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

Should you visit Osaka or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Amsterdam, 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 vibrant, cultural, and high energy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Amsterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Osaka. While Osaka is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is more popular for its music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Osaka is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Osaka and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Osaka is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city.

How is Osaka different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Osaka are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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!

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Osaka is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Amsterdam both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Amsterdam?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Osaka is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Osaka is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Osaka and Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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 Amsterdam Better for Students?

Osaka is well known for students. However, Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Osaka and Amsterdam.

With a huge network, the transit system in Osaka can get you around easily. 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.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Is Osaka or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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 Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Amsterdam?

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

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Osaka or Amsterdam?

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.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic big city offers. 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.

A weekend in Osaka or Amsterdam?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. 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.

Five days in Osaka or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. 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.

A week in Osaka or Amsterdam?

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.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this laid-back big city offers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Amsterdam?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Osaka or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Osaka during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In July, Osaka is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Osaka is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Osaka is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Osaka is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Osaka