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

Should you visit Birmingham or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig 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.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Leipzig: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Leipzig?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Leipzig, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square. Leipzig is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Birmingham different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Leipzig

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Birmingham or Leipzig.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leipzig can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is great for theatre. However, Leipzig is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Leipzig is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Leipzig

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Leipzig can be difficult as they are each good 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 Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is great for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.


Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Music?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is terrific for live music. However, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Leipzig?

Birmingham
Leipzig

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Leipzig both offer plenty of excellent spots.

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.

Leipzig is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Families?

Birmingham
Leipzig

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

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.


Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is great for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Birmingham or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Leipzig

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

Leipzig is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

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 Leipzig Better for Students?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Leipzig is not popular with students.


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

Birmingham
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig can move around easily with public transportation. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

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

Is Birmingham or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Leipzig

Birmingham is great for its walkability. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Leipzig?

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

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Leipzig?

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 cultural city of Leipzig, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leipzig, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Birmingham or Leipzig?

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 food around the destination of Leipzig, 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 city.

Five days in Birmingham or Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig, a popular city, 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 Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig 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 Leipzig is £142. 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 Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Leipzig £78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Leipzig £156
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig


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 Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Leipzig £23

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 Leipzig

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

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig 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
    Leipzig £45
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 Leipzig

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

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Leipzig £31

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 Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Leipzig £22

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 comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Leipzig, we can see that Leipzig 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 Leipzig Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Leipzig?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig?

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 Leipzig in the Summer?

Both Leipzig and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leipzig for the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Leipzig. Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Leipzig. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Leipzig in the Autumn?

Both Leipzig and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Leipzig in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Leipzig in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Leipzig. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leipzig can be very cold during winter. Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Birmingham is generally much warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Leipzig in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Leipzig.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Birmingham

Birmingham Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)