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

Should you visit Birmingham or Rotterdam?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Rotterdam, Rotterdam has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rotterdam is better known for its big city activities, while Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Birmingham different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Theater?

Birmingham is great for its shows and theatre. However, Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Rotterdam can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Rotterdam. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Birmingham and Rotterdam.

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.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Music?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Rotterdam both offer plenty of high quality spots.

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.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Rotterdam.

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.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Birmingham is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

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 Rotterdam Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

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

Rotterdam is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Birmingham or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Rotterdam are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Rotterdam is a very walkable city. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

One day in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Birmingham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the historic destination of Birmingham. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Rotterdam, 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 port city.

Five days in Birmingham or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the historic city of Birmingham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Rotterdam, a popular port 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 Rotterdam?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Rotterdam 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Rotterdam?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Rotterdam. The winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In the winter, Birmingham is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Rotterdam. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

In April, Birmingham is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Birmingham