Downtown Anchorage is small, easy to get around, and a good starting point for just about anything you’re planning in the city. You’ll find coffee shops, local restaurants, souvenir stores, and a handful of bars. If you’re gearing up for an adventure, there are outfitters and bike rentals nearby, too. Plus, it’s home to the Anchorage Museum, the start of the Coastal Trail, and Ship Creek, where you can fish for salmon or just watch the action.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Birmingham's city centre lies Gas Street Basin, a historic canal network that was once a bustling port and has now transformed into a charming hub of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal side, immersing yourself in a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern living. Interestingly, the name itself holds a clue to its significance, as Gas Street was the pioneering location in Birmingham to introduce gas lighting, marking a milestone in the city's history.

Flattop is the most climbed mountain in Alaska—and for good reason. It’s just a short drive from Anchorage, the trail is well-marked, and the views from the top stretch across the city and beyond—Denali, if you get lucky with a clear day. The hike is not long, but it does get steep toward the end and involves a bit of scrambling. If that’s not your thing, there’s a lookout near the parking lot that still gives you a pretty good view.

In 1855, the Archduke Massimiliano of Hapsburgs built this palace and lived here with his wife Carlotta del Belgio, until 1864. Though beautiful, this castle holds a tormented story behind it: Massimiliano was killed in Mexico in 1867, and Charlotte died insane in a Belgian castle, sixty years later. The Duke of Aosta, who lived there some sixty years later, died in Africa during World War II.