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

Should you visit Osaka or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Genoa, 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Genoa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Genoa attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Osaka different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Osaka is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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!

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Osaka is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Genoa?

Osaka is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Families?

Osaka and Genoa are both superb 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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Couples?

Osaka and Genoa 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 Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Genoa are both superb 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Osaka or Genoa Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Genoa are superb 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 Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Osaka can take you anywhere. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Osaka or Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Osaka or Genoa. In our opinion, Osaka has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Osaka than Genoa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Each neighborhood in Osaka has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. This port 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 Genoa?

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

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

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

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

A week in Osaka or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy big city of Osaka. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Genoa. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Genoa?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Genoa. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

Osaka is a little warmer than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 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 Genoa. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Genoa. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Osaka is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Osaka is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Genoa. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Osaka is around the same temperature as Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Osaka