A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Birmingham for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos or Birmingham?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Birmingham. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Lagos and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Birmingham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Birmingham are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is known for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Lagos is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Lagos different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for theatre. However, Lagos is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Lagos is not a theatre destination.

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

Lagos 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 Lagos. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Birmingham.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. 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 Lagos or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not a live music destination.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Birmingham is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Birmingham is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Birmingham?

Birmingham is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly resort town. 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 Lagos or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for romance. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Lagos has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Lagos or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is a must-visit destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Birmingham?

In either Lagos or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lagos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lagos than Birmingham. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Birmingham?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant resort town of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Birmingham?

Lagos, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. In Birmingham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lagos or Birmingham?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Lagos and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Birmingham. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Birmingham. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lagos is much warmer than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Lagos