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

Should you visit Birmingham or Potsdam?

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 Potsdam 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.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Birmingham different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham
Potsdam

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

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 Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.


Is Birmingham or Potsdam Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is well known for its theatre productions. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Potsdam

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

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 Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.


Is Birmingham or Potsdam Better for Music?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is very popular for its live music scene. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Potsdam?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Birmingham or Potsdam Better for Families?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.


Is Birmingham or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Birmingham frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Potsdam is a good city for couples to visit. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Birmingham or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Birmingham
Potsdam

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

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in 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 Potsdam Better for Students?

Birmingham
Potsdam

Birmingham is very popular for students. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not popular with students.


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

Birmingham
Potsdam

Potsdam 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 Potsdam can move around easily with public transportation. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

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

Is Birmingham or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Potsdam

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

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

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Potsdam?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Potsdam. 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 Birmingham than Potsdam. 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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam.


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

One day in Birmingham or Potsdam?

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 and nightlife around the park-filled city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Birmingham or Potsdam?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam, a popular city, 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is £95. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Potsdam £24

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam £26
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
    Potsdam £22

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 Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
  • 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
  • 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
  • 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
  • AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
  • Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
  • City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Potsdam £5.73

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

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


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Potsdam?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Potsdam. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the summer, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam 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 Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam 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. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. Birmingham is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Potsdam. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Birmingham

Birmingham Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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