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

Should you visit Birmingham or Porto?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is more popular for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Porto is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Birmingham or Porto.

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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great city for theatre. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a theatre destination.

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

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Birmingham and Porto.

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. 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.

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for Music?

Birmingham is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

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.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Porto?

Birmingham is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for Families?

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

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.

Porto is a very kid-friendly city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Porto are very good 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Birmingham or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off 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 Porto Better for Students?

Birmingham is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto is great 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.

Visitors to Porto can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Birmingham or Porto a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Porto are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Porto is a very walkable city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Porto?

In either Birmingham or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

One day in Birmingham or Porto?

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Birmingham or Porto?

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. In Birmingham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Porto, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Porto?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Porto?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Birmingham is cooler than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Porto. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Birmingham is cooler than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Porto. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Porto. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In January, Birmingham is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Porto. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Porto. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Birmingham is much colder than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Porto. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Birmingham