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

Should you visit Osaka or Milan?

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

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

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Osaka and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Milan?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Milan than Osaka. While Osaka is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Milan is very popular for its music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Osaka attracts visitors for its museums. Osaka is more touristy than Milan and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Osaka different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Foodies will find both Osaka and Milan both to be first-rate destinations.

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!

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Milan have first-rate 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 Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Music?

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

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Milan?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Osaka and Milan.

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.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Families?

Osaka is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Couples?

Osaka and Milan are both high quality 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 Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Milan are both high quality 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Osaka or Milan Better for Students?

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

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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 Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Osaka and Milan.

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 Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Is Osaka or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Milan. In particular, the city center is 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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Milan?

In either Osaka or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Milan. 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 Milan than Osaka. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Osaka 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 Milan.

One day in Osaka or Milan?

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 Milan, many people enjoy the live music and food that this chic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Milan?

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 Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. In Milan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. 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 Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful 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 museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Milan?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Milan. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Osaka is a little warmer than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 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 Milan. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Osaka is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Milan. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. In January, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Milan during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Milan. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Osaka is a little warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Milan. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Osaka