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

Should you visit Birmingham or Budapest?

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

Birmingham

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

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Birmingham. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, food, music, and quaint atmosphere. Budapest is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Theater?

Birmingham is great for its theatre productions. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Birmingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Music?

Birmingham is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Budapest?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Budapest both offer plenty of very good 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.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Families?

Birmingham is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Birmingham is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Budapest are very good 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Birmingham or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with 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 Budapest Better for Students?

For students, both Birmingham and Budapest are fantastic places to visit.

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.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Birmingham or Budapest a more walkable city?

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

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Budapest?

In either Birmingham or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Budapest. 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.

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

One day in Birmingham or Budapest?

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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Budapest?

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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 city.

Five days in Birmingham or Budapest?

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.

Budapest, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Birmingham. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Birmingham or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Budapest. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. Birmingham is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Budapest. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Budapest. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Birmingham