A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Birmingham for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

York and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Birmingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Birmingham is more popular for its theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while York is known for its food and historical sights. York is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also home to Victoria Square.

How is York different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Birmingham have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Is York or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a well-known place for theatre. However, York 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.

York is not a theatre destination.

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

York 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.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Birmingham are great when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

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

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Birmingham?

Birmingham is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Birmingham Better for Families?

York 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.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Birmingham Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Birmingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is York or Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Birmingham offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Birmingham is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or York?

How long in York or Birmingham?

In either York or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

One day in York or Birmingham?

With museums and nightlife around the fanciful city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Birmingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Birmingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Birmingham is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Birmingham?

York, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 live music and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Birmingham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Birmingham?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

The historic city of Birmingham offers food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 3-Day Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Birmingham. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

York is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the summer, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Birmingham. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Birmingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Birmingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Birmingham. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York 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. York can get quite cold in the winter. In January, York is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Birmingham.

York is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and York