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

Should you visit Birmingham or Cologne?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Cologne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Birmingham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Cologne is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Birmingham different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Birmingham or Cologne.

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 Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Cologne can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Music?

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

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Cologne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Cologne 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.

Cologne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Birmingham does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Birmingham does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Birmingham does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Birmingham does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Families?

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

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.

Cologne is a very kid-friendly city. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Couples?

Birmingham is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Birmingham or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for 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 Cologne Better for Students?

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

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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne is top-notch. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Birmingham or Cologne a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Cologne are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Cologne is a very walkable city. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Cologne?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Birmingham than Cologne. 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 Cologne 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 Cologne.

One day in Birmingham or Cologne?

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.

When visiting Cologne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Cologne?

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.

When visiting Cologne, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Cologne?

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.

Cologne, a popular city, 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.

A week in Birmingham or Cologne?

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.

Cologne 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Birmingham Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Cologne?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Cologne. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. In the winter, Birmingham is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cologne. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Cologne. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Cologne. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Birmingham