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

Should you visit Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Surfers Paradise, 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 colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Osaka travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Osaka and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka. Although Osaka and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Osaka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Osaka is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Osaka and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. 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 Osaka different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Osaka is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Osaka is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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!

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Surfers Paradise have amazing vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Osaka just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Osaka is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Osaka is not a resort destination.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. 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.

Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Osaka and Surfers Paradise.

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.

Surfers Paradise is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Osaka and Surfers Paradise are both superb to visit as a couple.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Osaka or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Osaka is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Osaka is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Osaka or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Osaka and Surfers Paradise are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Both Osaka and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Osaka. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Surfers Paradise?

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Osaka is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this ritzy destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Osaka is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Surfers Paradise, 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 Osaka or Surfers Paradise?

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

Should I visit Osaka or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Osaka is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Osaka is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Surfers Paradisein April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Osaka is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Surfers Paradise. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.

Osaka is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein October. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Osaka