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

Should you visit Birmingham or Murren?

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 Murren 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.

Murren

Murren is a breathtaking, stunning, and serene town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Birmingham and Murren: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Murren?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Murren 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 Murren is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Murren?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Skiing?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

Murren is among the world's best ski destinations. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Birmingham is not a skiing destination.

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

Birmingham is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for theatre. However, Murren is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Murren is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Murren 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 Murren. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is well known for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known 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.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Music?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Murren 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.

Murren is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Hiking?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Murren specifically for its hiking. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Murren?

Birmingham is well known for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known 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 in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Murren.

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.

Murren is a very kid-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Is Birmingham or Murren Better for Couples?

Murren is an amazing town 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, Murren has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

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 Murren Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

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

Murren is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham and Murren 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.

Murren has a few public transit options. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Birmingham or Murren a more walkable city?

Murren is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Murren is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Murren or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Murren?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Murren. 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 Murren.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Birmingham than Murren 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 Murren?

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

Murren might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Murren?

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.

Even though Murren is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 town.

Five days in Birmingham or Murren?

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.

Murren, a popular town, 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 Murren?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the bustling 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.

Murren 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Murren?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 2190 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Murren, 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.