How to spend a girls’ weekend here in Birmingham

Reading time: 6 minutes

birmingham
Cheers to a weekend in Bham. (Gabi Hembree-Lee / Bham Now)

No matter if it’s just a weekend getaway, a bachelorette party or a staycation, Birmingham is the place to be for a girl’s weekend. There’s no need to plan—we’ve already made an interary for you with the best places to eat, shop, stay and more. Keep reading to get excited for a weekend with your best friends.

Friday night dinner

restaurant
YUM. (Callie Puryear / Bham Now)

You just arrived to The Magic City and we bet you’re hungry. Fortunately, Birmingham doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. I’m always down for a place with the best food and the cutest decor to get pictures of my friends and I out. Here are some amazing spots to go out with your best friends:

BONUS: Not sure what to order? We found 11 of the best seafood dishes in town.

Friday night cocktails

bars birmingham
Drinks + best friends = the best night out. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

A margarita is the best way to end the night—may be my personal opinion, but you know it’s pretty close to being a fact. It’s time to head to a bar with picture-perfect decor and drinks. From the best cocktails to a classic glass of wine, a girl’s night out wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of these Birmingham bars:

BONUS: Check out these fun rooftop bars with amazing views of Birmingham.

Saturday morning brunch + farmer’s market

pepper place
Strolling with a coffee at a farmer’s market is the best way to start the day. (Selah Vetter / Bham Now)

It’s a girl’s weekend, so of course, brunch made the list of things to do. While there are so many tasty spots to choose from, one, in particular, stands out with its yummy pastries, much-needed coffee, the cutest decor and downtown views. We’re talking about The Essential.

Birmingham is full of weekly farmer’s markets. While you’re downtown, be sure to stop at The Market at Pepper Place. This farmer’s market has vendors ranging from fresh produce, coffee, sweet pastries and more. Grabbing a coffee from Red Cat and strolling through the market and shops nearby is a regular Saturday morning for my friends and I.

Saturday Birmingham shopping

Little Professor
Books + coffee at Little Professor. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
homewood
18th Street in Homewood is a must. (Selah Vetter / Bham Now)

Shopping until you drop is Bham’s specialty. From The Summit to 18th Street in Homewood to downtown hidden gems, there’s no limit to the ways you can spend your money. With so many stores offering goods like clothes, decor and books, here are some local ones you’ll have to drop by:

If you’re still looking for more options, head on over to our local business guide to search 900+ shops in town.

Saturday afternoon spa

total on first
Elegant and relaxing. (Alex Kiker / Total on First)

After a morning of brunch and shopping, it’s time to relax. Book a time to rewind and pamper yourself at one of these Birmingham spas:

Saturday evening dinner + brewery

back forty
Back Forty is a Birmingham staple. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Lucky us, Birmingham has many so many breweries. Pro tip, the Bama Mosa at Back Forty is a fan fav. Pick up a bite to eat and a drink from one of these favorites:

BONUS: 15 Bham breweries + what to order when you’re there.

Saturday night sweet treat

ice cream birmingham
Ice cream is always in season. (Madison Croxson / Bham Now)

It’s time to stop for a sweet treat at one of Bham’s best places. Trust me because my best friends and I often crave a late night ice cream run. From ice cream to cookies to donuts, we have it all. Here are a few places that your sweet tooth will love:

Saturday night dancing

karaoke
Karaoke? ABSOLUTELY. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Do you and your gal pals have that one song that gets you out on the dance floor everytime or on stage singing karaoke? My friends and I automatically think we’re Donna when we hear any Abba song. You know you need to cue that song up on the drive over to one of these places to end the night as a dancing queen—some offer live music and concerts!

Sunday morning coffee

caveat
Sip on some of The Magic City’s best coffee. (Caveat / Facebook)

Your time is winding down in Birmingham. If you’re like me, you probably need a caffeine fix to perk you up after that late night. We know of a few local coffee shops that will do the trick:

BONUS: Check out a Bham Nower’s guide to the best Birmingham coffee shops.

Sunday morning walk

botanical gardens
A picturesque place for a walk. (Jacob Blakenship / Bham Now)

Before driving back home, it’s time to stretch out your legs at one of Birmingham’s prettiest spots. You’ll be sure to find picture-perfect spots with the best florals in town at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Where should you stay in Birmingham?

The Kelly Hotel
The Kelly Hotel. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Are you wondering where you should stay during your girl’s weekend in The Magic City? Be sure to check out local Airbnb listings and hotel options too. Here are some of our guides to local, luxury and the best of Bham to stay:

Are you traveling to Bham? Tag us on Instagram + Facebook to let us know your favorite places you visit!

Reviewed by Sharron Swain.

Selah Vetter
Selah Vetter
Articles: 233