Birmingham named one of 22 top places to go in 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler—details here

Birmingham skyline
Birmingham giving us beautiful views. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

There’s no denying The Magic City is special. But those who live here aren’t the only ones who feel this way. Congrats to our awesome city because Condé Nast Traveler, one of the nation’s most respected travel magazine and digital publications, has named Birmingham a top place to go in 2022.

After so much time being cemented indoors due to COVID-19 in 2020 and much of 2021, people are finally learning how to venture out and about again. One thing on the minds of many—traveling. While you may be itching to travel to other cities, states and countries, Condé Nast, confirms there’s no place like home by naming Birmingham as a top place to go in 2022. 

The article, which was released on December 1, highlights the best places to travel in 2022 for cutting-edge food, relaxing beach getaways and more.

So what made Condé Nast Traveler pick Birmingham? Some of what they loved includes the city’s revitalized downtown with reimagined historic buildings, incredible food and up-and-coming hot spots. Here are some places mentioned:

City Walk BHAM

City Walk BHAM kicks off construction with Brasfield & Gorrie; to be complete in 425 days
The City Walk BHAM skate park under the I-59/20 bridge. Rendering via City Walk BHAM

The awe-inspiring lights under the new I-59/20 bridge in Birmingham is definitely one of the most fun parts of driving around the city. This being said, it’s no wonder CityWalk BHAM was part of Condé Nast’s reasons to visit.

The project, which is currently in the works, will add markets, green spaces, food trucks and even a skate park to the city blocks beneath the I-59/20 bridge.

Completion date—summer 2022, before Birmingham hosts The World Games.

Urban Supply

Urban Supply
Rendering of Urban Supply. Photo via Urban Supply

Bham Now is big fans of Urban Supply and we were pumped at see it mentioned by Condé Nast as one of the reasons to visit Birmingham.

Urban Supply is one of Birmingham’s latest mixed-use developments that’s bringing the Parkside neighborhood to life with restaurants, bars, shopping and fitness studios.

Catch up on what it’s all about.

Helen

Helen
The burger at Helen. Photo via Cecilia Wood for Bham Now

Helen, a contemporary Southern grill, opened in 2020 on 2nd Ave North in Birmingham. Its creator—five-times James Beard semi-finalist Rob McDaniel.

“You can smell his wood-fired meats from the sidewalk, and inside every meal starts with warm angel biscuits topped with whipped cane syrup butter.”

Condé Nast Traveler

If that doesn’t draw people in by their noses, I don’t know what will.

Helen has also been featured in Esquire’s November 2021 list of best new restaurants in the US.

The Essential

The Essential
Amazing meals and desserts at The Essential in Birmingham. Photo via Kristen Farmer Hall

The Essential has been a Birmingham favorite since they first wowed us in 2020. Also located on 2nd Avenue North just a block away from Helen, the restaurant is owned by Chef Victor King and pastry chef Kristen Hall. The duo partners with local farmers to serve mouth-watering dishes like homemade pastas and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat.

Find out what other Birmingham spots were mentioned by Condé Nast.

Psst! This isn’t the only time Condé Nast has shown its love for Birmingham. Check out The Reinvention of Birmingham, Alabama.

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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