12 of the most Instagrammable places in Birmingham

Screen Shot 2020 01 16 at 11.24.19 PM 12 of the most Instagrammable places in Birmingham
One of our favorite Instagram icons—Electra in downtown Birmingham. Photo by @dyoungblood71 on Instagram.

We’re all about keepin’ a fresh feed on Insta, and Birmingham makes it so easy. With its stunning murals, award-winning restaurants and bars, historic landmarks and more, Birmingham is shaping up to be a pretty Instagrammable city. Here are 12 of the most Insta-worthy spots in the ‘Ham.

1. Temple of Sibyl

The circular temple—built in the late 1920s by former Birmingham mayor, George Ward—is perched at the top of Shades Mountain in Vestavia Hills. Catch the sunset over Shades Valley or snap a few pics out front to trick your followers into thinking you took a quick trip to Italy.

2. The Rainbow Tunnel

You know it, you love it, you probably drive through it every day—it’s the Rainbow Tunnel! *hold for applause* Yes, the beloved Rainbow Tunnel is one of Bham’s most photographed places and as you can see from the photo above, it doesn’t disappoint.

3. Vulcan Park and Museum

If you want some of the best views of the city, head to Vulcan Park and Museum. Not only can you see sweeping views of Southside, but you have the perfect vantage point to see the downtown cityscape. Plus, you’ll be in great company with our main man, Vulcan.

4. Morris Avenue

There are plenty of photo ops along Morris Avenue with multiple murals like Marcus Fetch’s “Before I Die” mural (pictured above), chic restaurants like The Essential, and Insta-worthy bars like Pilcrow and Cayo Coco.

5. Bandit Patisserie

If your feed needs a lil coffee and croissant action, get to Bandit Patisserie ASAP. From the sign outside to the French bistro-vibes inside, eating at Bandit is an experience that deserves to be documented.

6. Civil Rights Museum

unnamed 12 of the most Instagrammable places in Birmingham
The Civil Rights Institute on a blue sky day is something to behold. Photo by Teesa Travels via Trover

The walk up to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute stunning. With gorgeous architecture and symmetry, it would be perfect for your next post. Go for the perfectly symmetrical photo-op, and stay to learn incredible details about the Civil Rights Movement and the part Birmingham played in it.

7. Rotary Trail

There’s no better place to get that #BhamGram content than the Rotary Trail. Get a shot of the iconic Rotary Trail Sign, then bop on down to the mural along 1st Ave for a picture in front of the vibrant warehouse.

8. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

It’s almost springtime and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to capture the new blooms. The Hill Garden (pictured above) is one of our favorite spots to photograph. Before you go, check their site to see what’s in bloom.

9. Botanica

Speaking of plants, Botanica is another sweet source for all your plant photo needs. They make downtown a bit more beautiful, and their shop is the perfect backdrop for your next ‘gram. I mean have you seen that orange couch and neon sign? Amazing.

10. “Do Something Great” Neon Sign at Lewis Communications

https://www.instagram.com/p/B35er_Yhmkm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lewis Communication’s “Do Something Great” sign is a favorite for Bham Instagrammers and we’re not surprised at all. It lights up Downtown’s 1st Avenue and will give your followers a little motivation in your next post.

11. Birmingham Museum of Art

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqVGmBAjyo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Yeah, this one’s kind of a no-brainer. Art? Being Instagrammable? Revolutionary. But seriously, the art museum is one of Birmingham’s most beautiful backdrops. From their galleries to their outdoor sculpture garden, almost every inch of this place is picture-perfect.

12. “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” Mural

What? You thought we could leave this gem out? If you just need some BHM in your feed, start here. The iconic mural is located on the side of John’s City Diner off 1st Avenue North. It’s instantly recognizable which also means you might stop those serial scrollers and grab an extra like or two.

Not a big Insta-poster? No worries. We still want you to get out and explore Birmingham, and to share all of it with us!

Tag us @BhamNow for a chance to be reposted on our feed or our stories.

Hannah Chambley
Hannah Chambley
Articles: 255