Birmingham, located in the southeastern United States, is the largest city in Alabama. Although I do not consider Birmingham a famous city in the US, I have visited it three times for school projects. My first impression upon arriving was: “Why are there so many Black people?!” My second impression was that the way they spoke English was difficult to understand, but after a couple of days, I adapted. Despite numerous visits, the city never left a particularly special impression on me. I was especially struck by the very old-fashioned red buses, with fares of only 25 cents per person, which were remarkably inexpensive.
Birmingham Downtown
Birmingham’s downtown comprises only two small streets without any skyscrapers, yet it is the most bustling area of this small city. The most recognizable building in the downtown area is a fountain, with a large church standing behind it. This section also serves as a Birmingham AL downtown sightseeing itinerary for visitors seeking a guided exploration of the area.
Birmingham Museum of Art
In every city, I always make a point to visit the art museum if I have the opportunity. My stay in Birmingham was long enough that skipping the museum was not an option. Although I cannot recall the specific exhibits—in fact, I rarely remember the exhibits of any art museum I have visited—I continue to go because it always brings me joy. The one detail that remains clear is a small corner in the museum where paper and pencils were provided for visitors to replicate some distinctive, simple drawings. Many assumed this area was just for children, but who could resist a little touch of childlike whimsy?
Library
My impressions of the library are minimal. The only advantage I remember is the free internet access, which made it a convenient spot to check emails during lunch breaks or after work.
Parks
The term “park” in the United States can refer to expansive areas—like New York’s Central Park, which you might not fully traverse in a day—or to a small patch of green space that you glance at and quickly pass by. Birmingham’s parks are neither extremely unappealing nor particularly captivating. We typically take a casual stroll during our lunch break, and if time is short, they can be skipped altogether. We visited parks such as Kelly Ingram Park, Henley Park, and Linn Park, though I do not remember their exact locations, and there was nothing notably remarkable to elaborate on.
Birmingham Zoo
The zoo is a recurring theme in my travels, yet each visit offers a new experience with different animals. This zoo houses species typical of warmer climates, such as flamingos. It is also worth noting that there is an aviary featuring many strikingly beautiful parrots. You can purchase a small box of a sweet beverage to feed the birds; once they detect the food, they will quickly fly over, perch on your arm, and begin feasting. Of course, you wouldn’t dare to provoke them, as their large, hooked beaks are quite intimidating.
Birmingham Street Photography
This brief section is dedicated to capturing the essence of Birmingham through street photography.
For those planning future trips, consider this article as a Birmingham Alabama family-friendly travel guide to help you make the most of your visit.
