted history on a one-mile walking tour
- Uncover tales of vaudeville stars, corruption, and ghostly spirits
- Walk past historic theaters and haunted hotels without entering buildings
- Perfect for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
- This is a walking tour only - WE DO NOT ENTER BUILDINGS

Available options

Explore Birmingham Haunted History with Walking Tour

What's included

We will bring along an EMV Ghost Detector

Detailed itinerary

Outside the Lyric Theatre, we’ll relive the dazzling nights when legendary vaudeville acts brought the house roaring to life—and uncover the eerie tales of the spirits still waiting for their final encore. Though we won’t step inside, the echoes of applause and whispers from the wings will make you feel as if the show never truly ended..

Stand beneath the glowing marquee of the Alabama Theatre and hear chilling tales of its glamorous past, when vaudeville stars and silent film idols ruled the stage. From the sidewalk, you’ll learn why locals still whisper of phantom lights, unseen performers, and a restless usher who guards the theater long after the curtain fell.

At the old Empire Building, gaze up the towering façade once scaled by daredevil Harry “The Human Fly” Gardner, whose final stunt ended in tragedy—and some say, left him clinging to the walls still. Just down the street, the Redmont Hotel sets the stage for a blazing 1930s shootout that pitted hard-nosed Detective A.C. McGuire against a ruthless gangster, the echoes of gunfire still said to rattle its windows. We’ll walk the block once gripped by terror, where the Axe Syndicate and Harry the Hacker carved their bloody legend into Birmingham’s darkest history. The tour ends at Eddie Kendricks Park, where the music of Motown’s golden voice rises above the shadows—a soulful reminder that even the city’s haunted past can’t silence its rhythm.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet in front of the Lyric Theatre. We will not enter the building. This is a street walking tour only.

About Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, known as the 'Magic City,' is a vibrant destination rich in history and culture. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its thriving arts and food scenes, Birmingham offers a unique blend of southern charm and modern innovation.

Top Attractions

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

This museum is dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement and offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Vulcan Park and Museum

Home to the world's largest cast iron statue, Vulcan, this museum offers panoramic views of the city and exhibits on Birmingham's industrial history.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

A former pig iron-producing blast furnace, Sloss Furnaces is now a museum and concert venue with a rich history and eerie atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

A 67.5-acre botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of plants, gardens, and outdoor art.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

McWane Science Center

An interactive science museum with exhibits on natural history, space, and technology, perfect for families and curious minds.

Educational 2-3 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, made with unripe tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy.

Appetizer Vegetarian (may contain gluten)

Birmingham-Style Barbecue

Birmingham-style barbecue is known for its unique sauce, which is a mix of tomato, vinegar, and molasses, and is typically served with pulled pork or chicken.

Main Course Contains gluten (check for vegetarian/vegan options)

Banana Pudding

A classic Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and whipped cream or custard.

Dessert Vegetarian (may contain gluten)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Oak Mountain State Park Zip-lining at Gulf Adventure Center Kayaking on the Cahaba River Spa treatments at The Club Picnicking in Birmingham Botanical Gardens Wine tasting at Alabama Wine & Beer Trail Visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art Attending a performance at the Alabama Theatre

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-28°C 60-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Birmingham is generally safe for travelers, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport • 6 miles from city center

By train

Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The BJCTA bus system covers most of the city and is affordable, but schedules may not be as frequent as in larger cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Five Points South Avondale Homewood

Day trips

Gulf Shores

250 miles • Full day

A popular beach destination on the Gulf Coast, offering white sand beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Montgomery

90 miles • Half day to full day

The capital of Alabama, Montgomery is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.

Nashville

200 miles • Full day to overnight

A vibrant city known for its music, food, and nightlife, Nashville offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options.

Festivals

Birmingham Jazz Festival • Late April Magic City Classic • Late November Birmingham Folk Festival • Late September

Pro tips

Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience.
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
Try Birmingham-style barbecue at a local spot like Saw's Soul Kitchen or Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q.
Attend a concert or event at the historic Alabama Theatre for a taste of the city's rich cultural heritage.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Gulf Shores or Montgomery to experience the best of Alabama.