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

Should you visit Birmingham or Antwerp?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant, authentic, and genuine port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Antwerp?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Antwerp, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antwerp is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also well known for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Birmingham different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Birmingham or Antwerp.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its theatre productions. However, Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Antwerp can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Antwerp. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Birmingham and Antwerp.

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. 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.

Antwerp has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Birmingham 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.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for shopping. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antwerp. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Families?

Birmingham is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Birmingham is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Antwerp is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

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 Birmingham or Antwerp Better for Students?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Antwerp is a great city to visit as a student. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

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

Birmingham and Antwerp both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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

Antwerp has a few public transit options. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Birmingham or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Antwerp are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Antwerp is a very walkable city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in Antwerp. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp 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 Antwerp.

One day in Birmingham or Antwerp?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the youthful port city of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Antwerp?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Birmingham or Antwerp?

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.

Antwerp, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Antwerp?

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.

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Antwerp, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antwerp would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antwerp and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham than you might in Antwerp.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Antwerp?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Antwerp, 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 Birmingham or Antwerp?

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 Birmingham or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Antwerp. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the summer, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. In the summer, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Antwerp. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. Birmingham is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in January than Antwerp. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Antwerp. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Birmingham