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

Should you visit Birmingham or Geneva?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Geneva

Geneva is a classy, diverse, and international 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 Geneva: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Geneva?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Geneva than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Birmingham different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Geneva

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Birmingham or Geneva.

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 Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.


Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham is a great destination for theatre. However, Geneva is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Geneva is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Geneva

Geneva 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 Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Birmingham know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.


Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for Music?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Geneva 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.

Geneva is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Geneva

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

Geneva is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Geneva?

Birmingham
Geneva

Geneva is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Geneva. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.


Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for Families?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Birmingham or Geneva Better for Students?

Birmingham
Geneva

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

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

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.


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

Birmingham
Geneva

Geneva 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 Geneva is top-notch. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Birmingham or Geneva a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Geneva

Birmingham and Geneva are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Geneva?

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

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Geneva?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Birmingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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


A weekend in Birmingham or Geneva?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Birmingham or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Geneva, 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 Geneva?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the vibrant destination of Birmingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Geneva is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva is £169. 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 Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Geneva £117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Geneva £234
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Geneva? 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 Geneva


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 Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Geneva £7.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Meribel (FR): $1,129
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Courchevel (FR): $1,038
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere: $826
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez: $794
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Leukerbad: $730
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $699
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Montreux: $690
  • Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Saas-Fee: $689
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Adelboden: $678

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
    Geneva £42
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 Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Geneva £24

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
  • 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
  • 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
  • Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
  • Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Geneva £18

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 Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Birmingham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Birmingham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Birmingham 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Birmingham.

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Geneva?

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

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 Geneva in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Geneva. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Birmingham is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Birmingham is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Geneva. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In January, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in January than Geneva. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Geneva. Furthermore, many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Birmingham is cooler than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Geneva. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Birmingham

Birmingham Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)