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

Should you visit Birmingham or Sorrento?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Birmingham and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Birmingham and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere. Sorrento is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Birmingham different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great destination for theatre. However, Sorrento is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Sorrento is not a theatre destination.

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

Sorrento is an amazing small 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.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Birmingham know how to have a good time. 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 Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Music?

Birmingham is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is a world class music destination. 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.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is great for its luxury resorts. However, Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is very good for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is great for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Sorrento?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Sorrento both offer plenty of superb 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.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Sorrento.

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.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for romance. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Birmingham or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Birmingham is renowned for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento 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 Sorrento can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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

Is Birmingham or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Sorrento are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Sorrento?

Both Birmingham and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Birmingham. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Birmingham. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sorrento that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Birmingham or Sorrento?

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the relaxing small city of Sorrento, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Sorrento?

Birmingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sorrento, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Birmingham or Sorrento?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sorrento, a popular small city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this small city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Sorrento?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this small city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this small city has to offer. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Sorrento?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Sorrento. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is cooler than Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In the summer, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Birmingham is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Birmingham is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Sorrento. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Birmingham is cooler than Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Birmingham