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

Should you visit Birmingham or Howth?

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

Birmingham

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

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Birmingham and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Howth are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its theatre productions. However, Howth is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Howth is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Howth can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Music?

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

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Howth?

Birmingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Families?

Birmingham is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Couples?

Birmingham is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Birmingham frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Birmingham or Howth Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

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

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham and Howth 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.

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Birmingham or Howth a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Howth are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Howth?

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

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

One day in Birmingham or Howth?

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this vibrant 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 food around the peaceful fishing village of Howth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Howth?

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 food and museums around the destination of Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

Five days in Birmingham or Howth?

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.

Howth, a popular fishing village, 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 Howth?

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled 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.

Howth 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Birmingham or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Howth. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Howth. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Howth. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In October, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Howth. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. Birmingham is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Howth. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Howth during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Howth. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Birmingham