A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Birmingham for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Aalborg or Birmingham?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Birmingham. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a historic, charming, and local town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Aalborg and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Birmingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Aalborg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Aalborg is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Aalborg different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Birmingham and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Birmingham?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.


Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for theatre. However, Aalborg is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Aalborg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Birmingham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Aalborg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Aalborg. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Birmingham

It's hard to distinguish whether Aalborg or Birmingham has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aalborg know how to have a good time. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

The nightlife in Birmingham has something for everybody. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.


Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Music?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is renowned for live music. However, Aalborg is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is a world class music destination. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Aalborg is not a live music destination.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Aalborg is very good for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Aalborg is a good destination for visiting its old town. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Birmingham?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.


Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Families?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Birmingham frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Aalborg is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Aalborg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.


Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Students?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is renowned for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Birmingham

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Birmingham.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Aalborg or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Birmingham

Birmingham is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Birmingham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Birmingham?

In either Aalborg or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Aalborg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Aalborg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Birmingham, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Birmingham than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Birmingham that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Birmingham if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aalborg.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Birmingham? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Birmingham 1-5

One day in Aalborg or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the local town of Aalborg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Aalborg or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aalborg, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Birmingham?

Aalborg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Aalborg or Birmingham?

Aalborg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Birmingham is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aalborg and Birmingham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Birmingham $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Birmingham $164
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Birmingham? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aalborg


Hotels in Birmingham


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Birmingham $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Birmingham?

Prices for flights to both Birmingham and Aalborg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aalborg $47
    Birmingham $48

Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Birmingham $60

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Birmingham $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Birmingham, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Birmingham?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Aalborg is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Birmingham. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Birmingham. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Aalborg is cooler than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. Aalborg can be very cold during winter. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm.

Aalborg is cooler than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Aalborg

Aalborg Birmingham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)