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

Should you visit Osaka or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Bonn, 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 cultural, high energy, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Bonn. Osaka is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bonn is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Osaka is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Osaka different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Osaka is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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!

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Osaka or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Osaka or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Bonn both have very good 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.

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Bonn?

Osaka is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Osaka. 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Osaka or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Osaka is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Osaka is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Osaka or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Osaka is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Osaka or Bonn Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Bonn are very good destinations for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Osaka is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Osaka or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable destination. The compact old town is easy 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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Bonn?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn?

Osaka is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively 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.

A weekend in Osaka or Bonn?

Osaka is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Osaka. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Osaka or Bonn?

The cultural city of Osaka offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Bonn. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Bonn?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Osaka or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Bonn. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Osaka is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Bonn. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Bonn. 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 Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In October, Osaka is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Osaka is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Osaka