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

Should you visit Birmingham or Cork?

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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a seaside, youthful, and energetic 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 Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Cork?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cork than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Cork, Cork has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cork is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Cork is popular for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also home to The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Birmingham different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Birmingham or Cork.

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 Cork can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Is Birmingham or Cork Better for Theater?

Birmingham is notable for theatre. However, Cork is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Cork is not a theatre destination.

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

Cork 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 Cork. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Birmingham and Cork.

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.

Cork has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Birmingham or Cork Better for Music?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cork 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.

Cork is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Cork?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Cork both offer plenty of superb 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.

Cork is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Birmingham or Cork Better for Families?

Birmingham is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Birmingham or Cork Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Cork are superb 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.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Is Birmingham or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cork is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

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 Cork Better for Students?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Birmingham is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Birmingham or Cork a more walkable city?

Birmingham is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Cork?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Cork. 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 Cork. 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 Cork 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 Cork.

One day in Birmingham or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Cork, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cork, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Cork?

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cork, there's plenty to do. 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 Cork?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Cork, 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 Cork?

The fun-filled city of Birmingham offers food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Cork 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Cork?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Cork, 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 Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

Both Cork and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Cork in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Cork. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Cork. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Cork. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Cork during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Cork. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cork in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Cork. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cork because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Birmingham is generally much colder than Cork. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cork. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cork. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Cork in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Cork during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Cork and Birmingham