A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Birmingham vs. Grindelwald for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Birmingham or Grindelwald?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a breathtaking, beautiful, and adventure-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Birmingham and Grindelwald: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Grindelwald, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Grindelwald is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. 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 Grindelwald?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grindelwald and Birmingham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Skiing?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is great for skiing. However, Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Birmingham is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Grindelwald is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Grindelwald is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Grindelwald can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.


Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Birmingham is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Grindelwald has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Music?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Grindelwald is not a live music destination.

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Grindelwald is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Hiking?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Grindelwald is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is well known for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Families?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Grindelwald.

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.

Grindelwald is a very kid-friendly city. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Both Birmingham and Grindelwald are very good 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.

Grindelwald is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.


Is Birmingham or Grindelwald Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

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

Grindelwald is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

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 Grindelwald Better for Students?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham and Grindelwald both offer notable 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.

Grindelwald has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel around the region.


Is Birmingham or Grindelwald a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Grindelwald

Birmingham is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

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

Should I spend more time in Grindelwald or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Grindelwald to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald.

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant city of Birmingham. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Grindelwald, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of Birmingham. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Grindelwald, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Grindelwald?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Birmingham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Grindelwald is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald is £194. 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 Grindelwald in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Grindelwald £114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Grindelwald £228
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Grindelwald

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Grindelwald? 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 Grindelwald


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 Grindelwald Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Grindelwald £43

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 Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Prices for flights to both Grindelwald 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
    Grindelwald £47
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Grindelwald £48

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 Grindelwald

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

  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Grindelwald £26

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 Grindelwald, we can see that Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Grindelwald?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Grindelwald, 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 Grindelwald?

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 Grindelwald in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Grindelwald. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Grindelwald in the Autumn?

Both Grindelwald and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Birmingham is cooler than Grindelwald in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Grindelwald fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Grindelwald in the Winter?

Both Grindelwald and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In the winter, Birmingham is cooler than Grindelwald. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Grindelwald averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grindelwald receives 119 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Grindelwald in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Grindelwald. Also, most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Grindelwald. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Grindelwald fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Grindelwald during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Grindelwald receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Grindelwald. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Grindelwald receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Grindelwald and Birmingham

Birmingham Grindelwald
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)