How to take a trip to Europe while staying in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
You don’t have to hop on a plane to find a little bit of Europe in Birmingham. European influence flows throughout the city starting from the streets.
In fact, it will have your social media followers questioning if you just took a spontaneous holiday overseas!
Breakfast at Continental Bakery
Not all bread is created equal, and no truer statement is found than at the Continental Bakery in Mountain Brook. Close your eyes, take a bite and envision you’re steps away from the Seine—it won’t be hard.
A Morning with Monet
The Birmingham Museum of Art features a range of European art showing up in sculptures and ornate paintings. It’s easy to snap a picture of a Monet and to make it seem as though you’re walking around the Musée d’Orsay.
Cycling through the city
One of my favorite memories from Europe was riding bikes throughout the different cities we visited—including a 40-mile bike ride in Belgium. It’s the best way to sightsee, plus you fit in with the locals.
Unfortunately, you can’t ride Zyp Bikes for much longer. However, the good news is they’re being replaced with another form of micro-mobility — electric scooters.
Lunch in Germany
Warm pretzel rolls, hot potato salad and a chocolate strudel I would give my life for are three reasons I’m eager to head to Germany. Luckily I can find all of that at Klinger’s Bakery in Vestavia Hills. The European influenced restaurant serves authentic German cuisine and a drool-worthy pastry case.
A stroll through cobblestone
If you could use a walk after a big German lunch head on over to Kynance Mews in London, I mean Morris Avenue—but who can tell the difference? The cobblestone street and rustic architecture parallel any quaint London street you might stumble upon. Throw in a street violinist and it will really feel like Europe in Birmingham.
Time for a drink in Italy
Italy, thank you for your prosecco and Birmingham, thank you for providing Instagram worthy hotels. The Elyton was built in 1909, but stands firm as one of the city’s most elite places to stay.
Grab a drink before dinner at the rooftop bar perched on the 16th story and snap a picture of the beautiful interior. It takes European influence from white Italian marble.
No one does dinner like the French
The perfect way to end your European escapade is nestled into a booth at Bistro 218. Let the excellent staff and seasonal menu whisk you away to Paris (I recommend the duck confit.) Its French jazz and exposed brick will leave you dreaming of Europe in Birmingham.
What did we miss? Tell us about your favorite European inspired spot by tagging us on social @bhamnow.
