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

Should you visit Sydney or Birmingham?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Birmingham, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sydney travel costs.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling 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. See Birmingham travel costs.

Sydney and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Birmingham?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Birmingham. Sydney is bigger than Birmingham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, music, and quaint atmosphere. Sydney is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Sydney different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Sydney is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Sydney is not a theatre destination.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Birmingham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Birmingham Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Birmingham?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Birmingham More Beautiful?

Sydney is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Birmingham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Birmingham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Birmingham Better for Families?

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

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Sydney is an amazing city 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, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Birmingham Better for Students?

Sydney and Birmingham are terrific places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney is top-notch. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Sydney and Birmingham both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Birmingham?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Birmingham?

When visiting Sydney, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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 Sydney or Birmingham?

When visiting Sydney, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney or Birmingham?

Sydney, a popular city, 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 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 Sydney or Birmingham?

Sydney 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney 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. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Birmingham is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Birmingham?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Birmingham has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Birminghamin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Birminghamin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Birmingham. The autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

In April, Sydney is generally much warmer than Birminghamin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Birminghamin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Birmingham. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. Sydney is much warmer than Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Birminghamin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Birminghamin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sydney is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Birminghamin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Sydney