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

Should you visit Birmingham or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

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

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and museums.

Birmingham and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Le Mans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Le Mans, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Le Mans is known for its small town charm. Birmingham is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square. Le Mans is popular for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Birmingham different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Theater?

Birmingham is great for theatre. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for live music. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Le Mans?

Birmingham is great for shopping. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Families?

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

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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Birmingham is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Birmingham or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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 Le Mans Better for Students?

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

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham and Le Mans both offer good 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Birmingham or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Birmingham is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Le Mans?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the small town of Le Mans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Le Mans, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Le Mans?

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Le Mans, there's plenty to do. 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 Le Mans?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Le Mans, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Le Mans 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Le Mans, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham than you might in Le Mans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Birmingham Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Le Mans?

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

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Le Mans in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Birmingham is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Le Mans averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Birmingham or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Le Mans. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In January, Birmingham is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Le Mans. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

Birmingham is cooler than Le Mans in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Birmingham