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

Should you visit Osaka or Ghent?

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

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

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. Ghent is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Ghent travel costs.

Osaka and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Ghent. Osaka is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Ghent 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. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Osaka different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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!

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Ghent have world-class 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 Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Ghent 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.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Ghent?

Osaka is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Osaka is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Is Osaka or Ghent More Beautiful?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ghent is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for Families?

Osaka is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for Couples?

Osaka and Ghent 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 Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Osaka or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Ghent is a great destination for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. 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.

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

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

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 Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Is Osaka or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very walkable destination. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Ghent?

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

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

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 Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent. 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 Ghent?

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.

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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 historic destination of Ghent. 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 nightlife. 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 Budget Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Ghent?

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

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 Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Osaka is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Ghent. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Ghent. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Osaka