Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
How to spend a girls’ weekend here in Birmingham
Reading time: 6 minutes
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
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
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
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.
- Location: 2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Weekend Hours: Saturday at 9AM-10PM | Sunday at 9AM-2PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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.
- Location: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Saturday Hours: 7AM-Noon
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Saturday Birmingham shopping
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:
- At Home Furnishings
- Elle Birmingham
- Little Professor Bookshop
- SoCa Clothing
- Thank You Books
- Yellowhammer Print Shop
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
- Location: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 7AM-6PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Where should you stay in Birmingham?
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:
- 5 beautiful Birmingham hotels for the perfect staycation
- 34 pet-friendly hotels
- Boutique hotels in Birmingham + itineraries for each
Are you traveling to Bham? Tag us on Instagram + Facebook to let us know your favorite places you visit!
Reviewed by Sharron Swain.