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

Should you visit Granada or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Granada or Birmingham? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Granada and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Birmingham?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Granada than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Granada, Granada has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Granada is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Granada different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Birmingham both to be good destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around 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 Granada or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Birmingham have great vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

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

Granada offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Birmingham?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Birmingham make for a great place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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.

Is Granada or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet 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 Granada or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Granada and Birmingham.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Birmingham, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Granada or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Granada and Birmingham are great when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Granada?

How long in Granada or Birmingham?

In either Granada or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Granada because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

One day in Granada or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Granada, 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 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.

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 Granada or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Granada, 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 city.

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 Granada or Birmingham?

Granada, 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.

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 Granada or Birmingham?

Granada 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Birmingham?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Granada or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Birmingham. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is a little warmer than Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Birmingham. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Birmingham. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months.

Granada is much warmer than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Birmingham. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Granada