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

Should you visit Bandung or Osaka?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Osaka? 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.

Bandung

Bandung is a laidback, cultural, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bandung travel costs.

Osaka

Osaka is a colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Osaka travel costs.

Bandung and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Osaka?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Bandung. Osaka is bigger than Bandung, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bandung is more popular for its hiking. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. Osaka is well known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle.

How is Bandung different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Many visitors head to Bandung specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

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

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

For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Osaka has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Bandung or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Osaka is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Osaka. 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.

Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for Hiking?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Osaka?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Bandung and Osaka.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Bandung. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

The abundance of shops in Osaka make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for Families?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Osaka is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bandung and Osaka make for a very good place to visit.

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung and Osaka are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Bandung is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Osaka is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Is Bandung or Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Is Bandung 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, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Bandung or Osaka a more walkable city?

Bandung 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.

Bandung is a very walkable destination. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

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 Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Osaka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Osaka?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Bandung. 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 Osaka than Bandung 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 Osaka.

One day in Bandung or Osaka?

In Bandung, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laidback destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bandung or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Osaka has to offer.

Five days in Bandung or Osaka?

Bandung is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Osaka is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Osaka?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Osaka. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Bandung.

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

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung 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.