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

Should you visit Birmingham or Munich?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Birmingham and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Munich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Munich than Birmingham. Munich is bigger than Birmingham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Munich is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions and quaint atmosphere. Munich is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Is Birmingham or Munich Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a theatre destination.

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

Munich 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 Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Munich has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

Birmingham has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Birmingham or Munich Better for Music?

Birmingham and Munich are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

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.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Munich?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Munich. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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.

Is Birmingham or Munich Better for Families?

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

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.

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Birmingham or Munich Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Munich 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.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Birmingham or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich Better for Students?

For students, both Birmingham and Munich are terrific places to visit.

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.

Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

Munich is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Munich is top-notch. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Birmingham or Munich a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Munich are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Munich?

In either Birmingham or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Munich has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Munich than Birmingham. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

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

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

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

One day in Birmingham or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Birmingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

When visiting Munich, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Munich?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Munich, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Munich, 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.

A week in Birmingham or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the fun-filled destination of Birmingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Munich 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Birmingham. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Munich, 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 Munich?

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 Munich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Munich. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Munich. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Munich. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Munich in the Autumn?

Both Munich and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Munich during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Munich. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can be very cold during winter. Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Munich. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Munich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Munich. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Munich. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Munich during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Munich. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Birmingham