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

Should you visit Osaka or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Brussels, 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Brussels. Osaka is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Brussels is more popular for its big city activities. Osaka is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Osaka different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

Osaka is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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!

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Osaka is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Brussels both have great 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.

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Brussels?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Osaka and Brussels.

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.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for Families?

Osaka and Brussels are both great 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.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for Couples?

Osaka and Brussels are both great 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 Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Brussels are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Osaka or Brussels Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Brussels are great 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 Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Osaka and Brussels.

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 Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Is Osaka or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Brussels?

In either Osaka or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Osaka because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

Osaka is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Brussels, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Brussels?

Osaka is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Osaka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. In Brussels, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Brussels?

Osaka is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Brussels?

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

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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Osaka during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Osaka is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Osaka or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Brussels. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Osaka is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 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 Brussels. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Osaka is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Brussels. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Osaka