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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Helsinki and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Birmingham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than Helsinki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and quaint atmosphere, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Helsinki different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Birmingham.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Is Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Birmingham both to be nice destinations.

Helsinki has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Birmingham area. 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 Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Birmingham?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Helsinki and Birmingham.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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.

Is Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Birmingham are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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.

Is Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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 Helsinki or Birmingham Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Birmingham?

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the coastal city of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Helsinki or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

Five days in Helsinki or Birmingham?

Helsinki, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 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.

A week in Helsinki or Birmingham?

Helsinki 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Birmingham. Many visitors come to Helsinki 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 July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is much colder than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Birmingham. Helsinki gets 41 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 Helsinki