How to Plan Your Historical Highlights Tour in Birmingham

Birmingham, the largest city in the state of Alabama, boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and exciting cultural gems. To make the most of your visit, planning your Birmingham tour in advance is a must. This informative guide will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your Historical Highlights of Birmingham tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Historical Highlights of Birmingham tour is a small-group tour that explores the city’s fascinating history. Your informative guide will take you through Birmingham’s landmarks, telling you fascinating stories and pointing out the places that visitors often miss.The tour runs daily, and its duration is approximately two hours. On board, snacks, beverages, and air conditioning are provided for your comfort and convenience.

Itinerary

The tour starts at 1600 1st Ave S, in front of the Railroad Park sign, at 1:45 PM. It ends back at the meeting point.During the tour, you will visit the following attractions:

1. Birmingham’s Railroad Park

A 19-acre green space, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, is a must-visit. The park was built along an abandoned railway line after a group of Birmingham residents decided to transform the disused space into something beautiful. The park features beautiful gardens, a lake, a performance pavilion, and a skatepark.

2. Heaviest Corner on Earth

The Heaviest Corner on Earth is the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham. It was called the Heaviest Corner on Earth due to the four skyscrapers that were constructed there, making it one of the busiest intersections in town.

3. Alabama Theatre

The Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 as a movie palace. It features beautiful Spanish-Baroque architecture, a signature feature of John Eberson’s designs. Today, the theatre is used for concerts, movies, and performances.

4. The Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre is another historic theatre in Birmingham. It opened in 1914 and features beautiful beaux-arts architecture. Over its century-long history, it has hosted many famous performers, including Mae West, the Marx Brothers, and Red Skelton.

5. Linn Park

Linn Park is Birmingham’s oldest park and was established in 1883. The park features a beautiful fountain, walking paths, and a Confederate War Memorial.

6. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to preserving the rich sports history of Alabama. The museum features exhibits on famous Alabama athletes, such as legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens.

7. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. The museum features exhibits on the city’s history of segregation and the struggle for civil rights.

Booking the Tour

To book the Historical Highlights of Birmingham tour, visit Viator’s website. The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as beverages and snacks. It is highly recommended to book the tour in advance to secure your spot, as it is a small-group tour.

Conclusion

Birmingham is a city rich in history and culture, and the Historical Highlights of Birmingham tour is a great way to explore it. Visiting the attractions mentioned in this guide will give you a great overview of the city’s history and architecture. Remember to book the tour in advance and make the most of your visit to Birmingham!

Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham – Answered!

Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, has a rich history and is known for being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The city has a lot to offer to its visitors, from stunning architecture to tasty food and shopping. If you’re planning to visit Birmingham soon, you might have some questions in your mind. In this blog post, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about Birmingham and answered them all.

1. What is the best time to visit Birmingham?

Birmingham has a warm and temperate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and you can explore the city comfortably. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, and prices might be higher than usual. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September-November) are also great seasons to visit Birmingham, and you can sometimes find good deals on flights and accommodations during this time.

2. What is there to see and do in Birmingham?

Birmingham has a lot to offer to its visitors, from world-class museums and galleries to beautiful parks and canals. Some of the top attractions in the city include:

2.1. Cadbury World:

If you’re a chocolate lover, Cadbury World is a must-visit attraction. Here, you can learn about the history of chocolate, take a tour of the factory, and sample some delicious chocolates.

2.2. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery:

This museum is home to an impressive collection of art, including works by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso.

2.3. Symphony Hall:

Symphony Hall is a world-class concert venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music.

2.4. Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

If you’re a nature lover, a visit to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a must. Here, you can find a beautiful collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

2.5. Birmingham Canals:

Birmingham is sometimes referred to as “the Venice of the north” because of its beautiful canals. You can take a boat trip or a stroll along the canals and admire the city’s stunning architecture.

3. What are some popular restaurants in Birmingham?

Birmingham has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with a lot of options to choose from. Some of the popular restaurants in the city include:

3.1. The Indian Streatery:

This restaurant serves authentic Indian street food and has won several awards for its delicious food.

3.2. The Wilderness:

The Wilderness is a fine-dining restaurant that serves innovative and creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

3.3. O.P.M:

O.P.M (One Trick Pony) is a popular bar and restaurant that serves burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries.

3.4. Digbeth Dining Club:

Digbeth Dining Club is a street food event that takes place every Friday and Saturday in the Digbeth area. Here, you can try a variety of cuisines from around the world.

4. What is the transport system like in Birmingham?

Birmingham has a reliable and efficient public transport system, with buses, trains, and trams. The city also has a bike-sharing scheme called “Beryl Bikes,” which allows you to rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. If you’re planning to travel outside the city, Birmingham also has good connections to other cities in the UK, including London, Manchester, and Liverpool.

5. What are some popular shopping destinations in Birmingham?

Birmingham is a shopper’s paradise, with a lot of options to choose from. Some of the popular shopping destinations in the city include:

5.1. Bullring and Grand Central:

Bullring and Grand Central are two shopping malls located in the city center. Here, you can find a wide range of high-street brands, as well as luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

5.2. The Custard Factory:

The Custard Factory is a creative hub that houses independent businesses, including shops, cafes, and galleries.

5.3. Jewellery Quarter:

Jewellery Quarter is a historic area in Birmingham that is known for its jewelry shops and workshops. Here, you can find unique and handmade pieces of jewelry.

5.4. Mailbox:

Mailbox is a luxury shopping destination that houses high-end brands such as Harvey Nichols and Armani.

Conclusion

Birmingham is a vibrant and diverse city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Whether you’re interested in art, food, shopping, or history, there’s something for everyone in this city. We hope this blog post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Birmingham and helped you plan your trip.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning to visit Birmingham, UK? The city is an exciting place to explore, with vibrant culture, rich history, and plenty of things to see and do. From visiting museums to tasting local food, to taking a canal ride, and exploring other unique experiences, this guide has it all. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of things to do and see in Birmingham.

Getting to Birmingham

Before we get started with the list of things to do, it’s important to know how to get to Birmingham. If you’re travelling from outside the UK, the easiest way would be to fly directly to Birmingham Airport, which has connections to most major cities in the world. Once you land at the airport, you can take a taxi or a train to the city centre.

1. Visit Cadbury World

If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t miss a visit to Cadbury World. The attraction is located on the site of the original Cadbury factory in Bournville, a suburb of Birmingham. You can learn about the history of the company and the chocolate-making process, taste some delicious chocolate, and even create your own custom chocolate bar.

2. Explore the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most significant cultural venues in the city. You can explore art from around the world, from ancient Egypt to contemporary exhibits. Moreover, the museum hosts a vast collection of local artefacts, including the Staffordshire hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

3. Take a Walk in the Botanical Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a beautiful green space located in Edgbaston, around two miles from the city centre. The gardens are a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city, with a range of exotic plant species from different continents. Additionally, the gardens boast four climate-controlled greenhouses, including a tropical glasshouse with plants from warmer climates.

4. Visit the Birmingham Bullring

The Bullring is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. The shopping centre features over 160 shops, including high-end fashion brands, as well as restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you enjoy shopping, the Bullring is a must-visit destination.

5. Explore the Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter is located in the heart of Birmingham and is a historic neighbourhood that dates back to the 18th century. In this area, you can find a range of jewellery shops, workshops, and factories that make jewellery sold in Birmingham and all over the world. Furthermore, the district is home to a range of bars, restaurants, and nightlife spots.

6. Have Fun in the Thinktank Science Museum

The Thinktank Science Museum is a world-class museum located in Birmingham city centre. The museum offers interactive exhibits on science and technology, including virtual reality experiences, hands-on activities, and even a planetarium show. Therefore, you can visit with your kids and have an educative experience in the name of fun.

7. Visit the Aston Hall

The Aston Hall is a Jacobean-style mansion located in Aston, a suburb of Birmingham. The building is a historic landmark and dates back to the 17th century. You can explore the grand rooms, stroll through the gardens, and learn about the history of the building, which played a significant role in the English Civil War.

8. Take a Canal Boat Ride

Birmingham is known as the “City of Canals” as it has more canals than Venice. Thus, it’s a must to take a canal boat ride to see Birmingham from a different perspective. You can choose between a range of different canal tours that offer different routes, lengths, and sights. It’s a great way of exploring the city by water.

9. Visit the Birmingham Hippodrome

The Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the UK’s top theatre venues, located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. The venue hosts a range of productions, from classic plays to modern shows. Additionally, the Birmingham Royal Ballet is resident to this theatre, and they perform regularly, especially during winter.

10. Taste Local Cuisine at the Balti Triangle

The Balti Triangle is a neighbourhood in Birmingham known for its authentic Balti cuisine. Balti dishes are made from various meat options and vegetables cooked in a spiced sauce and are served with naan bread. You can find many Balti restaurants in this neighbourhood, all with their own unique take on the dish.

Conclusion

Birmingham is a vibrant city, with so much to see and explore. This guide offers just a few of the top things to do and see in the city. With a little more research, you can find many other exciting things to do while visiting Birmingham. Ensure to make the most of your time by pre-booking tours and activities based on your interests. So, plan your trip today, and have a great time in Birmingham.