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

Should you visit Osaka or Newcastle?

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

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

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, 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 food.

Osaka and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka than Newcastle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Osaka is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Newcastle attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Osaka is more touristy than Newcastle 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. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks.

How is Osaka different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Osaka is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Osaka is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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!

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Osaka is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Newcastle is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newcastle. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Osaka. 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.

Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Newcastle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Newcastle?

Osaka is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Families?

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

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Osaka is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Osaka is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Osaka is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Osaka or Newcastle Better for Students?

Osaka is a well-known place for students. However, Newcastle is not popular with students.

Osaka is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Newcastle is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is terrific for its public transit. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Osaka can take you anywhere. 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.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Osaka or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Osaka and Newcastle are nice when it comes to walkability.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Osaka or Newcastle. In our opinion, Osaka has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Osaka than Newcastle. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 Newcastle, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Newcastle?

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.

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Newcastle?

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 coastal destination of Newcastle. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle 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 Newcastle is in Pacific, 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 Newcastle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Newcastle?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Newcastle. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Osaka has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Osaka or Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Newcastle. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Osaka is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Osaka is around the same temperature as Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newcastlein April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In January, Osaka is generally much colder than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein July. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Newcastle. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Osaka is cooler than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 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 Newcastlein October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Osaka