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

Should you visit Birmingham or Genoa?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Genoa: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Genoa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Birmingham than Genoa. Birmingham is bigger than Genoa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Birmingham is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Genoa is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Genoa

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Birmingham or Genoa.

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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.


Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Genoa

Birmingham is great for its shows and theatre. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and 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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Genoa

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.


Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Music?

Birmingham
Genoa

Birmingham is terrific for its music scene. However, Genoa is not a live music destination.

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Genoa is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Birmingham
Genoa

Genoa is adequate for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Genoa

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

Genoa is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Genoa?

Birmingham
Genoa

Birmingham is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Families?

Birmingham
Genoa

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Genoa.

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.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Genoa

Both Birmingham and Genoa are excellent 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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.


Is Birmingham or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Genoa

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Genoa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Birmingham
Genoa

Birmingham is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

Birmingham
Genoa

Genoa is great 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.

Visitors to Genoa can move around easily with public transportation. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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


Is Birmingham or Genoa a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Genoa

Birmingham and Genoa are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Genoa is a very walkable city. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Birmingham due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Birmingham or Genoa?

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and nightlife around the historic port city of Genoa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Genoa, 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 port city.


Five days in Birmingham or Genoa?

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. In Birmingham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Genoa, a popular port 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 Genoa?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Genoa 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa 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 Genoa is £128. 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 Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Genoa £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Genoa £150
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Genoa? 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 Genoa


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 Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Genoa £7.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Genova : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $599
  • Private Direct Transfer From Genoa to Nice, En Speaking Driver: $271
  • Private Transfer From Genoa to Milan English Speaking Driver: $249
  • Genoa to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • Genoa to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer : $131
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $123
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $120
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Genoa airport (GOA) to Savona Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Genoa to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa 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
    Genoa £44
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 Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Genoa £17

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Tours and Activities in Genoa

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

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $82
  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $104
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $240
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $32
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $70
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $152
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $141
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
  • Departure by Private Car from Genoa City to Genoa Cruise Port: $44
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $131
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Genoa £8.86

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Genoa, 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 Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Genoa?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Genoa. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

Birmingham is much colder than Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Genoa in the Winter?

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

Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Genoa. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Genoa. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Birmingham is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Birmingham

Birmingham Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)