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

Should you visit Birmingham or Florence?

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 Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere. Florence is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

Is Birmingham or Florence Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a theatre destination.

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

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Birmingham has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Birmingham or Florence Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Florence?

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

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Birmingham or Florence Better for Families?

Birmingham is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Birmingham or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an amazing city 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, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

For students, both Birmingham and Florence are terrific 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.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Birmingham and Florence 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.

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

Is Birmingham or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Florence?

Both Birmingham and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Birmingham. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Birmingham or Florence?

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 museums and nightlife around the iconic city of Florence, there's plenty to do. 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 Florence?

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 Florence, 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 city.

Five days in Birmingham or Florence?

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.

Florence, 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 Florence?

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.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Florence?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Florence. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Florence. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Florence. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. Birmingham is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Florence. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Birmingham is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Florence. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Birmingham