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

Should you visit Cordoba or Birmingham?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Birmingham can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a flower-filled, historical, and beautiful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Cordoba and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to La Mezquita
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Birmingham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cordoba than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Cordoba, Cordoba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cordoba is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Cordoba is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. Also, Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Cordoba different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Birmingham and Cordoba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Birmingham?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Cordoba is an amazing town 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 Cordoba from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Birmingham is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Cordoba 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.

Cordoba is not a theatre destination.

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

Cordoba
Birmingham

Cordoba 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 Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

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 Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Both Cordoba and Birmingham are superb when it comes to partying.

Cordoba offers plenty to do in the evening. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Birmingham has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.


Is Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Music?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Cordoba is not a live music destination.

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Cordoba is not a live music destination.

Is Cordoba or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Birmingham

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

Cordoba offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Birmingham?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Birmingham is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.


Is Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Families?

Cordoba
Birmingham

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

Birmingham is known to be 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.

Cordoba is a family-friendly town. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Is Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Both Cordoba and Birmingham are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Birmingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Birmingham

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

Cordoba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

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 Cordoba or Birmingham Better for Students?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Cordoba and Birmingham are both amazing destinations for students and younger travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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.

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

Cordoba
Birmingham

Both Cordoba and Birmingham offer notable public transit options.

Cordoba has a few public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

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

Is Cordoba or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Birmingham

Cordoba and Birmingham both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Birmingham?

In either Cordoba or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Cordoba because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cordoba, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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


  • How many days in Cordoba or Birmingham? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Birmingham 1-5

One day in Cordoba or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the flower-filled town of Cordoba, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cordoba, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Cordoba or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cordoba, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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.

Five days in Cordoba or Birmingham?

Cordoba, a popular town, 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.

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.


A week in Cordoba or Birmingham?

Cordoba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Cordoba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Birmingham is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cordoba and Birmingham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Birmingham 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Birmingham 154
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Birmingham? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cordoba


Hotels in Birmingham


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Birmingham 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Birmingham?

Prices for flights to both Birmingham and Cordoba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cordoba 34
    Birmingham 45
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    6.52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Birmingham 56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • 3-Hour Tour from Cordoba to the Site of Medina Azahara: $32
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus: $66
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Best of Cordoba Guided Tour : $46
  • Bike Tour Córdoba: $32
  • Córdoba Highlight Walking Tour: $32
  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • City Sightseeing Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Cordoba : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Birmingham 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Birmingham?

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

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 Cordoba or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cordoba is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cordoba in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Birmingham averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the summer, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets less rain in July than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 19°C (66°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Cordoba during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. Cordoba is much warmer than Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in January than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Birmingham. The natural beauty are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year.

In the spring, Cordoba is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cordoba in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Cordoba

Cordoba Birmingham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)