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

Should you visit Osaka or Bergen?

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

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

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bergen travel costs.

Osaka and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Osaka is more touristy than Bergen 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. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Osaka different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Osaka is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen 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!

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Osaka is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Bergen?

Osaka is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for Families?

Osaka and Bergen are both very good 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.

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for Couples?

Osaka and Bergen are both very good 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 Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Osaka or Bergen Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Osaka is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Osaka has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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 in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Osaka or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore 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 Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Bergen. 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 Bergen. 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 Bergen 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Osaka or Bergen?

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 Bergen. 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 Bergen?

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.

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

A week in Osaka or Bergen?

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 shopping around the friendly destination of Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Bergen?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Osaka is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bergen. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives less rain than Bergen. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. In January, Osaka is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Bergen. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

Osaka is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Bergen. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Osaka