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

Should you visit Osaka or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Naples, 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 vibrant, cultural, and high energy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Osaka and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Naples. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Osaka different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Osaka on the map. 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Foodies will find both Osaka and Naples both to be amazing 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Naples 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Naples?

Osaka is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Osaka is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for Families?

Osaka is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Osaka is known to be 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for Couples?

Osaka and Naples 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Osaka or Naples Better for Students?

Osaka is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Osaka or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Naples?

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

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

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Naples, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

Osaka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Naples. 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 food. 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Naples?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Osaka during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Osaka is a little warmer than Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Naples. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Naples. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Osaka is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Osaka usually receives less rain than Naples. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Osaka is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Naples. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

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

Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Naples. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Osaka