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

Should you visit Birmingham or Girona?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than Girona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, and music, while Girona attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Birmingham different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Girona

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

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 Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.


Is Birmingham or Girona Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Girona

Birmingham is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Girona

Birmingham is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Birmingham offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.


Is Birmingham or Girona Better for Music?

Birmingham
Girona

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Girona is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Girona

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

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Girona?

Birmingham
Girona

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Girona both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.


Is Birmingham or Girona Better for Families?

Birmingham
Girona

Birmingham is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Birmingham or Girona Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Girona

Both Birmingham and Girona are high quality 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.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Birmingham or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Girona

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

Girona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Birmingham
Girona

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Birmingham
Girona

Birmingham and Girona 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.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Birmingham or Girona a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Girona

Girona 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.

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Girona. 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.

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Girona?

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

With museums and food around the charming city of Girona, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Girona, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Girona?

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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Girona, 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 Girona?

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.

Girona, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the fun-filled 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.

Girona 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona 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 Girona is £120. 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 Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Girona £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Girona £118
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Girona? 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 Girona


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 Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Girona £42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona 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
    Girona £35
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 Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Girona £21

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 Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Girona £8.29

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 Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Girona?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Girona. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Girona. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Girona. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. Birmingham is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Girona. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Girona during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Girona. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Birmingham

Birmingham Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)