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

Should you visit Osaka or Ljubljana?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Ljubljana, 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. See Osaka travel costs.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a historic, charming, and under-rated capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Ljubljana offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Ljubljana travel costs.

Osaka and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Ljubljana?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Ljubljana. Osaka is bigger than Ljubljana, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ljubljana is more popular for its impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Ljubljana 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. Ljubljana is well known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Osaka different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital 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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Osaka is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital 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!

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Ljubljana both have superb 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.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Ljubljana?

Osaka is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital 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.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana More Beautiful?

Ljubljana is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ljubljana offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city has wandering cobblestone streets and traditional family run restaurants that give the area a sense of authenticity.

Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Osaka is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Osaka is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

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

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Osaka is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

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

Osaka has a great public transit system. 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.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Osaka or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is a very walkable destination. It is compact and 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 Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Ljubljana?

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

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

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

People visit Osaka because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Osaka. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Osaka is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Ljubljana, we can see that Ljubljana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Osaka is in Asia and Ljubljana is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Ljubljana?

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

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Osaka is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

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

In October, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ljubljana. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Ljubljana in the Winter?

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

Ljubljana can get quite cold in the winter. Osaka is much warmer than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Osaka is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Ljubljana. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Osaka