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

Should you visit Birmingham or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Birmingham and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Theater?

Birmingham is notable for its theatre productions. However, San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

San Sebastian is not a theatre destination.

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

San Sebastian is an amazing 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.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Birmingham and San Sebastian.

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.

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Music?

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

San Sebastian is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Birmingham is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and San Sebastian both offer plenty of excellent 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.

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or San Sebastian.

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.

San Sebastian is a very kid-friendly city. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and San Sebastian are excellent 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.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

San Sebastian is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

Birmingham is very popular for students. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Students come from all over to stay in San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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

Birmingham and San Sebastian both offer nice 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.

San Sebastian has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Birmingham or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Birmingham and San Sebastian are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

San Sebastian is a very walkable city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in San Sebastian. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With museums and nightlife around the splendid city of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Sebastian, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 city.

Five days in Birmingham or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the bustling destination of Birmingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Sebastian, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Sebastian?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Birmingham. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Sebastian 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or San Sebastian?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. Birmingham is much colder than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Birmingham