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

Should you visit Osaka or Odense?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Odense, 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.

Osaka

Osaka is a high energy, colorful, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Osaka travel costs.

Odense

Odense is a historic, European, and progressive city. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Osaka and Odense: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Odense?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is more touristy than Odense and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Odense is famous for

How is Osaka different from Odense?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Osaka on the map. 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Osaka is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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!

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Osaka is a must-see 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.

Odense has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Odense does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Odense?

Osaka is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Osaka is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for Families?

Osaka and Odense are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. 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.

Odense is a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for Couples?

Osaka is notable for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Osaka is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Osaka or Odense Better for Students?

Osaka is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Osaka. 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.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

Osaka is terrific for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Osaka can take you anywhere. 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.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Osaka or Odense a more walkable city?

Osaka is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Odense or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Odense?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Odense. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Odense. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-3 days is enough time in Odense.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Odense 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 Osaka or Odense?

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Odense, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Osaka or Odense?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Osaka or Odense?

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.

Odense is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Odense. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Odense?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy 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.

You'll find food and nightlife around the historic destination of Odense. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Odense, we can see that Odense is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Odense is in Europe, 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 Odense would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Odense 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Odense Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Odense?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Odense, 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.