Downtown Travel Guide
Tuscaloosa
Popular places to visit
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Attend live concerts and festivals, sporting events and an Independence Day celebration at the largest open-air arena in West Alabama.
Capitol Park
Visit the ruins of the old Alabama State Capitol and enjoy picnics at this popular downtown Tuscaloosa park, then drink in some local history at a 19th-century tavern.
Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion
Visit this historic Tuscaloosa house to admire its Italianate architecture and learn about the life of a well-known businessman and politician.
Murphy African American Museum
Visit this heritage museum to learn about the lifestyle of African Americans in Tuscaloosa during the early 20th century.
Battle–Friedman House
Visit this historic house to see displays of period furniture and elaborate architectural designs that provide a peek into 19th-century life in Tuscaloosa.
University of Alabama
Stroll along tree-lined pathways and visit historic buildings, museums, galleries and sports arenas while experiencing life at one of Alabama’s oldest universities.
Top hotels in Downtown
Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown by IHG
I rented a suite for the weekend. It is very spacious and clean. I personally prefer the city view facing the fluorescent lit park & bridge. There is a wall that is floor to ceiling windows & it is a extremely nice view. The bed was comfortable & bedding for the pull out sofa is conveniently in the ...
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown near University
Room was clean! Complimentary 24/7 coffee, tea and lemon water were a nice touch as well. The breakfast was great too. We walked to the river walk and it’s not a bad area at all. We felt safe the entire time we were here.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Alabama Downtown
Great
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Homewood Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Downtown
Large, clean rooms. Nice and spacious. Staff was very nice. Front desk employee, Jamya was super sweet and helpful.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
AC Hotel by Marriott Tuscaloosa Downtown
Overall, a nice stay. Clean room, great shower, very good bed. I did have some issue making the a/c stay on— kept having to restart it. And in the morning, they had a beautiful charcuterie out sling with some yogurts…but no silverware to serve/eat it with— so, that was a problem.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Downtown University Blvd
Excellent
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
Druid City
Though Druid City may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion and Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst might not have many top sights, but Bryant-Denny Stadium and Alabama Museum of Natural History are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
The Strip
When in The Strip, you can plan a visit to Bryant-Denny Stadium and Denny Chimes, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
University Area
If you're spending some time in University Area, Paul W. Bryant Museum and Coleman Coliseum are top sights worth seeing.
West Tuscaloosa
While West Tuscaloosa may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Murphy African American Museum and Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
North of the River
While visiting North of the River, you might make a stop by sights like Black Warrior River and Indian Hills Golf Course.
