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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Heraklion and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Birmingham?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Heraklion is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Heraklion different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Theater?

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

Heraklion is not a theatre destination.

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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Birmingham.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Birmingham is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not a live music destination.

Is Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Birmingham?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Birmingham is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Birmingham is very family-friendly. 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Birmingham.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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 Heraklion or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Birmingham are superb when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Birmingham?

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the accessible city of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Birmingham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Birmingham?

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

You'll find theater and nightlife around the historic destination of Birmingham. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Birmingham?

Heraklion, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled city of Birmingham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Birmingham?

Heraklion 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 popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Birmingham, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Birmingham. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion 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. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Birmingham. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Heraklion