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

Should you visit Birmingham or Biarritz?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Biarritz: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Biarritz are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Biarritz is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Biarritz is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Biarritz

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Biarritz

The vibe at night is great in both Birmingham and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.


Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Music?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham is renowned for its live music scene. However, Biarritz is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Biarritz is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Birmingham
Biarritz

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Biarritz both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Birmingham. 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.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Families?

Birmingham
Biarritz

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Biarritz.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly city. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Both Birmingham and Biarritz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.


Is Birmingham or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Students?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham and Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.


Is Birmingham or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Biarritz

Birmingham and Biarritz are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Both Birmingham and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Birmingham. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Birmingham or Biarritz?

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the cultural seaside town of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Birmingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Biarritz, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Biarritz?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. 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 France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz 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 Biarritz is £112. 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 Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Biarritz £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Biarritz £126
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz


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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Biarritz £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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
    Biarritz £29
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Biarritz £14

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
  • French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Biarritz £6.89

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

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Biarritz?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Birmingham or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Biarritz. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. Birmingham is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Birmingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Birmingham

Birmingham Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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