Overview
Discover the rich history of Birmingham, Alabama, on a guided tour that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visit Arlington House, our only remaining plantation house in the city limits. The Alabama Theatre, a beautifully restored 1927 movie palace, and the Lyric Theater and learn about its role in the city’s cultural history.
Explore the Civil Rights District, where pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement took place, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingraham Park. Finally, marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Vulcan Park and Museum, home to the world’s largest cast iron statue.
Please note that this tour does not include the interior of the 16th street Baptist Church or The Alabama and Lyric Theaters.
This 3 – 4 hour tour gives the best overview of the history of the Magic City.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
In-vehicle air conditioning
Bottled water
All fees and/or taxes
Snacks
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
# Location to meet:
219 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206
The best place to park for daytime tours is at the parking deck on 2nd Avenue North directly around the corner
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Heaviest Corner on Earth
10 min
The Heaviest Corner on Earth is a promotional name given to the corner of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, in the early 20th century. The name reflected the nearly simultaneous appearance of four of the tallest buildings in the South, the 10-story Woodward Building (1902), 16-story Brown Marx Building (1906), 16-story Empire Building (1909), and the 21-story American Trust and Savings Bank Building (1912).
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Morris Avenue
20 min
Our best preserved Victorian district...gaslights, cobblestones and all
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Alabama Peanut Co.
5 min
We will stop by the best preserved Victorian District in the city and grab a bag of peanuts roasted in a building that has it's own mysterious history.
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Five Points South
5 min
We pass through this ever evolving area (and the center of Birmingham's Foodie revolution) and discuss how our city is becoming a MAJOR food destination
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5 Points South Fountain - The Storyteller by Frank Fleming
5 min
This is an intriguing (and controversial) artwork
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Vulcan Park and Museum
30 min
We will see the largest Cast Iron statue in the world, get a great view of the city and learn about the moon that never sets
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Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
45 min
Our only remaining Southern Plantation House
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Rickwood Field Park
45 min
The Oldest Ballpark in America - home to both White and Negro League teams and site of several movie locations
Currently undergoing renovations for a major League game in 2024 and closed to visitors -
Civil Rights District
45 min
This area is the center of the Civil Rights Struggle that defined Birmingham in the 60's (and continues to do so even today)
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16th Street Baptist Church
30 min
The very moving site of the bombing that slaughtered 4 children and cemented the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights
Can I cancel Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3–4 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
# Location to meet: 219 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 The best place to park for daytime tours is at the parking deck on 2nd Avenue North directly around… Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Which places does it visit?
It visits Heaviest Corner on Earth, Morris Avenue, Alabama Peanut Co., Five Points South, Vulcan Park and Museum, Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, Rickwood Field Park, Civil Rights District.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company
