If your trip to Birmingham is all booked but your itinerary is a little on the empty side, let us give you a helping hand.You’ll need to rise early if you’re hoping to see all the interesting attractions that this place has to offer. Birmingham Museum of Art and McWane Science Center are must-sees. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute shouldn’t be overlooked either.Not far from the heart of the city, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex is one attraction to consider adding to your must-see list. If you still have room on your travel schedule, Alabama Theater and Birmingham Zoo will keep you on the go as well.

We know you can’t wait to test out your new wheels. How about taking a short trip out to Calera? Just 30 miles away, roll down the windows and feel the breeze in your hair on the drive there. Among your first stops here ought to be Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Timberline Golf Course and American Village Citizenship Trust. The locals will also probably point you in the direction of Jasper, 35 miles away. If you only have time for one attraction here, let it be Jasper City Hall. (But we’d also highly recommend Gamble Park and The Lily Pond an Art Gallery & Tea Room.)

Meet some of the locals while you’re in Birmingham by heading to an event at one of the popular convention centers. There are some fantastic things on, so have a look at the schedule and set aside a day. Recommended places include:

• WaterMark Place Outlet Center (14 miles away).
• Bessemer Civic Center (15 miles away).

Birmingham is big. You could spend a while in this place and still not see it all. To take in as much as possible in this energetic metropolis, a rental car is a must. Bear in mind that driving in the city usually comes with tight streets and even tighter parking spaces. Don’t stress though, because a mini or compact car can make this less daunting. If you’re planning to put the city behind you and enjoy the sandy shores that Birmingham is renowned for, you’ll probably prefer a car with a bit more power. A mid-size or full-size SUV will make that longer drive comfortable.

First of all, there’s an impressive variety of both high-end and economy rental vehicles available in Birmingham. What you opt for depends on your budget and what you plan to do. Specialty and prestige vehicles offer unparalleled mod cons and comfort. If you feel like splashing out, why not grab a high-end SUV, or perhaps a stylish mid-size sedan? Alternatively, if you just need a set of wheels to zip around town in at the cheapest price possible, maybe go for an economy compact vehicle (or something else that’s unlikely to break the bank).

Adventure awaits around every corner in Birmingham. And with a rental car, you’ll discover it more easily. Make your journey to this city a safe and enjoyable one with this practical advice:

You have to drive on the right side of the road in Birmingham. Even though the rules may be similar to home, it’s always smart to drive a little more carefully in a new destination.

If you want to leave your car in the middle of town and roam the area by foot, you’re unlikely to have any trouble locating a spot. Just be sure to pay attention to the parking signs and abide by the rules. You don’t want to ruin an enjoyable day out with a fine.

As with many destinations, the roads are usually busier in the early and late rush hours. However, due to its smaller population of around 212,500, traffic congestion isn’t a huge issue in Birmingham.

Normally, one of two things will happen. Your chosen rental car company may bill the amount of the fine to your credit card. This is the more common practice. Otherwise, it may give your contact information to the relevant local agency so the fine is issued directly to you.