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

Should you visit Birmingham or Lillehammer?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham and Lillehammer: 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 for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Lillehammer 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, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Birmingham different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is great for skiing. However, Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Birmingham is not a skiing destination.


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

Birmingham
Lillehammer

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Birmingham can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham is well known for theatre. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Music?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

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

Birmingham is a world class music destination. 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.

Lillehammer is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

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

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Lillehammer.

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.

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Both Birmingham and Lillehammer are excellent 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.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.


Is Birmingham or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

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

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.


Is Birmingham or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Lillehammer

Birmingham is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Birmingham due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

Couples should spend more time in Birmingham than Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.


  • How many days in Birmingham or Lillehammer? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Lillehammer 2-4

One day in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic city of Birmingham. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the sporty city of Lillehammer, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the bustling destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Lillehammer, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Birmingham. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer, a popular city, 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Birmingham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lillehammer 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer is £82. 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 Lillehammer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Lillehammer £49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Lillehammer £98
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Lillehammer

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Lillehammer? 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 Lillehammer


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 Lillehammer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Lillehammer £3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Prices for flights to both Lillehammer 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
    Lillehammer £28
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Lillehammer £13

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Lillehammer

Here are a few actual costs in Lillehammer for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Lillehammer £9.96

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Lillehammer, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Lillehammer?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Lillehammer, 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.