Birmingham (U.K.) Vacation Planning Guide

Once a center of the iron, steel and railroad industries, this Alabama metropolis shares its name with Birmingham, England, a city with a similar industrial heritage. Many of the city's top attractions pay homage to its mining past, including Red Mountain Park and the Vulcan Park & Museum. This southern city was also at the epicenter of the civil rights movement, and visitors will want to explore the Civil Rights District and some of its significant attractions, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Institute.

Once you've familiarized yourself with Birmingham's past, get to know its present-day identity. Check out the excellent art museum and then head to Railroad Park, known as "Birmingham's Living Room," to socialize with the locals. More than one-fourth of Alabama residents call this vibrant city home, known today for its live music scene, verdant parks and championship golf courses. You'll also find an array of antique stores and art galleries, as well as a burgeoning food scene.