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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Osaka?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya 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.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a historical, cultural, and famous city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka

Osaka is a high energy, colorful, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Ayutthaya. Osaka is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Osaka and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. 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 Ayutthaya different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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!

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Ayutthaya and Osaka.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Osaka is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for Families?

Osaka is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly city. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for Couples?

Osaka is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Ayutthaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Osaka are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Many backpackers 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 Ayutthaya or Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with 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.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Osaka has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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 is mostly limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

Is Ayutthaya or Osaka a more walkable city?

Osaka is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

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

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable city. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Osaka. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Osaka due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Osaka.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Ayutthaya. 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 Ayutthaya. 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 Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Osaka?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Osaka. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Osaka?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Osaka?

Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ayutthaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka and Ayutthaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Osaka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Osaka. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Osaka in the Spring?

Both Osaka and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Osaka. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Ayutthaya