Where to Stay in Birmingham, AL – 3 Best Areas for Tourists

Thinking about where to stay in Birmingham? I feel you. 

Birmingham, Alabama, is not a major tourist destination, and it can be hard to find information about the different areas of the city. But that’s where I come in! 

I did my research and wrote this guide to Birmingham’s best districts for tourists, plus I cherry-picked top-rated hotels in every place and neatly sorted them by budget. After reading the post, you’ll know exactly where to stay and which accommodation to book in seconds!

Downtown Birmingham is the best place to stay for first-time visitors. It’s central to all the attractions, has all the best spots to shop, eat, and play, and it’s walkable for the most part! Whether you’re coming for medical treatment at UAB or for sightseeing, Downtown checks all the boxes.

Please note that Birmingham has a very limited hotel offering, so it’s important to book your stay in advance. Most of them offer free cancellation, so no worries if you change your plans.

P.S. Don’t confuse this Birmingham with the one in England during your hotel and attraction hunt!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

To cut the story short, these are the best hotels available for grabs in Birmingham, AL:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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And here’s a map to help you visualize the location of the 3 best areas to stay in Birmingham, AL:

1. Downtown Birmingham – where to stay for first timers

If it’s your first time in Birmingham and you want to have a real feel of the city, Downtown Birmingham is what you are looking for, being right in the heart of everything!

The area hosts a wide range of restaurants offering delicious international cuisine, bars to enjoy the nightlife, cafes, shopping venues, historic buildings, and hotels, but most importantly, the best tourist attractions of the city (all close to each other)!

From historical attractions like the 16th Street Baptist Church (map) to incredible museums such as the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Civil Rights Institute, there’s plenty to explore for culture enthusiasts. Also, check out the famous Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame museum to learn about Birmingham’s jazz legacy (the museum reopened in August 2024 following a long reconstruction!)

Other pluses? The Downtown area is only a 10-minute drive from the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport! 

The main downside (but can’t help it with this one in Birmingham) is the limited options of luxury hotels. There are no 5-stars and a very limited 4-star hotel offer, with Kelly Birmingham and Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection being the best options.

INSIDER TIP: Parking is an issue in Birmingham. Even if you stay in 4-star hotels Downtown, you’ll still have to park on the street (and consider yourself lucky if you find a spot nearby) or use expensive valet parking ($50 or more per day). The focus of the city is on walkability and creating a bike-friendly environment. Ideally, avoid driving and use public transportation since there’s an extensive bus, tram, and train network. You can also rent a bike, and Cahaba Cycles is the most popular option in town with multiple stores.

Other options in Downtown Birmingham

Things to do in Downtown Birmingham

• Join a civil rights tour to visit the main landmarks in Birmingham
• Discover the dark side of Birmingham on this ghost-walking tour
• Gaze at the paintings and sculptures of the Birmingham Museum of Art 
• Stroll around the Kelly Ingram Park (map) historic landmark
• See 1,200+ motorcycles and cars at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 
• Appreciate Jazz music at the Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame

2. Five Points South – where to stay in Birmingham on a budget

Another neighborhood with a lot to offer but at even lower prices than Downtown Birmingham is Five Points South. Located a 10-minute drive South of Downtown, the area hosts one of the city’s main highlights, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (map). 

The University of Alabama (UAB) offers 140 different study programs and it is one of the largest academic medical centers in the nation.

A lot of tourists coming to Birmingham actually come for medical treatment, so if this is the reason why you’re in town, it’s best to look for accommodation in this area (the budget and mid-range option in the Downtown section are also a good match).

The university is not the only attraction in Five Points South, though. You’ll also want to see the Alabama Adventure Amusement Park (a must with kids!), and Vulcan Park and Museum (map), offering many cool trails to explore.

FUN FACT: The colossal Vulcan statue in this park is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the landmark of Birmingham. The work is 56 ft (17 m) tall and depicts the Roman god fire and forge, Vulcan.

Unfortunately, the glory of the old Five Points South, which used to be the prime culinary destination in Birmingham, is slowly declining. Expect sights of homeless people in places that used to be the best BBQ restaurants in town. Avoid walking alone here at night, but you’ll still feel safe during the day since it’s still a big area with tons of things to do.

Other accommodation options in Five Points South

Things to do in Five Points South

• Discover Birmingham’s historical highlights with a guide
• Check out the trails and museum of the Vulcan Park and Museum
• Get some adrenaline at the Alabama Adventure Amusement Park 
• Eat out in the top-rated French restaurant, Chez Fonfon (map)
• Attend a game of one of the university sports teams

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3. Birmingham Zoo & Botanical Gardens Area – best for families

If you are going to Birmingham for a family vacation, consider staying in the area around the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens, two attractions that your kids will love. Both attractions are located South of Five Point South in the Redmont Park district, just a 10-minute drive from UAB.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens (map) is home to various species of exotic plants and colorful types of birds, plus nice benches and swings where you can take a break…. And the best bit? There’s no entrance fee (but they do ask for donations)!

Right next to the botanical gardens, you will find the famous Birmingham Zoo, featuring animals from all over the world and many activities like close encounters and animal feedings!

And if you love nature, you can spend one or more days exploring the incredible Oak Mountain State Park (map), offering hiking trails, equine facilities, kayak/paddle boards, camping, and even a wildlife center… the perfect place to take a break from the city!

You’ll find a fair share of pizza restaurants and brunch places just South of the Zoo. The area is technically part of the Mountain Brook Village and is known for its diverse dining and shopping opportunities. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL. Feel free to get a quick Uber ride to the center of Brook Village around Church Street (map) for more dining options!

Other options in the Zoo and Botanical Gardens area

Things to do in Zoo and Botanical Gardens area

• See most various exotic plants at Birmingham Botanical Gardens 
• Bring the family to the Birmingham Zoo
• Spend a day nestled in nature at Oak Mountain State Park
• Go shopping in the upscale Mountain Brook area

👑 Luxury price:	US$200
💵 Mid-range:	US$150
🛏️ Budget:	US$90
📍 Best area:	Downtown
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Kelly
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Home2 Suites By Hilton
👛 Best budget hotel:	Mint House

BONUS: Best part of Birmingham to stay with your dog

Are you planning on going to Birmingham, Alabama, with your 4-legged friend and worried you won’t find any pet-friendly hotels? 

Good news! There are actually many accommodation options accepting dogs in the city, so you can definitely bring them with you!

Here, you’ll find a quick list of the best pet-friendly hotels in Birmingham, Alabama. I sorted them from the most to least expensive for your convenience.

• Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Homewood – This hotel is the perfect place to stay in Birmingham with your pet if you are looking for a great location. The property is a short drive from Downtown Birmingham and the city’s best tourist attractions, like the Oak Mountain State Park. The rooms are also great, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private bathroom, and a work desk.
• Hyatt Regency – This 4-star hotel is located 20 minutes from Downtown Birmingham and is just near the Riverchase Galleria Mall. They allow pets on request, and you may have to pay an extra fee or provide papers if you have a service dog with you.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton – A mid-range option with apartments and just enough space for your furry friend to feel comfortable. The property also has an indoor pool whenever you want to hop in for a quick swim!

FAQs about the best places to stay in Birmingham, Alabama

Final thoughts on the best areas to stay in Birmingham, AL

Here we are at the end of this travel guide about the best places to stay in Birmingham, Alabama.

We saw the three best areas for any taste, each one offering accommodation options for different budgets, from luxury to more affordable hotels, and even some pet-friendly properties!

I am sure you will find the perfect option for your travel needs here, but if you are still indecisive about where to stay in Birmingham, here are my 2 favorite hotels with great value for the price and location:

• Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection – one of the best luxury hotels to stay in Birmingham, offering a delicious restaurant on site, a fitness center, and a bar
• The Kelly Birmingham – a great hotel conveniently located in Downtown Birmingham, offering free Wi-Fi and good service

See something you like? Then book it right now to secure your spot and maybe grab some limited deals!

I hope you enjoyed my guide, and I invite you to share your questions or doubts in the comments below.

Have a great stay!

Elena 

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