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

Should you visit Birmingham or Utrecht?

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

Birmingham

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

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Utrecht?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Utrecht, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, and music, while Utrecht is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a well-known place for theatre. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Utrecht can be difficult as they are each good 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 Utrecht. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Birmingham and Utrecht.

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.

Utrecht has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for live music. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Utrecht offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Utrecht?

If you're looking to go shopping, Birmingham and Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Families?

Birmingham is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly city. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Utrecht are great 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.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Birmingham or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Utrecht is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht Better for Students?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit 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.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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

Is Birmingham or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Utrecht is a very easy to get around on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Utrecht?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Utrecht. 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.

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

One day in Birmingham or Utrecht?

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 vibrant of Utrecht, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Utrecht, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht, 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 .

Five days in Birmingham or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Utrecht, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Birmingham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Birmingham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Birmingham 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Birmingham.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Utrecht?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Utrecht in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Utrecht. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Utrecht. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In the autumn, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Utrecht. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Utrecht averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Utrecht. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. In January, Birmingham is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Utrecht. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

Birmingham is a little warmer than Utrecht in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Birmingham