A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Outer Hebrides vs. Birmingham for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Outer Hebrides and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham. Although Outer Hebrides and Birmingham are both popular with visitors, Birmingham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Birmingham is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a very popular place for theatre. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a theatre destination.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

Birmingham is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Families?

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

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Birmingham both high quality destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Outer Hebrides is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

In either Outer Hebrides or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Birmingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

With food around the spectacular archipelago of Outer Hebrides, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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, you'll find shopping and museums. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

With food around the destination of Outer Hebrides, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

Outer Hebrides, a popular archipelago, 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 archipelago. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Birmingham?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Birmingham. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Birmingham. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, 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.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails 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, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for 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. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally a little warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Birmingham. Outer Hebrides gets 63 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 Outer Hebrides