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

Should you visit Birmingham or Interlaken?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Birmingham and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Birmingham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Interlaken is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

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

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Theater?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a theatre destination.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Birmingham has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for live music. However, Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is known as a music capital 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.

Interlaken is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Interlaken?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Birmingham or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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 Interlaken Better for Students?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Birmingham or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Interlaken?

In either Birmingham or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

Couples should spend more time in Interlaken than Birmingham. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Interlaken that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Birmingham or Interlaken?

With theater and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 food and skiing around the world-class town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Interlaken?

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 skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. 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 Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Interlaken?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Interlaken. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

Birmingham is cooler than Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Interlaken this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Interlaken during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Interlaken. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Birmingham is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In January, Birmingham is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Birmingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months.

Birmingham is cooler than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Birmingham