A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Birmingham vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its historical sights. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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.


Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Birmingham know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.


Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Music?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Mont-Saint-Michel

Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable city. There are many stunning walks in the area.


For even more information, also check out Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


  • How many days in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

With museums and food around the religious island of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With live music and food around the vibrant city of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Birmingham, there's plenty to do. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel, a popular island, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is £134. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Mont-Saint-Michel £120
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60

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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel £38
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
    Mont-Saint-Michel £26

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 Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Mont-Saint-Michel £6.74

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 Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 12300 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. Birmingham is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Birmingham

Birmingham Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


Related Articles for Birmingham
Related Articles for Mont-Saint-Michel