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

Should you visit Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city 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 Santiago de Compostela from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its theatre productions. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Santiago de Compostela is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Santiago de Compostela has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for Music?

Birmingham is terrific for its live music scene. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela both offer plenty of great 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Birmingham is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Birmingham is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Santiago de Compostela is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Birmingham is terrific for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Birmingham offers theater and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Birmingham offers nightlife and live music. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santiago de Compostela, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Birmingham. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In October, Birmingham is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. Birmingham is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Birmingham is cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Birmingham in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Birmingham