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

Should you visit Birmingham or Bamberg?

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 Bamberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

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

Bamberg

Bamberg is a storybook, historic, and beautiful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Bamberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Bamberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Bamberg is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Bamberg is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bamberg 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 Bamberg?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Birmingham can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.


Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is a well-known place for theatre. However, Bamberg is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Bamberg is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Bamberg

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Bamberg can be difficult as they are each good 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 Bamberg. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

Birmingham offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.


Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Music?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Bamberg 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.

Bamberg is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Bamberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Bamberg?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.


Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Families?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly city. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Bamberg has plenty to offer. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Bamberg

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

Bamberg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other 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 Birmingham or Bamberg Better for Students?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Bamberg is not popular with students.

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

Bamberg is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham
Bamberg

Birmingham and Bamberg both offer good 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.

Bamberg has a few public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Birmingham or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Bamberg

Bamberg is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Bamberg is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Bamberg?

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

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

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Bamberg?

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 food around the storybook town of Bamberg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bamberg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Bamberg?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Bamberg, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Birmingham or Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg, a popular town, 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 Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg 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.


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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bamberg or Birmingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, while the average daily cost in Bamberg is £109. 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 Birmingham and Bamberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Bamberg £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Bamberg £128
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Bamberg

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Bamberg? 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 Birmingham


Hotels in Bamberg


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Bamberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Bamberg £12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Bamberg?

Prices for flights to both Bamberg and Birmingham 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
    Birmingham £38
    Bamberg £35
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

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


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

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.
    Birmingham £48
    Bamberg £14

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

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bamberg are as follows:

  • Bamberg Countryside Breweries Beer Hike Food Experience (departs Bamberg): $281
  • Bamberg Crime-Trail: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bamberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $240
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Bar & Club Tour with free drinks & VIP entry: $31
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Bamberg £17

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Bamberg, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Bamberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bamberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bamberg 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 Bamberg.

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Bamberg?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Bamberg, 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg in the Summer?

Both Bamberg and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is cooler than Bamberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bamberg fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Bamberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Bamberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Bamberg. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bamberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Bamberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bamberg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Bamberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Bamberg. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bamberg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bamberg can be very cold during winter. Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Birmingham is generally much warmer than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in January than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Bamberg in the Spring?

Both Bamberg and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the natural beauty.

Birmingham is cooler than Bamberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bamberg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Bamberg during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Bamberg. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Bamberg 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Birmingham

Birmingham Bamberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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