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

Should you visit Birmingham or Pompeii?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Birmingham and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Birmingham is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site 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 Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Birmingham is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Birmingham or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Birmingham has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.


Is Birmingham or Pompeii Better for Music?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is renowned for its music scene. However, Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Pompeii?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Birmingham or Pompeii Better for Families?

Birmingham
Pompeii

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Pompeii.

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.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly city. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.


Is Birmingham or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Birmingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Birmingham or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Pompeii

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

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.


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

Birmingham
Pompeii

Birmingham and Pompeii both offer notable 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.

Pompeii has a few public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Birmingham or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Pompeii

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

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Pompeii?

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

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

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


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

One day in Birmingham or Pompeii?

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 around the ancient archeological site of Pompeii, 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 Pompeii, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Birmingham or Pompeii?

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 museums around the destination of Pompeii, 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 archeological site.

Five days in Birmingham or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii, a popular archeological site, 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii 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 Pompeii is £129. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii


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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Pompeii £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
    Pompeii £30
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 Pompeii

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

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Pompeii £66

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 Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Pompeii £6.26

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


When comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Pompeii, 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 Pompeii Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Birmingham or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Pompeii. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

Birmingham is much colder than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Birmingham during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Birmingham is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Birmingham

Birmingham Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)