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

Should you visit Birmingham or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Birmingham and Heidelberg: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Birmingham than Heidelberg. Birmingham is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, and shopping, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. 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 Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Birmingham is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Birmingham is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

The vibe at night is high quality in both Birmingham and Heidelberg.

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.

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.


Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for Music?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.


Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Birmingham is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Birmingham. 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Both Birmingham and Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Birmingham or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg Better for Students?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Heidelberg is a good city to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Birmingham
Heidelberg

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Birmingham or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Heidelberg

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

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

Heidelberg is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

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

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

With theater and nightlife around the historic city of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, one day is sufficent for most.

With shopping and nightlife around the quaint town of Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heidelberg, 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 town.

Five days in Birmingham or Heidelberg?

Birmingham, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg, a popular town, 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 Heidelberg?

Birmingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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.

Heidelberg 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 Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is £121. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Heidelberg £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Heidelberg £158
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Heidelberg £15

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 Heidelberg

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

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg £32
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 Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Heidelberg £9.82

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 Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Heidelberg £15

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 Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Heidelberg?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Heidelberg. The winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In the winter, Birmingham is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Birmingham

Birmingham Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)