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

Should you visit Lisbon or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lisbon and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Birmingham?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions and quaint atmosphere. Lisbon is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Lisbon different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is not a theatre destination.

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

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Lisbon has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Birmingham has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Lisbon and Birmingham.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

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.

Is Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is very good for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

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

Lisbon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Birmingham?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lisbon. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Birmingham.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Birmingham is 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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon 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.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Birmingham?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Birmingham?

When visiting Lisbon, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Birmingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Birmingham?

When visiting Lisbon, 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Birmingham?

Lisbon, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Birmingham?

Lisbon 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic destination of Birmingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week 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 Lisbon and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Birmingham. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Birmingham averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Birmingham. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon 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. Lisbon is much warmer than Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Birmingham. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Lisbon