A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Southampton vs. Birmingham for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Southampton or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Southampton and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Birmingham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Birmingham than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Birmingham is very popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Birmingham is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Is Southampton or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Birmingham can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Birmingham area. 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 Southampton or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Birmingham has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Southampton is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Birmingham. 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.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Birmingham?

Birmingham is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with 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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Birmingham?

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

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Birmingham than Southampton 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 Birmingham.

One day in Southampton or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming port city of Southampton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Southampton, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic city of Birmingham. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Southampton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Birmingham?

Southampton, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled city of Birmingham. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Birmingham?

Southampton 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Birmingham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Birmingham. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Birmingham. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Birmingham. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Southampton