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

Should you visit Istanbul or Birmingham?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Birmingham, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Istanbul and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Birmingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Birmingham, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Istanbul is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Istanbul different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is notable for theatre. However, Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Birmingham.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Birmingham has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is not a live music destination.

Is Istanbul or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

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

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Birmingham?

Both Istanbul and Birmingham are excellent shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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.

Is Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Families?

Istanbul and Birmingham are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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.

Is Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Birmingham are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Istanbul. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a great destination for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Students come from all over to stay in Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

Istanbul is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Istanbul or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Birmingham both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Birmingham?

In either Istanbul or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Birmingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Birmingham. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Istanbul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Birmingham?

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're 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 Istanbul or Birmingham?

When visiting Istanbul, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Istanbul or Birmingham?

Istanbul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. 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 Istanbul or Birmingham?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 Istanbul and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Birmingham?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Birmingham. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Birmingham. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Istanbul