Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Have a first-time visitor? Here’s how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bham
Bham Now author Lauren Perry co-contributed to this article.
There’s something so exciting about having someone visit Birmingham for the first time!
From all the local shops in town to the amazing views around the city and the delicious food scene it can be hard to pick exactly what to do. We asked YOU for your input on Facebook, through the question: If you have a friend visiting from out of town, where is the first place you are taking them?
With almost 400 comments, keep reading to hear the top suggestions we got.
You only have ONE day in town
Oh boy— There is a lot to do in just ONE DAY.
Here is an example of how you can spend your only day in the best city:
Good Morning! Let’s get some breakfast.
Start your morning right with some great coffee and a yummy meal at Alabama Biscuit Co.
- Location: 4133 White Oak Dr, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Now that we’ve got some energy, let’s go do something FUN!
If it’s a Saturday, we totally recommend checking out the Pepper Place Farmer’s Market.
- Location: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
If it’s a weekday, try immersing yourself in nature at the gorgeous Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
- Location: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Want in indoor option? Visit our Birmingham Museum of Art for free!
- Location: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Getting hungry again? Good thing it’s time for lunch.
Let’s go grab a bite to eat at award-winning Saw’s BBQ.
- Location: 1154 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Next stop— wanna see some Bham sights?
See some awesome views on top of our iconic Vulcan Park and Museum.
- Location: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
It’s dinner time!
Indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine at Gianmarco’s Restaurant.
- Location: 721 Broadway St, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Let’s grab a drink and chill.
Bham has so many popular breweries and bars to choose from— a fan fav on Facebook was Ghost Train Brewing Co.
Hope you had a great day visiting Bham!
Have a SECOND day?
Now that’s more like it! Here’s a few more popular suggestions from our readers:
Breakfast/Brunch
Brunch at The Essential is killer!
- Location: 2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Shopping
With over 80 stores, The Summit is the perfect place to shop.
- Location: 214 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Lunch + Drinks
Looking for a beautiful outdoor patio filled with antiques and a solid sandwich? The Garage is the place to be.
Fun Activity
If you’re into speed, check out the Barber Motorsports Museum
Dinner
For some seriously satisfying chicken, Facebook commenters recommend locally-owned Eugene’s Hot Chicken (we think it is better than Nashville’s hot chicken).
- Location: 2268 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Dessert
Need a sweet treat? Big Spoon Creamery is a Magic City STAPLE.
- Location: 4000 3rd Ave S #104, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Day THREE let’s go!
Breakfast
Let’s start the day off right with Original Pancake House which has been feeding the Five Points South neighborhood for over 30 years.
- Location: 1931 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook
Fun Activity
Take a stroll through the newly-opened City Walk BHAM and enjoy a variety of activities like skating, pickleball, + more!
- Location: 875 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Lunch
Nikki’s West Is a Southern Buffet that’s been serving the Greater Birmingham Area since 1957.
- Location: 233 Finley Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Fun Activity
Take a quick hike at Red Mountain Park (nearly double the size of Central Park)!
- Location: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Catch a Birmingham Barons baseball game at Regions Field.
- Location: 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Dinner
Fan of Latin cuisine? Rojo is the perfect place to dine on Highland Ave and chat with friends.
- Location: 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Drinks
Grab a drink at The Nick, where bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Weezer + more got their start.
- Location: 2514 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
We hope you enjoyed your trip to Birmingham! Try any of these suggestions? Let us know @bhamnow.