Whether you’re thinking about moving to Birmingham or just plan to visit for vacation, you couldn’t be making a better choice. The “Magic City” has drawn visitors from around the world ever since the first railroads transformed it from peaceful farmland to a vibrant urban center.

Where To Hang Your Hat

The Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast at 1309 19th Street South is your best choice for a visit. This former residence is well over 120 years old and ideally situated within walking distance of the historic Five Points district and many excellent bars and restaurants.

If you can’t snag one of Cobb Lane’s seven rooms, try the Redmont Hotel. This is the city’s oldest hotel, dated in 1925, and is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while taking in the view.

Moving to Birmingham? These are widely considered the finest neighborhoods to call home:

  • Five Points South, which has an amazing nightlife, good diversity, and excellent public services.
  • Crestwood South, which is near downtown but preserves a family-friendly, suburban feel.
  • Oxmoor, which is slightly farther from downtown but features many parks and a suburban feel.

Where To Eat 

You’re spoiled for choice in Birmingham, which TripAdvisor and Zagat have both named an “up and coming foodie city.” 

For lunch or another light bite, try the Brick and Tin at 214 20th St N. Everything they serve is local and sustainable, there are no hormones or chemicals anywhere, and all meat comes from pastured, free-range animals. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Farro Salad. Carnivores should try the fab B&T Burger with homemade pickles.

For an in-budget date night, try Roots & Revelry in the Thomas Jefferson Tower. The drinks are fantastic, and the Pei Mussels in cashew curry will spoil you for mussels done any other way.

Once you’re craving dessert, check out Steel City Pops at 329 Summit Blvd. They use only all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, and every item is vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free. If you want a blast from the past, try Mountain Brook Creamery at 2715 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, which serves inexpensive, delicious flavors in a 1950s-esque ice cream parlor.

Where To Have Fun

Every city has a movie theatre showing the latest Hollywood hits, but not every town has a theatre district like Birmingham’s. It’s not huge—there are only two theatres total—but these non-profit theatres run truly special and unique pieces of performance art.

If you’re downtown, don’t miss Iron City Birmingham at 513 22nd St S. With three concert stages, two bars, and a restaurant known for its bold and rustic dishes, there’s something for everyone here after the sun goes down.

Finally, we have to recommend Trimtab Brewing Company. This craft brewery-cum-art gallery is Birmingham Magazine’s “Best Brewery in Birmingham,” Thrillist.com’s “Best Breweries in the US” and Beeradvocate’s “Highest Rated Alabama Brewery.” The tasting gallery is a true community location showcasing amazing local art, and the venue regularly hosts TED talks.

Where To Get Help

When your iPhone hits the floor, you can get iPhone repair services in Birmingham at uBreakiFix Trussville at 1423 Gadsden Hwy #117 Birmingham, AL 35235. Call them at (205) 661-0299 for more information.

If you need an alcohol or drug helpline, call (800) 461-8440 at any time of the day or night. If you’re feeling vulnerable or are worried about a loved one, call the Alabama crisis center at (205) 323-7777. It’s always wise to use golookup.com to do a background check before heading out on a first date, but if you find yourself in trouble there or in a longer-standing relationship, call the police or reach out to First Light’s hotline at (205) 323-4277. 

Finally, for an adult medical emergency, head to the University of Alabama Hospital at 1802 6th Avenue South. For kids, the emergency room at Children’s of Alabama at 1601 5th Avenue South is definitely the best place to go to get the finest pediatric emergency care anywhere.