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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Palermo and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Birmingham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Palermo than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Palermo, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Palermo different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a theatre destination.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Birmingham are superb when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is very popular for its music scene. However, Palermo is not a live music destination.

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Birmingham?

Both Palermo and Birmingham are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Birmingham are superb to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Birmingham is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Palermo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Birmingham is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Palermo and Birmingham both are superb when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Birmingham?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Birmingham than Palermo. 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 Palermo 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 Palermo.

One day in Palermo or Birmingham?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful city of Palermo, 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 Palermo, one day is sufficent for most.

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Birmingham?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Palermo, 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.

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Birmingham?

Palermo, 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.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Birmingham?

Palermo 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, 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 the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Birmingham averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Birmingham. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Palermo is much warmer than Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Birmingham. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In the spring, Palermo is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Palermo