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

Should you visit Osaka or Glasgow?

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

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

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Osaka and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Glasgow?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Glasgow. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Glasgow attracts visitors for its music. Osaka is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Osaka different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice 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!

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Glasgow have amazing 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 Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Osaka is not a live music destination.

Glasgow has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Glasgow?

Osaka is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Families?

Osaka is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Osaka is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Osaka or Glasgow Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Glasgow 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 Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Osaka is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Osaka has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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 Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Osaka or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Glasgow?

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

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

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Osaka or Glasgow?

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Osaka has to offer.

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

Osaka is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Osaka or Glasgow?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Osaka. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Glasgow. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Glasgow?

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

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

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

Osaka is much warmer than Glasgow in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 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 Glasgow. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Glasgow in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Glasgow. 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 Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Glasgow averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow 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 Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Osaka is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Glasgow in the Spring?

Both Glasgow 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 Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.

Osaka is much warmer than Glasgow in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Glasgow. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Osaka