Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Birmingham’s story of iron, fire, and civil rights on a half-day tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
See the best of the Magic City in just half a day. This guided 3–4 hour driving tour blends Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks with hidden gems only locals know.
Begin at Vulcan Park, home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue, then explore the city’s early days at Arlington House, Birmingham’s only remaining plantation home. Discover the cultural heart of downtown with the Alabama and Lyric Theatres, and stand in the Civil Rights District at 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, where pivotal moments of history unfolded.
Along the way, enjoy stories of iron and industry, sports legends at Rickwood Field, and Southern flavors from tucked-away food stops. The tour is flexible, with time to tailor stops to your interests — from civil rights to architecture, sports, or local cuisine.
Available options
Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights
Pickup included
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
We always carry premium, ice chilled bottles of water for our guests
This tour includes a stop at the Alabama Peanut Company, with complementary tastings of freshly roasted and boiled peanuts. We also provide Local potato chips for those who might have allergies.
Detailed itinerary
1
The Heaviest Corner on Earth is a promotional name given to the corner of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, in the early 20th century. The name reflected the nearly simultaneous appearance of four of the tallest buildings in the South, the 10-story Woodward Building (1902), 16-story Brown Marx Building (1906), 16-story Empire Building (1909), and the 21-story American Trust and Savings Bank Building (1912).
2
Our best preserved Victorian district...gaslights, cobblestones and all
3
We will stop by the best preserved Victorian District in the city and grab a bag of peanuts roasted in a building that has it's own mysterious history.
4
We pass through this ever evolving area (and the center of Birmingham's Foodie revolution) and discuss how our city is becoming a MAJOR food destination
5
This is an intriguing (and controversial) artwork
6
We will see the largest Cast Iron statue in the world, get a great view of the city and learn about the moon that never sets
7
Our only remaining Southern Plantation House
8
The Oldest Ballpark in America - home to both White and Negro League teams and site of several movie locations
Currently undergoing renovations for a major League game in 2024 and closed to visitors
9
This area is the center of the Civil Rights Struggle that defined Birmingham in the 60's (and continues to do so even today)
10
The very moving site of the bombing that slaughtered 4 children and cemented the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
16 reviews
5★
12
4★
4
3★
0
2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
4.9
20 reviews
5★
18
4★
1
3★
1
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Vulcan Park and Museum...1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Meet at the ticket booth by the parking lot and sidewalk going up toward the statue
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
