A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Osaka for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Osaka?

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 Athens and Osaka. 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.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Athens travel costs.

Osaka

Osaka is a cultural, high energy, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Osaka travel costs.

Athens and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Osaka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Athens. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its shopping, while Athens attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle.

How is Athens different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Osaka?

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Osaka and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Osaka that are not to be missed. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Osaka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Osaka can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Osaka is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Athens and Osaka.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Osaka is a world class party destination. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Osaka?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Osaka specifically to go shopping. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Osaka More Beautiful?

Athens is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Families?

Both Athens and Osaka are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Osaka is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Couples?

Osaka is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Osaka is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Osaka are great places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Osaka is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Is Athens or Osaka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Osaka can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Osaka a more walkable city?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Osaka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Athens?

How long in Athens or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Osaka. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Osaka.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Osaka 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Osaka?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Osaka. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Osaka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Osaka?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Osaka?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Osaka, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Osaka is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Osaka?

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

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 Athens or Osaka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Osaka. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Athens is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Osaka. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Osaka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Osaka. Most visitors come to Athens 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 Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Osaka. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Osaka in the Spring?

Both Osaka and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.

Athens is around the same temperature as Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Athens